If you've never read the book of Exodus, let me encourage you to chisel out a little time to sit down and work through this great narrative. You'll see both the justice and mercy of God at work in His people. This passage gives an insight into the story and into God's character. He has every right to punish these people, but, in His mercy, He relents.
Sometimes we have a way of thinking everyone else is a little worse than we are. We may have a couple of things we need to work on, but we're not nearly as bad as that group at school, or at work. Often times we are a stiff-necked people, like the Jews. Perhaps today is a good day to recognize the grace we need, and humble ourselves before God. It is then that He'll do the awesome work in our lives.
Exodus 34:4-11
4 So Moses chiseled out two stone tablets like the first ones and went up Mount Sinai early in the morning, as the LORD had commanded him; and he carried the two stone tablets in his hands. 5 Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. 6 And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, "The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, 7 maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation."
8 Moses bowed to the ground at once and worshiped. 9 "O Lord, if I have found favor in your eyes," he said, "then let the Lord go with us. Although this is a stiff-necked people, forgive our wickedness and our sin, and take us as your inheritance."
10 Then the LORD said: "I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the LORD, will do for you.
Questions
1. Based on what you know about the Jews during this time, would you say we are more "stiff-necked" (stubborn) or less?
2. How does it feel to be in a covenant relationship with God?
3. What part of this passage will stick with you?
1 comment:
1. Based on what you know about the Jews during this time, would you say we are more "stiff-necked" (stubborn) or less?
i dont know,
i mean, if you are talking about Christians as a whole, or if you are talking about our church,
it could make a difference.
but, i would be thinking that we are a little bit more stubborn than them b/c of the time gap.
2. How does it feel to be in a covenant relationship with God?
Good, real good!
i mean, to know that God will do wonders for us is a GREAT thing!
3. What part of this passage will stick with you?
the fact that God make that covenant!
Post a Comment