Do you have an advocate that looks out for you and keeps harm from coming your way? We all do. The Holy Spirit has that role for us. For today’s reading, it was Moses looking out for the Israelites. He had their back.
Picture this – Moses learns about the evil his own people have reverted to in his absence. God, who knows and sees all has told Moses what the people have done. How do you think Moses felt? He had just had this mountain top experience with God (literally) and is feeling on top of the world. He has just been given instructions from the Creator himself and is about to descend the mountain to share it with everyone who has been waiting. And then he hears God’s plans for their destruction.
God’s anger was burning against his people for their disobedience and impatience. They had totally disregarded God’s provision and his instructions. Granted Moses was about to share with them all of God’s expectations, but the people had taken it upon themselves to go a different direction.
How often do we see people do that today? Maybe we do it ourselves. When things don’t go our way, we are often quick to jump ship, change camps, try something new, or get gratification from a new and available source. It’s really quite something when you think about it. We really aren’t all that different from those rebellious Israelites!
What about when it comes to God? Do we give up on him? Do we feel like God isn’t listening?
I love what Moses did. He pled for his friends. He didn’t want them to be destroyed after all they had been through. He used the “save face” card. God relented. That was pretty amazing. I’m not sure I would have had the guts to question and challenge God. Yet, if the destruction of my loved ones was at stake, I would possibly be a little bolder. Moses had a very good relationship with God, his talking God “off the ledge” seemed the natural response.
How is your relationship with God? Do you wrestle with him on issues that are affecting you or do you let things happen? We can all take a lesson from Moses. God wants a relationship with us, and he wants our adoration and praise. I’m guessing he wants our questions and challenges, too.
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for how you used Moses every step of the way. My heart is saddened by how the people so quickly turned away from you in search of gods they could follow. You are the one true God worthy of our praise, adoration, and obedience. Help me to never turn to other sources for my strength or guidance. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
