Exodus 24:1-8 paints one of the most pivotal scenes in the story of God’s people—a moment marked by invitation, sacrifice, and covenant. This is where worship, as a response to God’s grace, truly begins. Not by our merit, but through a relationship sealed in blood.

1. A Divine Invitation

The chapter opens with a remarkable call: “Come up to the Lord…” (v.1). God invites Moses and the elders to draw near, but not all can approach equally.

Moses alone is permitted to come close, while the others must worship from a distance. Why this separation? It highlights two key truths:

• God’s holiness: His presence is not to be taken lightly.
• Our sinfulness: Even the most devout fall short of God’s glory.

This is the beginning of something vital in redemptive history—the establishment of a mediator. Moses stood as the people’s representative. But this foreshadowed something greater: a better Mediator to come.

2. The Word and the Response

Moses speaks all the words of the Lord to the people, and they respond with unified obedience: “All the words which the Lord has said we will do.” (v.3)

But spoken agreement wasn’t enough. The covenant required more—a blood seal. This is consistent with every biblical covenant:

• Adamic (Genesis 3)
• Noahic (Genesis 9)
• Abrahamic (Genesis 12 & 15)
• Mosaic (Exodus 24)
• Davidic (2 Samuel 7)
• And ultimately, the New Covenant in Christ.

A relationship with God is not casual. It’s formal, binding, and always sealed in blood.

3. The Blood and the Altar

Verse 4 shows Moses recording God’s word and building an altar—twelve pillars for the twelve tribes. Young men offer burnt and peace offerings. At this point, there is no priesthood yet. Still, the essentials of worship are clear:

• Sacrifice must be made.
• Blood must be applied.

Half of the blood is splashed on the altar (representing God), and half reserved for the people (v.6). This blood forms a bridge between God and Israel. The covenant is ratified.

4. Worship Requires a Mediator and the Word

God’s holiness demands distance, yet His grace makes a way. Moses, as mediator, speaks God’s word and leads the people into covenant. This sets a pattern:

We cannot worship God without a mediator, and we cannot worship Him without honoring and obeying His Word.

Even as Moses mediates, he is still limited—he can’t behold God’s full glory. He points forward to Jesus, the true and final Mediator who brings us fully into God’s presence.

“Who may ascend the mountain of the Lord?” (Psalm 24:3)
Answer: Only the One who is sinless—Jesus Christ.

5. Sacrifice and Grateful Obedience

The altar speaks volumes. Built under the mountain, it represented the presence of God, surrounded by the pillars of the tribes—both parties of the covenant present. And at its center: blood sacrifice.

The oxen, the shedding of blood—it all points to this truth:

Atonement is necessary for reconciliation with God.

Atonement means more than just forgiveness. It is being made “at one” with God—restored, reconciled, and welcomed back into fellowship.

The people respond: “All that the Lord has said, we will do.” Not to earn grace, but because of grace.

Worship always begins with gratitude, not obligation.

6. Covenant Means Communion

This covenant isn’t just a contract—it’s an invitation into fellowship. Later in the chapter, we read:

“They saw the God of Israel… and they ate and drank.” (v.11)

This is staggering. God not only calls them to Himself, He gives them a seat at His table. This is the heart of covenant: not just rules, but relationship.

“My cup overflows…” (Psalm 23:5)

7. The Gospel in Exodus

This moment at Mt. Sinai echoes loudly through the corridors of Scripture—and into our own lives.

• You need a mediator—and that Mediator is Jesus.
  “For there is one God and one mediator between God and mankind, the man Christ Jesus, who gave himself as a ransom for all…” (1 Timothy 2:5-6)
• You need His Word—and He has spoken.
  “I am the resurrection and the life… do you believe this?” (John 11:25-26)
• You need a sacrifice—and Christ is the Lamb.
  “He himself is the atoning sacrifice for our sins…” (1 John 2:2)
• You are called to worship—and this is your reasonable response.
  “Present your bodies as a living sacrifice… this is your true worship.” (Romans 12:1)
• You are welcomed into fellowship—and that fellowship is eternal.
  “…so that you may also have fellowship with us; and indeed our fellowship is with the Father and with his Son, Jesus Christ.” (1 John 1:1-4)

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Final Thought

Exodus 24 shows us that worship doesn’t begin with our actions—it begins with God’s grace, His invitation, and His sacrifice. In Christ, we have all three fulfilled. He is the Word, the Mediator, and the Lamb.

Come near—not in fear, but in faith. The covenant has been sealed. The table is set. And the blood has already been applied.