READ EXODUS 34
GO DEEPER
Many individuals tend to avoid the Old Testament and Exodus, particularly because they believe it is antiquated and not applicable to modern life. If you have found the specific instructions challenging to understand, you are not alone. However, Exodus 34 is a profound chapter that disproves the notion that the teachings in Exodus are obsolete. This chapter illustrates God renewing His covenant with Israel, where Moses ascends the mountain with empty tablets and descends with the Ten Commandments inscribed on them.
We also see the character of God. In Exodus 34:6-7 we read, "And the LORD passed by before him, and proclaimed, The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth, Keeping mercy for thousands, forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, and that will by no means clear the guilty; visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children, and upon the children's children, unto the third and to the fourth generation."
From this single passage, we gain a profound understanding of God's character.
He is shown to be caring, merciful, and patient in the face of wrongdoing. He demonstrates abundant love and faithfulness and is willing to forgive even the most grievous sins. The reassurance that He is slow to anger brings immense comfort. God's unwavering nature is consistent throughout time, from ancient times with Moses and the Israelites in the wilderness to the present day, as stated in Hebrews 13:8. This message of grace and forgiveness applies universally.
God is flawless and sacred, unlike us. This truth is evident in various scriptures such as Exodus 3:5, 20:11, and 1 Peter 1:14-16. The construction and design of the tabernacle, with the curtain dividing the Holy Place and the Most Holy Place, further emphasizes this point (Exodus 26). He ensures that the guilty do not escape punishment.
We deserve punishment and separation, and God should receive payment for our wrongdoing. The gospel's beauty is revealed in Exodus 34 when we witness the Lord demonstrating compassion, grace, and forgiveness through Jesus Christ. Our sins are forgiven, but we are not the ones who receive punishment. Through His grace, the Son of God bears our sins on our behalf. The innocent One becomes the guilty One for us. In the crucifixion and in Exodus 34, God demonstrates that He is both merciful and just, and we are the ones who receive eternal benefits. Do you still believe that Exodus is irrelevant to our lives today?
QUESTIONS
1. Why was it necessary for Moses to ascend the mountain to receive the Ten Commandments once more? Didn't this happen before? (Hint: Refer to Exodus 32.)
2. What are your thoughts on why God is considered a jealous God? (refer to Exodus 34:14)
3. Would others use words like those used to describe Moses' face in Exodus 34:29-35 to portray your appearance and demeanor? Is there a noticeable exuberance and glow that emanates from you?