Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible.
Read Exodus 19-21 today. Note in chapter 19 that God told Moses He was going to speak to the Israelites and give them rules to govern themselves. But first, the people were required to “consecrate” themselves before they could go near to the presence of God. The Lord first called the people to the mountain with a ram’s blast and then appeared to the people of Israel in a smoky cloud, with thunder and lightning on a quaking mountain. How miraculous and amazing that the people were able to be that close to God and see His great power!
But the people were only able to come into God’s presence near the mountain if they consecrated themselves. “Consecrate” means to make or declare something as sacred. Synonyms include “make holy, set apart, and dedicate to God.” The people had to prepare themselves before going into God’s presence.
That seems to be a forgotten principle in America. What would happen if everyone followed God’s law to worship on Sunday? What would happen if everyone consecrated themselves before going to church? What would happen if we all genuinely humbled ourselves, prayed, sought only the will of God, and turned from any sin in our lives?
We would probably meet God in an amazing way!
Everyone won’t do it, but some might. Will you be one who spends the rest of this week consecrating yourself in anticipation of encountering the great God this Sunday in church and before services?
Pray: God, my Father, help me to always remember that Your desire is for Your people to be set apart from the culture around us. You desire that I be made holy by the blood of the Lord Jesus and my submission to the Holy Spirit within me. Oh, Lord, I want to be one who spends all week preparing to meet You in amazing and extraordinary ways during church worship. Strengthen me against the enemy as I strive to consecrate myself for You.
