Sanctified As a Holy People

Across the Great Divide, Point of Grace

Psalm 11 NIV

For the director of music. Of David. 1 In the Lord I take refuge. How then can you say to me: “Flee like a bird to your mountain. 2 For look, the wicked bend their bows; they set their arrows against the strings to shoot from the shadows at the upright in heart. 3 When the foundations are being destroyed, what can the righteous do?” 4 The Lord is in his holy temple; the Lord is on his heavenly throne. He observes everyone on earth; his eyes examine them. 5 The Lord examines the righteous, but the wicked, those who love violence, he hates with a passion. 6 On the wicked he will rain fiery coals and burning sulfur; a scorching wind will be their lot. 7 For the Lord is righteous, he loves justice; the upright will see his face.

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Sanctified As a Holy People

The world of royals has come a long way. In fact, there are far fewer than there were in days gone by. I heard a funny story this week about a man on vacation in England. He was walking along a creek path when he saw a couple of people and struck up a conversation. The lady asked the gentleman where he was from and he told her. Then he asked where she was from not realizing that he was addressing Queen Elizabeth and her security detail. The Queen, being quite fond of teasing, told the man she had a vacation home in London and how she had lived there since she was a little girl some 80 some years before.

The man then said, “Living in London that long, surely you have met the queen. What was she like?” At this point, she told the man that she had not but the gentleman with her had met her on many occasions. The man quickly turned his attention this gentleman and asked him about the queen. Now, this security man had been with the queen for quite some time and they were on good terms so he replied carrying on the joke, “Oh, she can be quite cantankerous at times.” The man was so enthralled to meet someone who had met the queen that he quickly thrust his camera in the queen’s hands and asked her to take a picture of him and the other gentleman.

When the man left, the queen laughed and said she hoped that someday he would figure out that she was actually the queen.

Now, such intimate and playful encounters would not have taken place back in history. Remember Esther? She was queen, but even she was not allowed to meet her husband the king unless he extended to her his scepter acknowledging her presence and his ascent for her to come forward.

When meeting royalty, or someone deemed important, there are usually certain protocols to observe.

So, if that is the way of things for earthly kings, what is the protocol for meeting with Almighty God, Creator of all things? Today, the Children of Israel are instructed in preparing themselves to meet God.

Exodus 19:10–25 NIV

10 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death. 13 They are to be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on them. No person or animal shall be permitted to live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain.” 14 After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. 15 Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations.” 16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain. 18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently. 19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him. 20 The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up 21 and the Lord said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish. 22 Even the priests, who approach the Lord, must consecrate themselves, or the Lord will break out against them.” 23 Moses said to the Lord, “The people cannot come up Mount Sinai, because you yourself warned us, ‘Put limits around the mountain and set it apart as holy.’ ” 24 The Lord replied, “Go down and bring Aaron up with you. But the priests and the people must not force their way through to come up to the Lord, or he will break out against them.” 25 So Moses went down to the people and told them.

The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!

I. Sanctified As a Holy People

God is keeping His covenant with Abraham. These kinds of covenants are not just for a generation, but for a lifetime. However, as a people called to be God’s people, there is a process to be observed. They are to be sanctified, or set apart, as God’s holy people. This requires a ceremony of consecration. God is providing them the protocol to enter into His presence and His service.

This was recorded for our benefit as well as there are things we can learn from this event. The first thing we need to look at is...

A. Preparing to Meet God, Exodus 19:10-15

Exodus 19:10–11 NIV

10 And the Lord said to Moses, “Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow. Have them wash their clothes 11 and be ready by the third day, because on that day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people.

1. They were to wash their clothes, Exodus 19:10, 14

Consecration is an act of cleansing. What all Moses did to consecrate them is not made clear here, but the washing of their clothes demonstrates this has occurred. It is signifying that there is a heart change and a new beginning.

These people are dying to the people they once were to be reborn as the people of God. It is a demonstration of a greater work that will be done in the New Testament once Jesus has died for our sins. In our day, our consecration comes through confession. Not to a priest, but to Christ. He then cleanses us and saves us from the life of sin we have been living. We put on a new life in Christ.

