Overview:
Exodus 19
With a nation surrounding him and many distractions, Moses still prioritized the most important thing—time with God.
Exodus 19 records Moses’ pivotal Mount Sinai meeting alone with God. God used this time to reveal His plan for the future, including the commandments and His design for the tabernacle.
Just like God strategically worked through His alone time with Moses, so He works today. Pastor Chuck Swindoll shares practical tips for meeting with God and discerning His will for your life!
Message Summary:
In this fifteenth message of the series Moses: A Man of Selfless Dedication, Pastor Chuck Swindoll explores one of the most significant encounters in the Old Testament: Moses’ meeting with God on Mount Sinai. While the millions of Israelites waited at the base of the mountain, Moses climbed into the cloud of God’s glory to receive the Law and the blueprints for the Tabernacle. This study of Exodus 19 reveals that selfless dedication is fueled by a regular, personal meeting with the Creator.
Message Key Facts:
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The Setting: Mount Sinai, located in the wilderness of the Sinai Peninsula. The Israelites arrived here exactly three months after leaving Egypt.
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The Atmospheric Presence: God descended upon the mountain in fire, accompanied by smoke, thunder, lightning, and the increasingly loud blast of a trumpet, signifying His holiness and power.
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The Divine Covenant: God proposed a covenant with Israel, promising that if they obeyed His voice, they would be His “treasured possession” and a “kingdom of priests.”
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The Sole Mediator: Moses served as the unique intermediary, climbing the mountain multiple times to carry messages between a holy God and a sinful people.
Message References:
Primary Scripture Reference: Exodus 19
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Exodus 19:3–6: God’s declaration of His desire for Israel to be a holy nation and a peculiar treasure.
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Exodus 19:10–11: The command for the people to consecrate themselves and wash their clothes in preparation for God’s arrival.
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Exodus 19:16–19: The awe-inspiring physical manifestations of God’s presence on the mountain.
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Exodus 19:20: The specific call for Moses to come to the top of the mountain to meet with the Lord.
Principles for Meeting with God
Pastor Chuck Swindoll draws practical applications for modern believers on how to cultivate a “Sinai” experience in their own lives:
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Prioritize Solitude: Amidst the noise and distractions of a million responsibilities, Moses made time to be alone with God. We cannot discern God’s will without the discipline of silence.
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Recognize God’s Holiness: Mount Sinai reminds us that God is not a “buddy,” but the Almighty Creator. Approaching Him requires a heart of reverence and spiritual preparation.
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Listen Before Acting: Before Moses led the people or built the Tabernacle, he listened to God’s instructions. Effective service always flows out of intimate communion.
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Expect a Transformed Perspective: Time spent in God’s presence changes how we see our problems and our future. What seems impossible at the base of the mountain looks different from the peak of God’s glory.
