Exodus 19 reminds me of leaving home with what I could carry on a motorcycle. There was no room for anything unnecessary. Every item was selected. Today’s lesson is about choosing what you cherish most. The chapter begins with the Nation arriving at “the Desert of Sinai… in front of the mountain” where “Moses went up to God”. This was the third month after Israel left Egypt. They will remain here for the next 57 chapters! The people who lived as slaves in Egypt needed this time to learn the true nature of their God. We read that the Lord called to Moses from the mountain: “This is what you are to say to the descendants of Jacob”. Remember that Jacob was his birth name given to him before he wrestled with God, referencing the sneaky man that he was before God named him Israel (“One who contends with God”). This is a reminder that we are all a work in process. The Lord continued: “You… have seen what I did to Egypt… I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to Myself.” God had defeated Egypt. God had provided food and water. God had won the victories. “Now if you obey Me fully and keep My covenant, then out of all nations you will be My treasured possession.” God desired Israel to be His prized possession, but this is a conditional statement. “IF” they obey His commandments, and keep His covenant promises. Unlike an inanimate object, we can choose to reject His love. Our God is a jealous God and He will not share His beloved. He requires an exclusive commitment. In exchange they will become a “kingdom of priests and a holy nation.”
Moses summoned the elders and all of the people and “set before them all the words the Lord had commanded him to speak”. The people responded enthusiastically: “We will do everything the Lord has said.” The anticipation phase of any adventure is exciting and full of possibilities. Moses brought the answer back to the Lord, and the Lord said to Moses: “I am going to come to you in a dense cloud… the people will hear Me speaking with you and will always put their trust in you.” The people never doubted that Moses was their intermediary, but they certainly rebelled against his warnings. Moses is instructed to have the people prepare: “consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes and be ready by the third day, because… the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.” This word “consecrate” means to set apart for a special purpose. Each individual was preparing to face God Almighty, so they made every effort to pursue purity.
The preparation included a stern prohibition: “Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful… Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death’.” Clear boundaries can keep us from dangers beyond our perception. Some of us like to push the limits of rules, but some paths are slippery. God’s restrictions are for our protection. It is interesting that Moses added a step: “Abstain from sexual relations”. Celibacy is not taught in scripture, except for the unmarried. Finally, on the third day: “there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast.” In scripture, the trumpet is a call to worship and to obedience; it is also used as a warning of impending judgment. This would have been terrifying: “Everyone in the camp trembled.” As they “stood at the foot of the mountain… Sinai was covered with smoke… the Lord descended… in fire.” We read: “Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him… The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses… So Moses went up.” Moses was instructed to: “warn the people… Even the priests… not… to come up to the Lord”. There is a clear separation between our holy God and His imperfect people because we cannot make ourselves perfect. Praise God, we are not left separated! We are made righteous through the blood of Christ. Hebrews 4:16 shouts: “Let us therefore draw near with confidence to the throne of grace, that we may receive mercy and find grace to help in time of need”. Friend, you are God’s chosen treasure. You are essential because Jesus made room for you. An eternal adventure awaits everyone willing to take a leap of faith before the next trumpet sounds. This invitation is unconditional. Will you come along?