How can we apply the reverence shown in Exodus 24:9 to our worship? The Scene on Sinai “Then Moses went up with Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel.” (Exodus 24:9) Those seventy–plus leaders approached the very presence of God. No frantic chatter, no casual attitudes—only hushed wonder as they stepped onto holy ground. Key Marks of Reverence in Exodus 24:9 • Invitation taken seriously—only the ones God named went up. • Ordered approach—Moses leads, then priests, then elders. • Prepared hearts—sprinkling of blood (v. 8) preceded the ascent. • Shared experience—reverence expressed in community, not isolation. • Silent marvel—Scripture records no words from the group; the moment itself spoke. Bringing the Mountain Into Our Worship Today • Recognize the Caller – Hebrews 10:19-22: “having boldness to enter the Most Holy Place… let us draw near.” Boldness never cancels awe. • Respect God’s Order – 1 Corinthians 14:40: “all things must be done in a proper and orderly manner.” • Prepare Before We Gather – Psalm 24:3-4 links clean hands and pure hearts with approaching His hill. • Value Corporate Awe – Acts 2:43: “A sense of awe came over everyone.” Community reverence fuels individual hearts. Practical Steps Toward Reverent Worship • Arrive early, settling the heart before music or message begins. • Read the passage for the day in advance, aligning mind and spirit. • Sing with meaning—letting lyrics become personal covenant responses. • Embrace silence when it comes; resist the urge to fill every gap with sound. • Dress and posture in ways that signal respect, not distraction. • Guard the Lord’s Table—examine oneself (1 Corinthians 11:28) before partaking. • Respond to Scripture readings with attentive stillness, echoing Nehemiah 8:5-6. Guardrails That Preserve Awe • Avoid casual jokes about holy things (Leviticus 10:1-3). • Keep technology in its place; phones serve worship, not rule it. • Resist spectator mentality—worship is participation, not performance viewing. • Cherish doctrinal depth; shallow teaching drains reverence (2 Timothy 4:3-4). Promise of Joyful Fellowship Exodus 24:11 says, “They beheld God, and they ate and drank.” Reverence did not smother joy; it heightened it. When we honor His holiness, the Lord welcomes us to holy table fellowship—foretaste of the marriage supper of the Lamb (Revelation 19:6-9). Worship becomes both trembling and delight, just as it was that day on Sinai. |
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