Suggested Bible Reading: Exodus 33-35
Devotional Thought:
The children of Israel had promised to obey God’s law, but in making a golden calf and indulging in a sensual celebration, the nation digressed into deep carnality. It was a great sin because of what they had already experienced of the power and mercy of God: (1) the judgments against Egypt, (2) the deliverance at the Red Sea, (3) the provision of food and water, and (4) the gracious leading of God by the pillar of cloud and fire. What they did was rebel against the goodness of the Lord. It’s no wonder their sin provoked God to anger (Deut. 9:7). The question that begs to be asked is, “have we rebelled against the goodness of the Lord? Are we taking for granted the goodness of God?” Why do you think it was that Israel committed such an evil act at such a glorious time in their history? To begin with, they were impatient with Moses who had been on the mount with God for forty days and nights. (vs. 11-12) Impatience is often the cause of impulsive actions that are sinful. Israel was still learning to live by faith and trust God regardless of where their leader was. It is the same process in parenting. We never really know if our children have matured and will make good decisions until they start making those good decisions when we are not around. It is such a dangerous thing to refuse to follow the authority God has placed in our lives. The children of Israel criticized Moses and ignored what he had taught them to his face and when he was not around. No wonder God removed the blessing of His presence from them. One of the saddest verses in the Bible is verse 3, “…for I will not go up in the midst of thee; for thou art a stiffnecked people: lest I consume thee in the way.” The most gracious thing that God could do was to remove His presence so that He would not destroy them. One of the sweetest verses in the Bible is verse 11, “And the Lord spake unto Moses face to face, as a man speaketh unto his friend…” How precious to see the man of God ministered unto by God Himself, while the children of Israel wallowed in the sea of their own pity party. Has your behavior created a void of God’s presence in your life, or has it been as sweet as a friend talking with a friend?
Prayer Requests:
• Lord, please help me to act in obedience to your word and submission to your Spirit.
• Lord, please help me to experience the sweet fellowship that Moses experienced with you.
• Lord, thank you for your grace that is seen even in your patience and longsuffering toward me.