Exodus 19:10-12a “The Lord also said to Moses, ‘Go to the people and consecrate them today and tomorrow, and let them wash their garments; 11and let them be ready for the third day, for on the third day the Lord will come down on Mount Sinai in the sight of all the people. 12You shall set bounds for the people all around, saying, ‘Beware that you do not go up on the mountain or touch the border of it;…’”

Borders!   Boundaries! Limits! It seems as Parents we are always stating those to our children. “Don’t leave the yard!” “Don’t get out of my sight!” Why do we set these limits? Because we want to keep our children safe, duh!

The Lord God set limits for His people. He told Moses in this passage as they approached Mt. Sinai to set boundaries around the mountain so the people would not sneak up and try to get a glimpse of Him. He wanted to 1) keep them safe and 2) see if they would obey.

It is interesting that these instructions were given not once but twice (just like we have to do for our own children). After giving these instructions to Moses He told him to go back down and tell them again. Moses said, “God, I’ve already told them. We’re good.” But God sent him back to tell them again, to just make sure.

As you set those limits for your children, make sure they are limits for their safety and not just to make you feel better. And make sure they understand the boundaries. Keep them clear and concise. Kids think concretely. Draw them a picture if necessary. God has drawn us all a picture of our boundaries. They are all found in His Word. Use it!