Alex Kremer 07-17-2022 // Get Ready; Company’s Coming! Exodus 19:1-20:20

Most of us likely remember those times growing up when our parent's announced that company was coming.  Be it grandma and grandpa, or friends of the family or coworkers, this announcement was soon followed by several days to prepare the home for the anticipated visitors.  Floors would be swept and mopped, furniture was dusted and we even had to make sure our rooms were cleaned.

In Exodus 19, the children of Israel find themselves in a similar position.  They are only a few days removed from their exodus from Egypt.  They have witness the wonders of the Lord as He judged Egypt and their gods, now bringing them to the foot of Mount Sinai.  And the command is clear, "consecrate yourselves."  For they also anticipated the arrival of the God of the Universe.  This very same God whom they witnessed in the plagues poured out upon Egypt.  This very same God who parted the Red Sea and provided water from the rock.  And this divine appointment with the creator of the universe bears infinitely more consequences than the arrival of family or friends.

We learn two key principles from Israel's encounter with the Lord at Mount Sinai.  First, we must be ready to meet the Lord.  Second, we learn that no one can come into the presence of Yahweh uninvited.  To do so brings judgment from the Lord.  This is why, when the Lord spoke from the mountain, their response was, "Moses, you talk to us.  But don't let the Lord speak to us any more or we will perish."

And just like the children of Israel, we find ourselves in similar straits.  To approach God on our own merit brings judgment and wrath.  So how can we approach such a holy God?  How do we apply today's reading and lesson to our lives today?

Thank you for listening to today's lesson.  We pray you will be blessed through the teaching of God's Holy Word.