How intentionally do we prepare ourselves when we come before the Lord?
Key Verse:
“Then the LORD said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments.’” —Exodus 19:10 NASB
Background Context:
After calling Israel to be His treasured possession, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation, the people responded with one voice, saying, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” Before speaking the Ten Commandments, however, God instructed Moses to prepare the people. They were to consecrate themselves, wash their garments, and be ready to meet with the Lord on the third day as He descended upon Mount Sinai.
These instructions were not given because clean clothes could make sinful people holy. Rather, the outward preparation symbolized a much deeper inward reality. God was teaching His people that approaching His holy presence requires reverence, humility, and hearts that are set apart for Him.
(Continued and expanded after scripture.)
7So Moses came and called the elders of the people, and set before them all these words which the LORD had commanded him. 8All the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do!” And Moses brought back the words of the people to the LORD. 9The LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I will come to you in a thick cloud, so that the people may hear when I speak with you and may also believe in you forever.” Then Moses told the words of the people to the LORD.
10The LORD also said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; 11and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the LORD will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12“You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it; whoever touches the mountain shall surely be put to death. 13‘No hand shall touch him, but he shall surely be stoned or shot through; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the ram’s horn sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” 14So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people, and they washed their garments. 15He said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.”
Reflection on Exodus 19:7–15:
One of the striking features of this passage is that God did not immediately appear before the people. Instead, He instructed Moses to prepare them over several days. Their clothing was to be washed, boundaries were established around the mountain, and the people were called to consecrate themselves before the Lord.
These outward actions pointed to an inward truth.
God has always been concerned with the condition of the heart.
Throughout Scripture, external acts of worship are meant to reflect an internal posture of faith, humility, and repentance. Washing garments did not remove sin, but it reminded Israel that they were about to stand before a holy God and should not approach Him casually.
David expressed this desire centuries later when he prayed:
“Create in me a clean heart, O God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me.” (Psalm 51:10)
Likewise, James writes:
“Draw near to God and He will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; and purify your hearts, you double-minded.” (James 4:8)
The emphasis remains the same. God desires hearts that are devoted to Him.
Another important lesson is found in the boundaries God established around Mount Sinai. The people were not free to approach God however they wished. His holiness required that they come according to His instruction.
Our culture often encourages us to approach God on our own terms, defining worship according to personal preference rather than according to His Word. Yet Scripture consistently reminds us that God is holy. He lovingly invites us into His presence, but He also teaches us how to approach Him with reverence and awe.
The writer of Hebrews echoes this truth:
“Therefore, since we receive a kingdom which cannot be shaken, let us show gratitude, by which we may offer to God an acceptable service with reverence and awe; for our God is a consuming fire.” (Hebrews 12:28–29)
The good news is that through Yeshua we have confidence to enter God’s presence. Hebrews tells us:
“Therefore, brothers and sisters, since we have confidence to enter the holy place by the blood of Jesus…” (Hebrews 10:19)
What a remarkable contrast.
At Sinai, the people were instructed to remain at a distance because of God’s holiness.
Through Messiah, the barrier created by sin has been removed, and we are invited to draw near to our Father. Yet the holiness of God has not changed. Our privilege of access should deepen our reverence, not diminish it.
This passage also challenges us to consider how we prepare ourselves for worship. It is easy to rush into prayer, Bible study, or gathered worship while our minds are distracted by countless other concerns. Israel spent days preparing to meet with the Lord. While we no longer prepare through ceremonial washing, we should still prepare our hearts through repentance, prayer, gratitude, and a desire to hear God’s voice.
God is worthy of our thoughtful preparation because He is worthy of our wholehearted worship.
May we never approach His presence casually.
Instead, may we come with humble hearts, grateful for the privilege of drawing near through our great High Priest, Yeshua the Messiah.
Application:
- Take time to prepare your heart before prayer, worship, and studying God’s Word.
- Ask God to reveal anything that needs repentance before coming into His presence.
- Remember that God’s holiness has not changed, even though we now have access through Christ.
- Approach worship with reverence, gratitude, and expectation.
- Thank God that through Yeshua you are invited to draw near to Him with confidence.
Closing Prayer:
Father, thank You for inviting me into Your presence through Yeshua. Help me never to approach You casually or take Your holiness for granted. Prepare my heart to worship You with reverence, humility, and gratitude. Search me, cleanse me, and draw me ever closer to You. May my worship always reflect the honor and glory You deserve. In Yeshua’s name, Amen.
May the grace and peace of our Lord, Yeshua, be with you. John Golda
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