How can we apply the principle of preparation for worship from Exodus 10:25? Scripture Focus “Moses answered, ‘You must also give us sacrifices and burnt offerings to present to the LORD our God.’” (Exodus 10:25) Historical Snapshot • Pharaoh offered to release Israel but keep their livestock. • Moses refused because the animals were required for sacrifices. • Worship would be impossible unless everything God required was carefully prepared in advance. Core Principles We Can Draw • True worship demands forethought—Moses would not step into God’s presence unprepared. • No compromise—anything the Lord prescribes for worship must be supplied, however inconvenient. • Everything belongs to the Lord first; we bring Him what is already His (Psalm 24:1). • Preparation includes both the outer (resources, setting) and the inner (heart, obedience). Practical Steps for Preparing to Worship Today Readying the Heart • Daily confession and cleansing: “Let us draw near with a sincere heart…having our bodies washed with pure water” (Hebrews 10:22). • Meditate on Scripture before gathering (Psalm 1:2). • Set aside distractions the night before; ask God to align your motives (Psalm 139:23-24). Readying the Body and Schedule • Rest—enter the Lord’s Day refreshed, not exhausted (Exodus 20:8-10). • Arrive early; lingering fellowship and unhurried prayer foster reverence (1 Corinthians 14:40). • Plan your week to avoid Sunday-morning chaos; lay out clothes, prepare meals ahead. Readying the Offering • Financial gifts set aside in advance, “each one should set aside a portion…” (1 Corinthians 16:2). • Talents ready for service—practice music, teaching material, or ushering responsibilities prior to the gathering (Colossians 3:23). • A willing spirit of sacrifice: “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God” (Romans 12:1). Readying the Family • Lead children in the purpose of worship early in the week—stories, songs, memory verses (Deuteronomy 6:6-7). • Pray together before leaving home, modeling dependence on the Lord. • Explain giving and participation so younger hearts understand they, too, bring offerings. Guarding Against Compromise • Refuse shortcuts in worship planning that dilute biblical truth (Malachi 1:8). • Hold fast when culture or convenience pressures us to edit what God commands. • Like Moses, insist on bringing “all the livestock”—every area of life—under God’s authority. Living It Out Through the Week • Schedule a mid-week check-in: are my heart, calendar, and resources aligned for Sunday? • Use drive time or household chores to rehearse praise songs and Scripture. • View everyday obedience as rehearsal; daily faithfulness prepares us to meet God corporately. Closing Thoughts Moses’ unwavering insistence in Exodus 10:25 reminds us that worship is not accidental. When we prepare our hearts, homes, and offerings ahead of time, we echo Israel’s determination to give God nothing less than the full, thoughtful honor He deserves. |
    |