Deserves Got Nothing to Do with It

Exodus 32-33 Matthew 26:69-27:14 Psalm 33:1-11 Proverbs 8:33-36

So Moses went back to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.” – Exodus 32:31

The Israelites have come to Mt. Sinai. They have walked through the Red Sea and watched Pharaoh and his army drown behind them. God has given them water in the desert and has left food right outside their doors six days a week. They saw the smoke on the mountain and heard the the thunder and lightening. They were shaking in their boots when they heard God speak the Ten Commandments. Yet after all that God has done for them, they ask Aaron to build them gods—gods they would worship for rescuing them from Egypt.

What would be your reaction? How would you feel if you bailed a friend out of a bad situation, gave him a couple grand, was there day in and day out for him, and he gives the credit to a couple of comic book superheroes? God does what we would expect Him to do. He tells Moses to step back so He can give them what they deserve.

Moses has been in God’s presence for forty days and God’s love is showing through. Moses offers to trade His eternal life for the forgiveness of the people. The fact is, God’s law said they deserved to die. But God’s love said He wanted to forgive His people. Still, He loved them too much to save them from all consequences of their behavior. It gives me hope today because I’m not much different from these Israelites.

Father God, forgive us for not appreciating all the things You’ve done for us. Thank You Jesus for doing for us what Moses offered to do for the Israelites. Thank You for taking our place by taking the punishment we deserve. Transform our hearts with this love today. Amen.