1 John 1:9 NIV

9 If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just and will forgive us our sins and purify us from all unrighteousness.

Paul then talks about this new life as a new garment we put on.

Ephesians 4:20–24 NRSV

20 That is not the way you learned Christ! 21 For surely you have heard about him and were taught in him, as truth is in Jesus. 22 You were taught to put away your former way of life, your old self, corrupt and deluded by its lusts, 23 and to be renewed in the spirit of your minds, 24 and to clothe yourselves with the new self, created according to the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness.

Jesus demonstrated this to us in a parable about a wedding feast. New clothes were gifted to those who come to the wedding of the King’s Son. However, one man has refused the gift and worn his own clothes. He is cast out from the celebration for not receiving the gift of clothes offered. This parable is talking about the garment as a symbol of the new life we have received as a gift from Jesus when we are saved.

When we die or when Christ returns, whichever occurs first; It is a new heart Jesus is looking for. We are to die to the self we were and to put on a new life in Christ. These are the clothes that matter. Not the outer clothes we wear, but an inner heart of love and faith in Christ.

However, I do not think that means we do not take some effort of presentation when we come to church. Many have said our clothing does not matter and I agree to a point. I do not think God expects men that work on farms or lumber mills to go buy expensive three piece suits. Nor does a woman need to wear evening gowns or dresses. I think when we come to church it should be in taste. I think we can be comfortable but presentable. Our clothes should be as clean as we are capable of having them. It is a matter of respect.

Now, I have been in situations where something happened and I was unable to do so. Growing up on the farm, there were times when cows escaped at the last moment. We had to put them in and would get some sullied. God would prefer to have us there in this manner than not at all. We should never judge others for what they wear. They may not know any better, or have an better. Weather also plays a part, and culture. But I fear too many use this as an excuse to just be lazy about church and disrespectful of God. God IS more concerned with the inner heart but a true love and respect for God should also show on the outer person.

2. Abstain from sexualcontact, v 15

Exodus 19:15 NIV

15 Then he said to the people, “Prepare yourselves for the third day. Abstain from sexual relations.”

Why would this be important? For one thing, many of the false religions included relations with temple prostitutes. This was a normal part of their worship practices. God did not want them participating in such practices. This was probably a big part, however, there was no clarification regarding that practice from regular marriage relationships.

I suspect the idea of being clean and cleansing were part. Now, do not get anything wrong here. God created sex to be something special between a husband and wife. There is nothing wrong with it. However, I think God wanted their mind and attention on Him in that moment. He did not need couples remembering the night before.

2 Corinthians 7:1 NIV

1 Therefore, since we have these promises, dear friends, let us purify ourselves from everything that contaminates body and spirit, perfecting holiness out of reverence for God.

God deserves our full attention. There are times when it is appropriate to abstain for a better focus on God. A couple I know take a spiritual retreat together periodically. During that time, they spend the first few days apart in prayer and fasting. They go so far as to stay in separate places. Later in the week, they come together to share with each other what they feel God is speaking to them. They spend time praying together and talking about what God is directing in their lives. They then take a couple days to just enjoy a mini honeymoon time. They say it is always one of the highlights of their year.

3. Healthy boundaries are created, vv 12-13, 20-25

Exodus 19:12–13 NIV

12 Put limits for the people around the mountain and tell them, ‘Be careful that you do not approach the mountain or touch the foot of it. Whoever touches the mountain is to be put to death. 13 They are to be stoned or shot with arrows; not a hand is to be laid on them. No person or animal shall be permitted to live.’ Only when the ram’s horn sounds a long blast may they approach the mountain.”

There should always be a healthy respect and fear of God. We must never forget who He is. This distance God is establishing, speaks to the danger and distance between an Almighty Holy God, and a sinful people. There is a great divide between us that can only be overcome through the redeeming sacrifice of Jesus Christ.

We see this theme of division made clear in the Old Testament. The barriers established around the holy mountain of God. A fence was placed around the Tabernacle keeping all out but the priests. The heavy veil which separated even the priests from the Holy of Holies where God resided.

