Introduction:
In our congregational worship, we often have a wonderful time of songs and we have this great feeling of unity and strength when we sing in numbers! It is really an awesome time when the people of God congregate and they sing their united worship and praise to the Lord. But in the midst of all these times, do we move from the crowd to the realm of personal worship?

You might be thinking that personal worship is done when you're alone. Correct, but how about in church? We must also make it a goal to follow the patterns of approaching God in the Bible. Worship as we understand it, is a journey to the very presence of God. And in His presence, we are left alone to enjoy His personal touch.

Read: Exodus 24

Warm up to God: Ask God to speak to you today and remind you that you can approach Him freely and without cause to fear because of what Jesus has done.

Lessons and Application:
1. v 1-2: Why do you think in this verse they are asked to "worship from afar"?
I noticed that when you read before this passage, that there is no mention of God telling the people sacrificing blood to Him to roll their sins or to atone their sins yet. I believe that the Lord is establishing His holiness (set apart), and when He asked Moses to come alone, He is also establishing the picture of a "representative", or a priest that will minister to Him.

2. v 9-11: Moses, Aaron, Nadab, Abihu, Joshua, and the seventy elders saw God. Not His face though, but they saw an image of Him. Why do you suppose they ate and drank in God's presence after surviving a possible fatal vision?

3. remaining verses: God instructs Moses to go alone ( I don't know up to what extent Joshua came up), but Im sure he was alone up there. Possibly Joshua was a bow shot away.

This is already Moses' second official climd to be with God face to face. Whenever Moses spoke to God, he had to hike up the mountain! Before that, Moses' climb was to get the Ten Commandments, but on this climb, (He would also bring down the Ten Commandments because he smashed the first one) he had instructions on the Tabernacle, the stuff that needed to be made for the interior, the priestly garments, etc, and most especially, the ARK of the Covenant, which represents God's presence with His people. Here, also the instructions were given concerning the altar where sacrifices were to be made, and the Law of the Daily offerings of blood.

I can see clearly the picture God was painting: He was establishing the need for man to approach Him, and also reminding man the need for God's presence with them. He also was establishing the fact that a representative (priest) alone can approach Him and worship Him closely like what He allowed Moses to do. God is also establishing the picture of a Lamb to be sacrificed in order for them to commune with God. Something had to be sacrificed for their sins.

And all these are a future picture of what Jesus would do on the cross. Along with many beautiful pistures of God's holiness and love, wrath and forgiveness, commands and sacrifices. All of which He fulfilled Himself.

Jesus' work on the cross isnt just merely for the salvation of Mankind. He was restoring the relationship that was broken by sin. He was talking about forgiveness, a Life that is everlasting (not here on earth), and He was really bridging the gap between a HOLY Father, and a sinful man.

As we end this week's study, I ask you to meditate on what Christ has done for you on the cross, and focus on coming to the Father "personally", not just as a church, in our worship services.