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Preparing to Hear from God (Exodus 19:1-23)
Welcome to today's episode as we continue to work together through the book of Exodus. In this episode, we will explore the topic of preparing to hear from God using Exodus chapter 19 as our guide. Have you ever wondered what it takes to truly meet with God? Is there more to it than just attending church or reading the Bible? Let's dive into the passage and discover what it means to prepare ourselves to encounter the Lord.
Exodus 19:1-8 sets the stage for the events that follow. The Israelites have arrived at the Wilderness of Sinai after leaving Egypt, and they camp at the base of Mount Sinai. Moses goes up the mountain to meet with God, who speaks to him and instructs him to relay a message to the people. God reminds them of His deliverance from Egypt and how He carried them on eagles' wings. He then proposes a covenant: if they obey His voice and keep His commandments, they will become a special treasure to Him, a kingdom of priests, and a holy nation. This highlights the importance of obedience in preparing to meet with God. The Israelites respond positively, declaring that they will do all that the Lord has spoken. However, as we will later discover, their commitment wavers. Nonetheless, these verses teach us that coming before the Lord with an attitude of obedience is crucial for a meaningful encounter with Him.
In a surprising turn, Exodus 19:14 introduces a seemingly unrelated instruction. On the night before the third day, the people are told not to engage in marital relations. While this may appear strange, we can find a parallel in 1 Corinthians 7:5, where Paul advises married couples to abstain from sexual relations for a time of focused prayer and fasting. In both instances, the purpose is to set apart a specific time for seeking the Lord with undivided attention.
This chapter serves as a powerful reminder that encountering God is not a casual or ordinary experience. The Israelites saw, heard, and felt the presence of God in a profound way. It challenges us to approach our times of worship, prayer, and studying the Scriptures with reverence and expectation, recognizing that we are entering into the presence of the Almighty.
In conclusion, Exodus chapter 19 will provides us with some valuable insights into preparing ourselves to hear from God. It emphasizes the importance of obedience, purification, setting boundaries, and approaching God with reverence. I hope you find it encouraging and helpful.
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