After Moses had gone down the mountain to the people, he consecrated them, and they washed their clothes. Moses implements the divine instruction immediately and completely. The washing of clothes is the external act of preparation; the consecration is the priestly act of setting apart. Both are performed — neither is substituted for the other. The practical dimension of preparation for divine encounter is taken seriously in Exodus: body, clothing, and community all participate in readiness. James 4:8 says draw near to God and he will draw near to you. Cleanse your hands, you sinners; purify your hearts. The language of drawing near through purification is the Sinai language applied to every generation that wants to approach the holy God.

COMMUNITY REFLECTIONS

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