I was asked to contribute five short devotionals for Bibeln Idag (Sweden’s Scripture Union) from the book of Exodus. This is the first.

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Text: Exodus 32:1–14

The people of Israel have avoided destruction at the hands of Pharaoh, the waters of the Red Sea, enemy tribes as well as death by starvation and thirst. Yet here they almost bring about their own destruction at the hands of their own God. Quickly forgetting God while Moses is up the mountain of the Lord (v.1), they commit sins of idolatry and immorality (v.4-6) breaking several of the newly given commandments. 

Rejection of the Lordship of God and turning from holiness to immorality brings upon humanity the burning righteous judgement of God. It might not be popular but that doesn’t make it any less true. 

God disavowed them saying to Moses, “Go down, for your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves.”

No longer are they God’s people that God has led. 

Moses’ response is illuminating. He does not seek to excuse or deny their sin but instead seeks the honour of God’s name and recalls the promises God has made (v.12-13). Moses remembers his first encounter in the burning bush when God introduced Himself as the ‘God of Abraham and Isaac and Jacob’ and pleads with God to ‘in wrath remember mercy’ (Habakkuk 3:2).

What is it that saves the Israelites from facing the wrath of God because of their sin? A mediator (Moses) who stands before God on their behalf pleading the covenant promises of mercy and grace. 

Prayer

“Thank you Father, that when I brought judgment on myself you provided for me a mediator, Jesus Christ, so I can receive mercy and grace.”