The Man who would Climb & Climb
Amazing, depending on various commentators Moses climbed Mt Sinai eight times. How much higher was it 3500 years ago?
Mt Sinai is 2285 meters above sea-level. It is a most rugged and arduous climb. An eighty-year-old man traversed the difficult mountainside. This was never too much effort to expend in approaching God. Moses would ascend, and fast for up to forty days, then descend not exhausted but energized.
This mountain-top enveloped in cloud, quaking and filled with smoke, where lightning bolts struck, thunder roared, and trumpets blasted must have been a significantly daunting place. Yet, this place became the domain of change, instruction and refreshment.
For forty days and nights Moses literally did nothing for himself. He met with God, wrote and listened. Moses was very 'still' with Him! Before God, and undistracted - Moses was sustained in a manner impossible when absent from His presence.
Moses descended Sinai a changed man. Unknowing this aged man glowed to all around. To fast for forty days should bring death, yet to his face it brought life.
To sit with God is the paradox of change. Something happens when I do nothing!
When Moses came down from Mount Sinai with the two tablets of the Testimony in his hands, he was not aware that his face was radiant because he had spoken with the LORD. (Exodus 34:39)
Postscript:
It becomes obvious when someone has sat long with the Lord - it is not just for Moses alone.
When they saw the courage of Peter and John and realized they were unschooled, ordinary men, they were astonished and took note that these men had been with JESUS. (Acts 4:13)