“And all the people saw the voice and light, and the sound of the light, and the voice of the trumpet, and the mountain smoking. And the people saw it and trembled and stood at a distance and they said to Moses, ‘You speak with us and we’ll listen. But don’t let God speak or we’ll die.’ But Moses said to the people, ‘Don’t be afraid; because, to test your mettle God has come to inspire awe in you so you will not sin'” (Ex 20.18-20).
I have a mask I got in the past couple of months that I enjoying wearing on the rare occasions I’m out of the house. It has written all over it in big, friendly letters Don’t Panic.
The phrase is from The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy, which was first a radio drama, then a book, then a film, then…well, it’s an adaptable story. The phrase Don’t Panic is written on the cover of the book (called The Hitchhiker’s Guide to the Galaxy), which the characters use over the course of the story.
It’s a very popular book. Those large letters on its cover reminding you not to panic are a large part of its popularity and sales. You could make a fortune right now selling a book with a similar cover.
Panic is derived from the name of the Greek god Pan who had a scream that could strike terror into those who heard it. In multiple battles, Pan is said to have turned the tide through his voice, which sent the opposition into retreat or confusion.
Pan, it appears, is alive and well and making a lot of noise. Every day there seems to be something about which we should panic. Will the election be fair? Will the candidates accept the results? Will the outcome drag on for weeks? Will there be a peaceful transfer of power? Add to this the voices reminding us of the rising case counts across the country, the coming flu season, and the wildfires that continue to burn in the west. Pan’s voice is inspiring panic and fear.
God’s voice, apparently, has a similar effect. We’re told the Children of Israel were so terrified by it, they begged Moses not to let the Holy One speak to them. You talk instead, they said, as they backed away from the mountain. The Voice of God terrified them. It was such a visceral experience that they didn’t just hear the words but they saw them. They were real, they took on form and corporeality.
Moses gives them advice that, it appears, has spread throughout the galaxy, “Don’t panic.” Don’t be afraid.
Fear and panic are not what God’s Voice seeks to inspire. God spoke, Moses says, so the people might realize how awe-inspiring, how real the Holy One is. That the Voice is not just audible but visual attests to that reality.
There was no danger in Pan’s voice. It had no way to harm people other than rattling their eardrums. It was emptiness, sound and fury signifying nothing. Panic is, after all, a reaction to unreality.
Which is why we don’t give into it.
The Voice we should hear in this maelstrom will shake us to our core. It’s a Voice so steeped in love that it is visible. Our frail human skin doesn’t quite know what to do with it. We want to run, hide, panic.
But if we stop, and listen we will see what the Voice is saying: Don’t Panic.