Day 041- The Bible Recap

Gold told Moses it was time to start heading to the promised land but that He wouldn't be making the journey with them because they were "stiff-necked". He even went as far as to say He may consume them along the way because of their stubbornness! 33:3 The greatest obstacle of the Israelites was themselves.

Instead God told Moses an angel would go with them but Moses pleaded for the LORD to continue on with them. Unlike the Israelites, Moses recognized and understood what it meant for the LORD's presence to go before them and be among them. He even replied if you don't go with us God, then don't have us leave. 33:15 I don't blame Moses, the presence of God is life changing, and nothing can take the place of Him and His power!

Moses asked to see God's glory and instead of dismissing him, God was gracious to allow Moses to see His back, because any more would've killed him.

God had Moses cut two new stones for the ten commandments since in his anger over the golden calf Moses broke the first set.

God addressed His attributes of love and faithfulness but also stated "but who will by no means clear the guilty..." 34:7 God is gracious and merciful, but at the same time just and holy. Moses pointed out that because of the Israelites' stubbornness it was even more critical that God continued with them.

God renewed His covenant with the Israelites but made it abundantly clear that when they conquer lands they are to destroy any altars, pillars or idols that represent their gods...for fear they would be drawn to that land's practices.

Moses' face shone radiantly when he came down from the mountain after being in the presence of the LORD. Can you imagine that? So much that he had to wear a veil so that he could be among the Israelites. While it's not quite the same this had me thinking when we spend time is God's presence, through reading His Word or through prayer, how does it change us? Do we "shine" around others?

Moses asked for donations of both materials and service to complete the tabernacle. And this time "they came, everyone whose heart stirred him, and everyone whose spirit moved him..." 35:21 God was moving in the hearts of His people. In contrast to their rebellious golden calf worship weeks ago, the Israelites eagerly put their gifts and skills to God's use. Their trust and obedience seemed to be growing.

~Ann Mays