If someone were to see God face-to-face, they would die. God always took measures to prevent this with those He was near. God is communicating this truth by the strict rules regarding the boundaries of this mountain.

However, all that changed when Jesus arrived. He walked among humankind and upon Jesus’ death, the barriers were permanently removed. The veil covering the Holy of Holies was rent in half allowing all to enter through Jesus Christ.

John 1:14 NIV

14 The Word became flesh and made his dwelling among us. We have seen his glory, the glory of the one and only Son, who came from the Father, full of grace and truth.

Hebrews 10:16–17 NIV

16 “This is the covenant I will make with them after that time, says the Lord. I will put my laws in their hearts, and I will write them on their minds.” 17 Then he adds: “Their sins and lawless acts I will remember no more.”

When the time comes that we pass from this world to the next, we no longer need fear death because of the righteousness of Jesus that covers our flaws.

The last thing I want you to notice here is...

4. Coming before God is by invitation only, vv 20, 21

Exodus 19:20–21 NIV

20 The Lord descended to the top of Mount Sinai and called Moses to the top of the mountain. So Moses went up 21 and the Lord said to him, “Go down and warn the people so they do not force their way through to see the Lord and many of them perish.

There was a boundary, but there were always certain people that were able to enter. They had the invitation to do so and God took precautions to prevent their death. They never looked upon God’s face directly. Here God invites Moses. Later, God calls for Moses and Aaron.

The mountain is not the only place we enter by invitation only But upon death, our invitation may or may not be written in the Lambs Book of Life. If we have not accepted the gift of salvation offered us through the death and resurrection of Christ, there is no eternal invitation to join God in heaven. I cannot imagine the horror of coming and standing before the Book, only to find that your name is not there. The Book is the official invitation. The only alternative is hell. We all need to make sure we have accepted the invitation before it is too late.

Now that the protocol of approaching God is established, let us move to...

B. God’s Arrival, Exodus 19:16-25

If any lacked understanding regarding a healthy respect of God’s presence, it passed quickly with the announcement of God’s presence through the elements of a storm and a trumpet blast. God wants them to visibly see Him, yet also understand the danger there is in doing so.

Exodus 19:16–17 NIV

16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled. 17 Then Moses led the people out of the camp to meet with God, and they stood at the foot of the mountain.

This was a terrifying experience, even for Moses.

Hebrews 12:21 NIV

21 The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, “I am trembling with fear.”

Even with invitation in hand, God is an overwhelming presence in His natural form. We see this in the storm that announced God’s arrival. However, notice that God came down to meet Moses. God is always ready to meet us halfway. God does not want to be separated from us. He created us! He loves us! He desires we be mini-me’s of Him, which is why Jesus came to bridge that gap.

But let’s look quickly at the elements that displayed God’s presence. It contained several terrifying elements. These elements are mentioned in other places when God’s presence is near. These elements speak to God’s awesome presence and power giving us a healthy dose of fear, yes, fear!

1. Cloud & darkness

Exodus 19:16 NIV

16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled.

I will never forget the eerie cloud that brought darkness when Mount St. Helen’s erupted. It was like nothing I had ever experienced. I can imagine that this was similar. That is as close as I can come to understanding when they saw and felt in that moment.

2. Thunder & lightning

Exodus 19:16 NIV

16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled.

Exodus 19:19 NIV

19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.

I have never experienced thunder and lightning more than I did in Colorado Springs. At that altitude so close to Pike’s Peak, you could literally feel the static in the air. It seemed everyone knew someone who had been struck by lightning as it was not uncommon there. Thunder and lightning when it is near by, just revs up our nerves and energy level.

3. Earthquake & fire

Exodus 19:18 NIV

18 Mount Sinai was covered with smoke, because the Lord descended on it in fire. The smoke billowed up from it like smoke from a furnace, and the whole mountain trembled violently.

These two probably seem the most uncontrollable. It would have been really frightening to experience earthquake and fire, along with all the other things happening at once. Talk about a perfect storm!

