SCRIPTURE: Exodus 32
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
Jesus answered, “Do you think that these Galileans were worse sinners than all the other Galileans because they suffered this way? I tell you, no! But unless you repent, you too will all perish. [Luke 13:2-3]. There is a time for mercy, and a time for judgment [see Ecclesiastes 3:1-8]. Although Jesus represents the grace of God, He also makes it clear that eventually, if we do not repent, we too will perish.
God was patient with Israel through their wilderness journey. Another word for patience is long-suffering. Paul talks about the unlimited patience of God [1 Timothy 1:16], though a better translation of the word ‘unlimited’ is extensive or broad. God’s merciful patience is amazing, but it does not last forever. It is for a purpose, to lead people to repentance [Romans 2:4-5]. Eventually our stubborn refusal to come to our senses, to change our mind (the lit meaning of the word ‘repent’) about God and ourselves, will bring us to judgment.
This is what happens in Exodus 32. God finally unleashes His justice against the immorality of the people. The Levites did not randomly kill 3000 people; rather, they killed those who continued to engage in lewd, gross, immoral behaviour [running wild, out of control, Exodus 33:25] AFTER Moses came down, smashed the tablets and destroyed the idol. It seems that some people just refuse to get it.
We also see the mercy of God in this. Moses intervenes on behalf of the people, pleading for God to relent. The fascinating thing is that this word ‘relent’ is the same word as ‘repent’, to change one’s mind, one’s direction. God repents! God relents! God is merciful! He gives us another chance. How often, 77 times [Matthew 18:22], a number signifying the extensive, broad grace of God.
But one day, if we remain stubborn, if we persevere in rejecting God’s message, if we continue to live selfishly, immorally, then one day, the sword of judgment will fall. Right now we are in the day of mercy, the season of repentance, where Jesus is tending to our roots, working to produce good fruit in us. But if we do not change, if we do not produce the fruit of repentance, then God will uproot the vine [Luke 13:1-9].
PRAYER:
Lord, thank You for this season of mercy. Help me to not be stubborn and refuse to repent and change the direction of my life.
LORD, forgive us for the things in our lives that we allow to become like gods in our lives – finances, social status, worldly success etc….. LORD, You are all that we need. When I live in surrender and adoration to You, everything I need is provided.
How easyily satan distracts us with worldly matters! How hard he works to take our eyes off of You so that our priorities become so messed up.
Thank You LORD for Your endless mercy and grace. Thank You LORD that our pleas, our prayers, just like Moses can move Your heart. May we not take for granted the power of prayer and how it can change not only our own life but can change the lives of those around us.
LORD, our lives are full of consequences to choices that we make. LORD, grant us wisdom and discernment to make godly choices, to protect ourselves from worldliness. May we not take matters into our own hands but rely completely on You for every detail of our daily lives.
LORD, thank You for Your mercy, for Your grace. Thank You for Your unending forgiveness. LORD, thank You that in You I can overcome the things in my life that are not in accordance to Your will, that I can live victoriously in Christ.
God’s will for our lives – His timing for His purposes to perform – is not the same as ours. We are out of touch with God and insist upon our own way. We work our plans rather than waiting upon the Lord for Him to work out His plan through us. Help me Lord to be obedient to Your Word. Help me to listen.
How quickly do I forget Your faithfulness, Your wonderful acts in my life. Time and time again You remind the people and also me of Your workings in my life and in the creation. Give me the eyes to see You Lord and a heart of singlenes of purpose for Your service. Help me to remain steadfast. Thank You for Your saving grace in Christ Jesus, because it is through His blood that I am picked up time and time again to be set upon the Way again. Thank You Lord.
What a fellowship, what a joy divine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
What a blessedness, what a peace is mine,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Refrain
Leaning, leaning, safe and secure from all alarms;
Leaning, leaning, leaning on the everlasting arms.
O how sweet to walk in this pilgrim way,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
O how bright the path grows from day to day,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.
Refrain
What have I to dread, what have I to fear,
Leaning on the everlasting arms;
I have blessed peace with my Lord so near,
Leaning on the everlasting arms.