PLEASE READ THIS FIRST: Exodus 31-32
What do you sense the Lord saying to you in this passage?
“The Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.” (Exodus 32:14)
These chapters show the challenge of God working with sinful humans.
The authors tell these stories to stress how frustrating we can be for God.
God is right to hate sin, because sin is a disaster, hurting us and others.
Love, joy, peace, etc. are all lost when we indulge in sinful, selfish acts.
If human, God would have given up on us (how patient am I with frustrating people?).
The bottom line of these stories: God does not give up on frustrating sinners!
God does not treat us as our sins deserve, but shows us compassion and mercy!
The word ‘relent’ in Exodus 32:14 is the same as the word for ‘repent’.
It means to change one’s mind, to not do what one was originally planning to do.
Sin leads to the ‘disaster’ of separation from God, suffering and ultimately death.
But though this is what God predicted (Genesis 2:17), God relents and finds another way.
Instead of “you will certainly die” (Genesis 2:17), God accepts death for us in Jesus.
God sticks with frustrating sinners and finds a way to rescue us from sin’s disaster.
Knowing my own stubborn, frustrating character, I am thankful God is still with me!
PRAYER
Lord, by your compassion and mercy I may still walk with you, and relate to you face to face… despite my stubborn, frustrating character. Thank you!
“But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God…Then the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened.”
Moses stands as an advocate – he was tested by God when God said he would destroy the people and instead take Moses and transfer all the promises to him. It could have been a power trip for Moses – it was tempting just like Jesus was tempted to avoid the pain of the cross and just submit to Satan and be a power on his own. Moses offers his life as he pleads for forgiveness: “But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” Moses is a model of Jesus who goes through with it and offers his life! God has a right to be angry – we are stiff necked! Thanks be to God for His Grace!
Moses was a mediator for the people, a go between the people and the Lord. How quickly we forget what the Lord God has one for us. And as we see, when the people go astray, they separate themselves from the Lord and His way. How quickly do we forget His secure hand upon our lives. Even Aaron did not stand up for Jesus but caved in because of the people. Thank You Jesus for being our Saviour, redeeming our relationship with the Lord. Help me daily to live for You in all I do and say. Take my hand and continue to lead me and guide me all the days of my life. You are the Source of my daily being and in You I can live each day serving You.
1 All the way my Savior leads me–
What have I to ask beside?
Can I doubt His tender mercy,
Who through life has been my guide?
Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,
Here by faith in Him to dwell!
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well;
For I know, whate’er befall me,
Jesus doeth all things well.
2 All the way my Savior leads me–
Cheers each winding path I tread,
Gives me grace for ev’ry trial,
Feeds me with the living bread.
Though my weary steps may falter
And my soul athirst may be,
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! a spring of joy I see;
Gushing from the rock before me,
Lo! A spring of joy I see.
3 All the way my Savior leads me–
Oh, the fullness of His love!
Perfect rest to me is promised
In my Father’s house above.
When my spirit, clothed immortal,
Wings its flight to realms of day,
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way;
This my song through endless ages:
Jesus led me all the way.