When Moses shared with the Israelites what the Lord had spoken, they agreed to do everything the Lord had said. Then the Lord told Moses to have the people consecrate themselves. This included everything from washing their clothes to abstinence from sexual relations. They were preparing to meet the holy God. There were limits on how they could approach the Lord. They were an unholy people called to meet the holy God. Moses consecrated them according to the Lord’s instruction, and the people prepared themselves to approach the Lord on the third day.

At the appointed time the Lord came to meet with the people. It was a fearful spectacle, with trumpet blasts, thick smoke and trembling ground. Eventually Moses spoke and the Lord answered him. First, he warned them not to approach beyond the established perimeter. Moses reassured the Lord that the people recognized that God is holy. Then the Lord invited Moses and Aaron to ascend the mountain and meet with the Lord. There he would establish his covenant with Israel.
Application: Lord, you are holy, yet you invite us to come to you. Bless me to approach you in the proper way.
One Word: Come to God who is holy