In Exodus 19 In What Ways Can We Prepare Ourselves To Meet With God In Our Own Lives?
Meeting with God: Lessons from Exodus 19
Exodus 19 is a pivotal chapter in the Old Testament, describing how the Israelites, freshly liberated from Egypt, prepare to meet God at Mount Sinai. This moment is not only a historical event but also a spiritual template for approaching God in our own lives. What principles can we glean for our personal preparation as we seek a deeper encounter with the Lord?
1. God’s Initiative in Meeting Us
The passage opens with God calling Moses to the mountain and expressing His desire for relationship with His people. God says:
Now therefore, if ye will obey my voice indeed, and keep my covenant, then ye shall be mine own possession from among all peoples: for all the earth is mine. - Exodus 19:5 ASV
Our preparation begins by recognizing that meeting with God is always a response to His initiative. He invites us, and our role is to respond in faith and obedience.
2. Consecration: Setting Ourselves Apart
One of the first commands God gives is for the people to consecrate themselves:
And Jehovah said unto Moses, Go unto the people, and sanctify them to-day and to-morrow, and let them wash their garments. - Exodus 19:10 ASV
Consecration means being set apart for God’s purposes. In practical terms, preparation involves examining our hearts, confessing sin, and intentionally dedicating ourselves to God (see also James 4:8 ASV).
3. Cleansing: Washing Ourselves Spiritually
The Israelites were instructed to wash their clothes as an outward sign of inward holiness. While physical washing was symbolic, it points us to the need for spiritual cleansing:
If we confess our sins, he is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness. - 1 John 1:9 ASV
Through confession and faith in Christ, we are made clean and ready to approach God (Hebrews 10:22 ASV).
4. Reverence and Boundaries
God set boundaries around the mountain, warning the people not to approach carelessly:
And thou shalt set bounds unto the people round about, saying, Take heed to yourselves, that ye go not up into the mount, or touch the border of it: whosoever toucheth the mount shall be surely put to death. - Exodus 19:12 ASV
This teaches us the importance of reverence—acknowledging God's holiness and our unworthiness apart from Christ. While we now have access to God through Jesus (Hebrews 4:16 ASV), we must maintain a holy awe as we approach Him.
5. Expectant Faith
The Israelites prepared to hear from God with anticipation. In the New Testament, we are encouraged to seek God expectantly:
But without faith it is impossible to be well-pleasing unto him; for he that cometh to God must believe that he is, and that he is a rewarder of them that seek after him. - Hebrews 11:6 ASV
Come before God expecting Him to speak, to move, and to transform.
6. The Centrality of Christ in Preparation
Ultimately, our preparation is complete only through Jesus Christ. He is the mediator of a new covenant (1 Timothy 2:5 ASV). Our confidence to meet with God rests not in our own merit, but in the finished work of Christ on our behalf.
Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holy place by the blood of Jesus. - Hebrews 10:19 ASV
Conclusion
Exodus 19 teaches us to approach God with humility, reverence, and expectancy—cleansed and consecrated through faith in Jesus. As we prepare our hearts, confess our sins, and seek Him earnestly, we can experience the transforming presence of God in our lives.