5/13/2020 Wednesday Devotional
Moses Intercedes Again (Ex 32:30-34)
Background
Last week we saw Moses being given The Ten Commandments, but upon his return, he saw how Israel had failed to worship the true God and instead created an idol. God was ready to destroy them, but Moses intercedes for them. (First prayer of Intercession)
Today in Ex 32:30-34 the Bible records a second intercession by Moses on Israel’s behalf. This time it was a prayer for forgiveness, a petition for God to relieve the burden of the guilt of their sin.
Lessons to Learn:
- Read- Vs 25-29. The punishment was terrible; they learned firsthand that “the wages of sin is death” (Rom 6:23a) and that idolatry was a capital offense.
- God had already said that He would not destroy the people. Nevertheless, atonement was still required for the people’s “sin”; they still needed to be forgiven. Moses volunteered to make “atonement” for them. (Vs 30-32).
- In the Old Testament times ‘Redeemed people had a relationship with Him that included the opportunity to seek forgiveness. These prayers for forgiveness could be granted by God himself on the basis of his gracious nature and His relationship with the one offering the prayer.
- Sin is noticed by and punished by God himself (Vs 33) God holds us responsible for our own sins, not for the sins of others, and he does not hold others guilty for our sins. (Ezekiel 18:20)
- In connection with God’s statement that He would punish the people, he repeated Moses’ commission: “Lead the people where I told you. “It is as if God is saying, “Do not worry about what I will do to the people. Do what I have told you to do.” (Vs 34)
Questions To Ponder:
- What are some possible reasons for Israel’s rapid turning to idolatry?
- What “day” do you think God was referring to in Ex 32:34?
- What is the implication of God’s statement that all who sin will be blotted out of his book?