Why is reverence important when approaching God, as seen in Exodus 20:26? Setting the Scene at Sinai Exodus 20 records the giving of the Ten Commandments, followed by practical directives for worship. Nestled among them is a seemingly simple instruction: “ ‘And do not go up to My altar on steps, lest your nakedness be exposed on it.’ ” (Exodus 20:26) At first glance the verse addresses modesty, but it also reveals how God expects His people to approach Him—with deep, careful reverence. Key Truths Drawn from Exodus 20:26 • God’s altar is holy ground; casual or careless behavior is out of place. • Clothing that might expose “nakedness” symbolizes anything that trivializes or dishonors His presence. • Steps, in the ancient Near-Eastern context, risked exposure. God’s solution—no steps—teaches intentional safeguards to preserve honor in worship. • The verse follows the Ten Commandments, underscoring that reverence is not optional but integral to covenant faithfulness. Why Reverence Matters When Approaching God 1. Recognition of His Holiness • Exodus 3:5: “Take off your sandals, for the place where you are standing is holy ground.” God’s holiness demands respect. • Psalm 99:5: “Exalt the LORD our God and worship at His footstool; He is holy!” 2. Protection From Presumption • Leviticus 10:1-3—Nadab and Abihu offered “unauthorized fire” and were consumed. Irreverence invites judgment. • 1 Corinthians 11:29—Those who partake of the Lord’s Supper “in an unworthy manner” face consequences. 3. Preservation of Covenant Relationship • Exodus 19:5-6 describes Israel as “a kingdom of priests and a holy nation.” Reverence maintains the distinct identity God bestows. • Hebrews 12:28-29: “Let us offer to God acceptable worship with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.” 4. Witness to the World • Deuteronomy 4:6-7 teaches that obedience to God’s statutes causes surrounding nations to recognize His wisdom and nearness. • 1 Peter 2:12 urges believers to “conduct yourselves honorably among the Gentiles.” Practical Ways to Cultivate Reverence Today • Dress and demeanor: Choose attire and attitudes that communicate honor rather than distraction. • Prepared hearts: Approach worship having confessed sin (1 John 1:9) and set aside competing priorities. • Guarded speech: Speak of God and to God with thoughtful words (Ecclesiastes 5:2). • Ordered worship: Follow biblical patterns that magnify Christ and center on His Word (Colossians 3:16). • Mindful behavior: Remember that the gathered church is God’s temple (1 Corinthians 3:16-17); act accordingly. Summing Up Exodus 20:26 teaches that even the architecture around God’s altar mattered because anything that cheapened His holiness was unacceptable. The same God calls believers today to approach Him with the same awe—recognizing His majesty, guarding against presumption, and displaying to the world the glory of a holy, covenant-keeping Lord. |
    |