Exodus 34
-The Two Tablets of the Covenant and God’s Ten Commandments
are given again to Moses on top of Mt. Sinai and reestablished here in chapter
34. The LORD’s proclamation concerning Himself is important here. “The LORD,
the LORD God, compassionate and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in
lovingkindness and truth; who keeps lovingkindness for thousands, who forgives
iniquity, transgression and sin; yet He will by no means leave the guilty
unpunished, visiting the iniquity of fathers on the children and on the
grandchildren to the third and fourth generation (Exodus 34:6-7).” This
phraseology is often repeated in the Word of God and gives us a true picture of
His nature. He is patient; He is kind. But, He is also just and demands our
recognition and repentance (a turning away from sin) for forgiveness.
*Application* Psalm 32 best describes what our response should be to a loving
God who wants proper relationship and fellowship with His created children.
This is also Moses’ response when he hears the words of the LORD. He quickly
bowed low to the earth and worshipped the King of kings. He begged His favor
and presence not just for himself, but also for his people. He was an
intercessor.
-God renewed His covenant because of His great grace and
mercy. Let us never forget His kindnesses. He was exacting and clear, but He
also was flexible. He made a way back to Himself when it was certainly not
required of Him. *Application* Over and over in Scripture we see the nature of
God being One who gives multiple chances to come to Him and submit to His
authority. He is forbearing with us when we grieve and quench His Spirit within
us. Take time today to come before him as Moses did and worship this forgiving
Sovereign who loves us soooo much!
-God again gives warning as to His exclusivity. He is
attempting to prepare His people so that they do not make covenants with the
enemy, which would become a snare and a means of stumbling in their faith
(Exodus 34:12). God is called by the Name Jealous (Exodus 34:14). *Application*
He does not want to play the harlot with any other gods (Exodus 34:15-16). In
other words, our faithfulness to Him alone is required and expected. Our
worship is to be centered on Him only. The god of this age is often money. Has
this god become a snare to your obedience to Him? Has it enslaved you because
of your allegiance to it? Jesus said plainly, “No servant can serve two masters; for either he will hate the
one, and love the other, or else he will hold to one, and despise the other.
You cannot serve God and mammon (money) (Luke 16:13)." When Jesus said this before the Pharisees, He
was scoffed at and ridiculed by the money lovers (Luke 16:14). How will you
receive this word today?
-Finally, Moses was
filled with brilliance in radiant glory by being in the presence of God. His
light shone on all who observed him as he came back to the people to the point
that he had to place a veil over his face because it scared the people (Exodus
34:30). He would take off the veil when talking with God, but put it back on in
the presence of the assembly. *Application* Our light should also be shining as
“a city set on a hill (Matthew 5:14-16).” Jesus is the true Light and in Him we
see clearly (John 8:12). He is the One who gives us illumination. Allow His
Light to shine in you so that all you come into contact with will have a chance
to see and know Him.
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