Bible Discussion Thread

Exodus Chapter 19 tells of the Israelites camping in the plain before Mt. Sinai and YHWH's descent upon the mountain in a very astounding and awesome way. Moses was familiar with this mountain, the Mount of God, as it was called. I wonder when it began to be called that? Perhaps this was a mountain that Jethro had encountered God as a priest of the Most High and perhaps Jethro had called it that in sharing his encounters with the "Most High".

YHWH tells Moses to instruct the people to cleanse themselves and wash their garments and prepare themselves to meet with God. God was going to meet with the whole nation of Israel in this encounter. The people were to assemble before the mount, but not try to climb up even its lowest slopes or touch the dirt of it. Perhaps there was some sort of barrier set up, such as a row of stones of rope fence so that the people would know the bounds that God is speaking of in this chapter.

This instruction to cleanse themselves and prepare for meeting with God reminds that we, too, should be careful how we approach God, even though we come to "Mt. Zion" rather that "Sinai". God is still and always will be Most Holy, pure, undefiled, owner of all the earth. I have witnessed instances in church services or youth rallies were the leaders are leading people into worship in a very casual, irreverent way. This always breaks my heart because I desire to approach God reverently to bring honor to Him and lift Him up, not me. Do I always do this? No, I fail at times, but then I realize that I have not acknowledged His holiness and majesty and repent.

Interesting that God asked the people to cleanse themselves and their garments and prepare for three days. I think, when was the last time I examined myself before God and asked for forgiveness for three days before coming to a time of corporate worship. This makes me think about what how God would like me to prepare my self better. O Lord, let me never be flippant in my approach to You!