We Must Be Prepared

Exodus 19

Sometimes when I read the Old Testament I feel like God has changed, but I know that is not true. Therefore, I have to ask God to show me how all the characteristics of God fit together. He is love. He is merciful and compassionate. He is a Father to the fatherless. But, our God is also HOLY and a consuming fire. He is The Judge of all nations and peoples. And He is just.

In this passage, we see the Israelites being prepared to receive the Law from God Himself. They had to consecrate themselves. Consecrate means to "set apart, declare holy". The people were to also wash their clothes and abstain from sexual relations for three days to prepare themselves to meet with God. The mountain where God was going to descend was also off limits to them. Why was this? If God wanted to meet with them, why would He make it so difficult for them?

The reason is that God is holy, holy, holy and holy, holy, holy is His Name. It is because of His grace, mercy, compassion, and love that He warned them not to get to close to the mountain and instructed them to consecrate themselves. God is approachable, but only on His terms.

I feel that we as a society and even as the Church have tried to put God on our terms. Could it be that we think we can just pop in every now and again with God and that He will show up and do what we want Him to do? Do we prepare ourselves to meet with Him? Do we ask Him for cleansing before we attempt to come into His presence? Let us make no mistake, He is a Holy God. We cannot and will not ever be able to approach Him except on His terms. For us, His terms are a relationship with His Son, Jesus Christ. Are you approaching Him on those terms or are you trying to go to Him on your own?

As we prepare to take a close look at the Ten Commandments next week, I pray that we will prepare ourselves to hear from God. Ask Him to prepare your heart in a new way to hear what He says.

Have a great weekend!