How can we prepare ourselves to meet God, as Israel did at Sinai? The Setting: Israel Camps before the Mountain “After they had set out from Rephidim, they came to the Wilderness of Sinai, and Israel camped there in front of the mountain.” – Exodus 19:2 Israel’s first act was simply to stop and stay. They did not rush the encounter; they positioned themselves for it. That choice frames every step that follows. 1. Settle in before the Lord • Pause the journey; cease restless wandering. • Make space: remove needless distractions, clear the calendar, close the laptop. • Psalm 46:10: “Be still, and know that I am God.” • Physical stillness invites spiritual attentiveness. 2. Consecrate the whole person “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow.” – Exodus 19:10 Consecration means being set apart exclusively for God. • Invite the Spirit to search the heart (Psalm 139:23-24). • Confess sin specifically; accept cleansing (1 John 1:9). • Present body and mind to God (Romans 12:1). • Hebrews 12:14: holiness is not optional; “without [it] no one will see the Lord.” 3. Clean hands, clean clothes “They must wash their clothes…” – Exodus 19:10 The outward washing symbolized inner purity. • Practical repentance shows up tangibly: returning what was stolen, forgiving an enemy, deleting corrupt files. • Psalm 24:3-4 ties approach to God with “clean hands and a pure heart.” • James 4:8 pairs external and internal cleansing: “Cleanse your hands…purify your hearts.” 4. Guard the boundaries “You are to set boundaries for the people all around…” – Exodus 19:12 God’s nearness is not casual. • Establish moral safeguards: accountability software, wise friendships, curfews if needed. • Avoid anything that dulls reverence—flippant talk, irreverent media, careless commitments. • 1 Corinthians 6:18-20 reminds believers that their bodies belong to Him; honor Him accordingly. 5. Embrace expectant waiting “Be ready by the third day; for on that day the LORD will come down…” – Exodus 19:11 Waiting periods test faithfulness. • Use the time to meditate on Scripture (Joshua 1:8). • Sing hymns, rehearse His promises, practice silence. • Anticipation fuels obedience; obedience deepens anticipation. 6. Draw near with holy awe When the trumpet sounded and the mountain shook, the people trembled—yet they were exactly where God wanted them. • Hebrews 12:18-24 contrasts Sinai’s fear with Zion’s grace, but awe remains. • Worship that lacks reverence forgets the fire on the mountain. Living it out today 1. Schedule uninterrupted time with God this week—phone off, door closed. 2. List specific areas needing consecration; surrender them one by one. 3. Perform a symbolic “washing”: tidy the room, clear the browser history, mend a neglected relationship. 4. Identify personal boundary lines and communicate them to a trusted friend. 5. Keep a journal of expectations—what you believe God will say or do—and review it after meeting with Him. Scripture Snapshot Exodus 19:2, 10-15 " Psalm 24:3-4 " Psalm 46:10 " Hebrews 12:14, 18-24 " James 4:8 " 1 John 1:9 " Romans 12:1 |
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