1.30 Exodus 32-34

Katie Humphrey

1.30

Exodus 32-34

Summary:

Ya done messed up A-Aron!

While the people were waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain their patience ran out. They went to Aaron and asked him to make gods that they could follow, and he obliged them by making a golden calf. They worshipped the golden calf and celebrated this new god of theirs. Moses pleaded with God to relent from His anger against his people for worshiping idols, and God showed them mercy. 

Moses then weeded out those that still wanted to follow God from among the people. After that, Moses met with God (multiple times) in the tent of meeting to ask for guidance and support from God as he led the people. It was during this time that Moses asked the Lord to show him his glory. God granted his request by walking past Moses and allowing Moses to see only his back. After this, Moses made new tablets on which God wrote the 10 commandments (atop Mt. Sinai). This renewed the covenant between God and his people. And when Moses came down from the mountain top with the tablets his face was shining brightly. He wore a veil over his face after speaking with God, to comfort his people and not frighten them with his glowing face.       

What is the key verse? Why?

Exodus 32: 11-14

11 But Moses implored the Lord his God and said, “O Lord, why does your wrath burn hot against your people,…Turn from your burning anger and relent from this disaster against your people…’” 14 And the Lord relented from the disaster that he had spoken of bringing on his people.

This passage shows that the relationship we have with God can have a huge impact on others.

How does what you read change your vision of God? 

Often I have taken comfort in the thought that God is in complete control, and He is. But this passage reminded me that we also have a massive impact on how God intercedes in our lives and the lives of others.  

If we are following Him, God listens to our prayers and makes them happen. That’s incredible!

Moses could have let God obliterate the people he just brought out of Egypt, but he didn’t. He asked God to have mercy on them. God would have made another way to fulfill His promise to make him into a great nation (Exodus 33:1, Genesis 12:1-3, Romans 4:13). But Moses’ love for his people (and his willingness to put up with their crap) gave them the chance to share in God’s promise. 

How does what you read change your vision of yourself or others?

Before I became a committed Christian I was just like these Israelites. Fearful and impatient as I waited for God to show me the way he wanted me to go. I turned to modern idols and sin instead of trusting in God and faithfully waiting for him to show me the way. I’m sure you can relate. So many people we encounter in our daily lives are going through the same thing. They need a Moses to show them love, mercy, and how to follow God. 

How will you Go With God because of this reading? (What is an action step?)

First, I will pray for God to give me the strength to show love and mercy to the lost. 

Then, I will be loving towards others, and share God with them in the opportunities that He gives me. Reminding myself that my actions could give them the chance to share in God’s promise. 

Where did you see Jesus in these chapters? (What made you think about Jesus?)

And Jesus said, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” Luke 23:34

Jesus had a heart of compassion for those around him just like Moses did. And Jesus then took those consequences upon himself so that we could share in God’s promise. 

I hope this helps you see the bible with new vision!