The presence of God is always a disturbing thing. Anything that is imperfect is exposed in the presence of holiness. So it is no surprise that any human feels battered by a storm when God is present. The “gift” of the encounter at Sinai is the law, which can reinforce the sense of separation from God by measuring our imperfection and highlighting our tendency to disobedience. But the law is also the path that shows us a way to God, a path that God has descended to be with us.

When have you felt the disturbing presence of God?