Exodus 19:7-15 (ESV)

So Moses came and called the elders of the people and set before them all these words that the LORD had commanded him. All the people answered together and said, “All that the LORD has spoken we will do.” And Moses reported the words of the people to the LORD. And the LORD said to Moses, “Behold, I am coming to you in a thick cloud, that the people may hear when I speak with you, and may also believe you forever.”

When Moses told the words of the people to the LORD, the LORD said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments and 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. And you shall set limits for the people all around, saying, ‘Take care not to go up into the mountain or touch the edge of it. Whoever touches the mountain shall be put to death. No hand shall touch him, but he shall be stoned or shot; whether beast or man, he shall not live.’ When the trumpet sounds a long blast, they shall come up to the mountain.” So Moses went down from the mountain to the people and consecrated the people; and they washed their garments. And he said to the people, “Be ready for the third day; do not go near a woman.”

The people have given the right response to the LORD’s pronouncement of a new covenant and now He’s going to give them a huge treat. They will get to hear the voice of God as he talks to Moses. What would you give to experience that, eh?

This requires some serious preparation/consecration. Since the temptation to get too close will be almost irresistible, the mountain must be fenced. Picture yellow police tape running all the way around the mountain. “DO NOT CROSS,” it says, in big black letters. Anyone or anything that crosses the police line dies – no excuses, no appeals.

And everyone needs to wash up and get into their Sunday best. And no sex.

Focus.

We tend to forget what a privilege it is to be a Christian. God rescues us from the pit of our depravity and starts a relationship with us – as if we have something to offer. We start to grow and get in closer contact with Him. We’re clueless but make progress.

Just marvel at the absurdity of grace. The potter turns ugly clay in to something useful. That’s what potters do, but the clay is blessed.

We don’t get selected by the potter because we’re the clay that looks most like a pot; we’re selected because transforming us would glorify Him.

How blessed is that?

The weekly study guides, which include discussion questions, are available for download here:

https://www.ailbe.org/resources/itemlist/category/91-deep-studies