How does Exodus 24:1 encourage us to prioritize time alone with God? A personal summons from the summit “Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Come up to the LORD—you and Aaron, Nadab and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel—and you are to worship at a distance.’” (Exodus 24:1) What we learn about prioritizing time alone with God • God Himself initiates the appointment. – He says, “Come up,” not “Come when convenient.” – The invitation is direct, personal, and urgent. • Closeness requires separation. – Even the elders must “worship at a distance,” highlighting that true intimacy with God often means stepping away from the crowd. – Moses will later go farther up the mountain alone (v. 2), modeling deeper solitary fellowship. • Worship is the primary agenda. – The purpose of the ascent is not discussion of strategy but adoration. – When we set aside personal time with God, worship—not multitasking—comes first (Psalm 29:2; John 4:23-24). Supporting snapshots from the rest of Scripture • Jesus “often withdrew to solitary places and prayed” (Luke 5:16). • Before dawn He “went out to a solitary place” (Mark 1:35). • “Be still, and know that I am God” (Psalm 46:10). • “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you” (James 4:8). • “Go into your inner room, shut your door and pray to your Father” (Matthew 6:6). Reasons to guard solitary minutes with God 1. Divine invitation – the King has cleared His schedule for you. 2. Spiritual clarity – distance from noise heightens hearing (1 Kings 19:12-13). 3. Heart recalibration – private worship realigns motives and priorities. 4. Strength for public service – Moses descends empowered to lead; we do the same. Practical ways to ‘come up’ today • Calendar it: block an unmovable daily slot, however brief. • Change scenery: a walk, a quiet room, a parked car—any “mountain” will do. • Bring only a Bible and a notebook to minimize distraction. • Start with Scripture, respond in worship, listen in silence. • Guard the boundary: alerts off, door closed, loved ones informed. Final takeaway The Lord’s call in Exodus 24:1 shows that intentional separation from the crowd is not optional for God-seekers; it is the pathway to deeper worship and clearer communion. When He says, “Come up,” our best answer is to set everything else down and ascend. |
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