Exodus 19: Preparing for God
DO YOU TUNE in or tune out when the pastor stands to read the Scripture? You've heard it before? Probably. How then can Christians who have heard the Bible so often recapture the expectancy of hearing it for the first time? A very practical problem indeed. When God spoke to his people the first time, a thunderstorm erupted. We can't expect that every Sunday, so perhaps we have to look within. How eager are we to hear God speak? To listen and obey? In this study we find not only thunder and lightning but a prepared, excited—even fearful—people. The New Testament reminds us that God is still a consuming fire.
Warming Up to God
Spend some time quietly meditating on the nature of God. Prepare your heart to be met by the Lord today.
Read Exodus 19. »
Discovering the Word
- What prospect did God hold out for his people after three months on the road? (vv. 1-6)?
- What preparations did the people have to make for God's appearance and why (vv. 10-15)?
- What message was God conveying about himself and about his words (vv. 6, 23)?
- How and why did the people react to the signs of God's presence on the mountain (vv. 16-19)?
- Why would the Israelites be tempted to "force their way through to see the LORD" (v. 21)?
Applying the Word
- Moses "consecrated" the people so they could meet God (v. 14). What is required of you to meet him? Why?
- Moses acts as mediator between God and his people. In what sense is Jesus our mediator now (1Ti 2:5-6)?
- The events of these days cause the people to hear and obey. How can we hold God's Word in holy awe?
Responding in Prayer
Ask the Lord to help you prepare your heart for worship before you come to church.
For Further Study
Worship (LifeGuide Bible Study) by Sundee Tucker Frazier