Intersections

Hit the Showers

Before the people could worship God they had to prepare themselves. Moses explained to the people that meeting God and being to worship Him was so important they were to wash and refrain from sex until the third day!

 ¹⁴ So Moses went down to the people. He consecrated them for worship, and they washed their clothes. ¹⁵ He told them, “Get ready for the third day, and until then abstain from having sexual intercourse.”

In a culture where washing was a HUGE deal and refraining from urges was also difficult, Moses was asking radical activities.

That seems so weird to me. Taking a shower is a daily thing. Who doesn’t do that where I live? What if to worship God each Sunday at church we needed to prepare with radical activities. I must purify and cleanse myself before God. Maybe this means to dress your best as uncomfortable as that sounds! Maybe this means to restrict your weekend habits to prepare for church.

The problem I see is that church has become just another thing we do. Also, if something else comes up then church will just happen again. Too bad it just doesn’t mean more….

Quick Riches

Right out of the box God expressed to the Israelites that God’s blessing is CONDITIONAL. Yes, I said it. God has conditions.He blesses obedience, honesty, integrity, and devotion. God expresses in this verse that obedience makes them God’s special treasure.

Too often we want all of God’s blessing without any payment of obedience or devotion. Everything good is worth the work and the wait. Put in the time.

³ Then Moses climbed the mountain to appear before God. The Lord called to him from the mountain and said, “Give these instructions to the family of Jacob; announce it to the descendants of Israel: ⁴ ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. ⁵ Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. ⁶ And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”