Oval Office to Heaven’s Throne

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.” 
Exodus 19:10-11 (ESV)

Years ago, when I received an invitation to meet the President at the White House, I did the most logical thing: I prepared. 

I thought about my wardrobe, got a new haircut, schooled myself on current events, and studied the President’s entire political career. I then organized travel arrangements and prayed for wisdom. 

One thing I absolutely did NOT do: Arrive unprepared.

A fresh invite greets you every day, not with the President of one nation, but with the God who presides over all nations. How will you accept this breathtaking summons? 

On Mount Sinai, Moses learns an important principle for us all: You must prepare to meet with God.

In the ancient Near East, the character of a worshiper reflected the character of the God they worshiped. Today’s passage explains how God instructs the Israelites to prepare to meet with Him: Clean bodies in clean clothes symbolize clean hearts and reflect God’s clear holiness.

But what is the lesson in this for us? God is ready to speak to you, and you are prepared to hear Him when you remember who you are and who He is. Your eligibility to meet with God depends not on the state of your haircut or clothes, but the state of your heart. It’s God’s mercy that makes you clean. 

The God who met with Moses wants to meet with you. 

Instead of the Oval Office, you can approach the glorious Throne of Heaven. Remember your place before the throne of grace. To meet with God, you must clothe yourself in reverence and respect. Present your thoughts and not your garments, to the One who will guide you to live morally upright, ethically true, and spiritually pure. 

God showed Moses–and us–that there is no greater privilege than meeting with Him. Time is your most precious resource, and investing time with God guarantees the greatest rate of return. 

Prepare to enter the presence of God in reverence for God. You will hear Him call you by name, and you will never be the same.

Prayer: Father, thank you for making it possible to come into Your presence right now through Jesus Christ. Search me, O God, You know all of my ways. I confess my tendency toward distraction and disinterest. Purify my heart. I depend upon Your mercy today and desire to meet with You. In Jesus’ name, Amen.