There was one more element, but it was not a natural one.

4. Trumpet blast

Exodus 19:16 NIV

16 On the morning of the third day there was thunder and lightning, with a thick cloud over the mountain, and a very loud trumpet blast. Everyone in the camp trembled.

Exodus 19:19 NIV

19 As the sound of the trumpet grew louder and louder, Moses spoke and the voice of God answered him.

This should ring some bells for you as we are told that at the end of the tribulation, Jesus second coming will be announced with trumpets. Trumpets are usually sounded for royalty and there are none more royal than Jesus.

Matthew 24:30–31 NIV

30 “Then will appear the sign of the Son of Man in heaven. And then all the peoples of the earth will mourn when they see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven, with power and great glory. 31 And he will send his angels with a loud trumpet call, and they will gather his elect from the four winds, from one end of the heavens to the other.

Remember the old commercial about Mother Nature? She would say, “It’s not nice to fool mother nature!” and then lightning would strike. Well, we should never forget that God is ultimately the power, even in this world today. If you have any doubt, take a look at what happened to Nadab and Abihu in Leviticus 10.

Leviticus 10:1–3 NIV

1 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu took their censers, put fire in them and added incense; and they offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, contrary to his command. 2 So fire came out from the presence of the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord. 3 Moses then said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord spoke of when he said: “ ‘Among those who approach me I will be proved holy; in the sight of all the people I will be honored.’ ” Aaron remained silent.

Aaron had failed to communicate the importance of proper respect before God and his son’s paid for it with their lives.

Or Uzzah in 2 Samuel 6 who did not trust God to save His own ark. Uzzah laid hands on it and was struck down dead.

Now, am I saying God wants us to be afraid of Him? God wants us to come to Him in love not fear. However, God wants us to know that we should not take this for granted. He is a holy God. He demands obedience and respect. The consequences when we do not are gruesome. We must never forget that. Hell is gruesome. We do not like to think on it. yet we need a healthy respect for it as well. When I hear people say things like, “I would rather be in hell with my friends than in heaven with saints,” I cringe. They do not know what they are talking about. For one thing, there is no companionship in hell. It is forever exclusion and torment. You do not even get to share the torment with anyone. Imagine living in burning fire without dying. No quenching the thirst or extinguishing the pain. I believe a great part of the torment will be in regretting that you did not listen! You cannot blame anyone but yourself!

Conclusion:

There are three main purposes for this meeting between Israel and God.

The consecration and sanctification of them as God’s people.

To establish within them a healthy fear of God.

To communicate written instructions for God’s people.

This may all seem pretty terrifying. However, we have no need to fear if we truly love God. We should long to hear the trumpet sound and when it does, to look up eagerly to receive Him.

We have had it so well in the U.S., I often fear we take God too much for granted. God and His Word have been easily accessible to us. However, many others have not found this to be as easy. As I close this sermon, I want to share a brief story to emphasize what I mean. This is a story about a man who loved God so much, yet had no access to God’s Word and how he demonstrated his longing.

Before the collapse of the atheistic Soviet Union,...John Van Diest represented the Evangelical Christian Publishers Association at the Moscow Book Fair. The authorities had granted them reluctant permission to hand out a limited number of Russian language New Testaments, and long lines of people waited in line to receive a copy. When the supplies were exhausted, one desperately disappointed man asked if he might have one of the empty boxes that had once held those Testaments.

“But there’s nothing in there!” John protested. “The Bibles are all gone!” With tears glistening in his eyes, the man replied, “Then I at least want the box.” The Bible was so precious to this man that he treasured the cardboard box that had held the Scriptures.

May our eyes be opened to the astonishing privilege that is ours to have access to God’s Word which helps us come to know and love God and the Son Who came to save us! May we be thankful to the Spirit for the many ways He works to help us to understand this. We need not fear God coming to us in cloud, darkness, thunder, lightning, earthquake, and fire, because He comes to us in the form of His gentle Spirit working within us. But even then, we need remember, He is still God Almighty!

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