TWO DAYS

TWO DAYS (ONE SAD AND THE OTHER GLAD)

THE SAD DAY At the risk of being misunderstood, it seems obvious that the day when the Old Covenant was given was a sad day. Here are some words from the Bible used to describe that day: “Whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death” (Ex. 19:12). “Thunder,” “lightening,” “thick cloud,” “very loud trumpet blast,” “everyone in the camp trembled,” “Mt. Sinai was covered with smoke,” “The Lord descended on it in fire,” “the smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace,” “the whole mountain trembled,” “the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder” (Ex. 19:16 - 19). “Fire, darkness, gloom, and storm,” “The people begged that no further word be spoken . . . they could not bear what was commanded,” “The sight was so terrifying that Moses said: ‘I am trembling with fear’ ” (Heb. 12:16 - 21). Added to this, as you know, is the fact that 3,000 Israelites died on that day. Even sadder is the fact that they were killed by their own brethren. Note: “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: 'Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.' The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died.” (Ex 32:27-29) Can you imagine the sadness of digging graves, and sorting through personal possessions of 3,000 people. Just think of all the widows and orphans who had to adjust to a new life without the ones they loved. Jewish tradition tells us that the Law was given 50 days after the Sabbath of the Passover in Egypt. This means that the Old Covenant was given on the Day of Pentecost. I’m sorry! That day must have been a sad day.

THE GLAD DAY Centuries later, the “glad day” also came on the Day of Pentecost (Acts 2). On this happy day God’s New Covenant became a reality. This time, however, nobody died. Nobody cried. Nobody dug graves. No personal possessions had to be to disposed of. Neither were there any new widows or orphans. When tongues of fire appeared no one fled in fear. Quite to the contrary, the curious multitudes drew near to see what was happening. When voices were heard they were clearly understood. Instead of begging for silence, the people were eager to hear more. They were cut to the heart, however, when they realized that the man they had crucified was both Lord and Christ. Peter, however, had “Good News” for them. He explained that if they would repent and be baptized, they would receive the remission of their sins and the gift of the Holy Spirit. That’s when 3,000 people gladly received his word and were baptized. There was no sadness or gloom, but instead these new believers ate together with glad and sincere hearts (Acts 2:46). While many died at Mt. Sinai, apparently no one was healed. The announcement of the New Covenant, however, ushered in a new era of health and healing. In that day God stretched out His hand to heal and many wonders and signs were performed in the name of the Lord Jesus. Crowds gathered from towns all around Jerusalem bringing with them their sick, and those who were tormented by evil spirits. The Scriptures record that “all of them were healed” (Acts 5:16).

THE FOOLISH GALATIANS Paul wrote: “You foolish Galatians” (Gal. 3:1). Paul was shocked to hear that the Galatians had chosen the “sad day “ over the “glad day”. Which day do you prefer?