In what ways can we apply the principle of preparation in Exodus 30:20 today? Setting the Scene “Whenever they enter the Tent of Meeting or approach the altar to minister by burning a food offering to the LORD, they must wash with water, so that they will not die.” (Exodus 30:20) The Principle Behind the Command • Washing was not about hygiene; it was about holiness. • God required outward cleansing to mirror an inward posture of reverence. • The priest approached on God’s terms, never his own (cf. Leviticus 10:3). Preparing Our Hearts Today • Confession before Communion – “Each one must examine himself before he eats of the bread and drinks of the cup.” (1 Corinthians 11:28) – Private confession (1 John 1:9) restores fellowship so worship is offered with “clean hands and a pure heart” (Psalm 24:4). • Drawing Near with Assurance – “Let us draw near with a sincere heart … having our hearts sprinkled to cleanse us from a guilty conscience and our bodies washed with pure water.” (Hebrews 10:22) – Take time before services or personal devotions to silence distractions, surrender anxieties, and rehearse Christ’s finished work that makes approach possible. Preparing Our Minds • Intentional Focus – Turn off devices, arrive early, reread the text to be preached. – “Be still, and know that I am God.” (Psalm 46:10) • Scripture Intake – Daily reading saturates the mind so worship is fueled by truth (Colossians 3:16). – Memorize passages relevant to upcoming ministry opportunities. Preparing Our Bodies • Rested and Ready – Sabbath rhythms remind us worship is not an afterthought tacked onto exhaustion. – Practical planning—setting out clothes, meals, and materials the night before—eliminates hurry and models reverence to children. Preparing for Service and Witness • Vessels Fit for Use – “If anyone cleanses himself … he will be a vessel for honor … prepared for every good work.” (2 Timothy 2:21) – Regular spiritual “inventory” keeps habits, media, and relationships aligned with holiness. • Readiness to Share the Gospel – “Always be prepared to give a defense to everyone who asks you the reason for the hope that is in you.” (1 Peter 3:15) – Write out your testimony, keep a tract or New Testament handy, and pray daily for open doors. Corporate Preparation • Gathered Reverence – Families can read Sunday’s passage at breakfast. – Worship teams, greeters, and teachers pray together, committing roles to the Lord. • United Expectations – A brief moment of quiet before the first song reminds the congregation they are entering the presence of the Holy King. Living Ready Between Sundays • Foot-Washing Attitude – Jesus said, “Unless I wash you, you have no part with Me.” (John 13:8) – Continual humility keeps relationships clean; quick apologies prevent bitter roots from quenching the Spirit. • Alert Service – “Be dressed for service and keep your lamps burning.” (Luke 12:35) – Keep a small fund for spontaneous generosity, a spare Bible for a seeker, a meal in the freezer for a hurting family. Why Preparation Still Matters • God has not changed in holiness (Malachi 3:6). • Preparation magnifies grace: we cleanse because we are cleansed by Christ. • A prepared heart expects God to act—and He delights to meet prepared people. |
    |