Two Fresh Stones - February 21 Readings: Exodus 32-34, Faithfulness and Idolatry

The Story of the Bible from Creation to the Cross to Eternal Glory

In 72 daily readings, we will examine the overall story of the Bible from Genesis to Revelation, seeking to get the big picture of God's work through Jesus Christ in this sinful world.

Today's Reading: Exodus 32-34

Through the Bible Readings: Leviticus 20-21, Mark 2, Psalm 26:4–12, Proverbs 6:23-24

If you wish to read through the Bible in a year, follow these readings. 

Context 

There are two overriding lessons we can learn from the history of Israel in the Old Testament. We see, first, the sad infidelity and idolatry of Israel. No matter how good God was, no matter how much love he showed, how much grace they received, how much of his power and presence they experienced, they were always quick to depart from loyalty, to break the law, to embrace other gods, and to be shaped by the peoples around them instead of by God. The bulk of the OT story covers a period around 1600 years (Abraham lives somewhere around 2000 BC and Malachi was written around 400 BC). In that 1600 years, the number of years that the people of God were walking in obedience was far and away the majority. More than half the time? Undoubtedly. Three-fourths? Probably more than that.

Yet, in spite of Israel's continuing unfaithfulness, God's love and mercy never failed. God disciplined them, sometimes harshly, but he never abandoned them. As Romans 11 says, his "gifts and calling are irrevocable." When God chooses and calls he never changes his mind.

The incident in Exodus 32-34 foreshadows the story of the OT. Moses is on the mountain receiving the tablets from God and down below the people are already turning to idolatry. They have, with Aaron's help, gathered their gold and cast a golden calf to worship. God dealt strongly with them - he does not mess around when he people turn to idols - but he also restored them, renewed them, and gave them another chance.

Devotional: Two Fresh Stones

There are ignorant people who claim that the God of the Old Testament was mean, harsh and cruel, and they contrast him to the God of love revealed in the New Testament. Such nonsense. Yes, the God of the OT is holy, giving his law and expecting his people to obey it. He punishes evildoers and protects his people from their enemies. All of that is true. But to overlook his love and kindness is willful folly. 

You need to look no farther than Exodus 34 to settle the issue of God's love and mercy. Eight words in that passage tell us all we need to know. about God's nature. 

It is crucial that we remember what was going on leading up to Exodus 34. Israel had insulted God in the worst way - by turning to the worship of an idol while Moses was on the mountain receiving God's law. As Moses came down from the mountain and saw the offensive worship, he broke the tablets signifying that Israel had broken God's Law. And God was upset by their sin, make no mistake about it. 

But look at verse 1 and see what God said to Moses. 

"Cut two stone tablets like the first ones."

God does not give up on people when they fail. He may discipline his children and that discipline might be harsh, but he never leaves and he never forsakes. His gifts and call are irrevocable. The One who begins the good work will carry it on to completion. 

When Israel failed, God did not give up on them. He did not throw them away. He did not run out on them. He did not find another people to love. He did not pour out his wrath on them to destroy them. No, he did not. He renewed his covenant and gave his people another chance to get it right. 

I can remember one time when I was repenting of the same sin for about the 3 millionth time, I thought, "God, you must be ready to give up on me." That is human thinking; stupid thinking! God does not give up on his children. Throughout Israel's history, they were consistently disobedient and unfaithful to him. But in spite of all that, God was consistently faithful and merciful to his chosen nation. 

Now, isn't that good news? You messed up yesterday and the day before. The day before that, too. Oh, our sin is nothing to take lightly. It is offensive and must be resisted, and it often carries consequences with it. Grace ought never to be an excuse for careless, unholy living. NEVER! But we can be confident that God is faithful. He was in the Old Testament to Israel. He was in the New Testament to the church. And he is today in our lives. Confess. Repent. Seek renewal in Christ and walk in the power of the Spirit!

When you mess up, God's faithfulness overwhelms your sin. He wears you down with his grace as the process of sanctification continues, and he slowly transforms you to be like Christ. When you fail him, he says to you, 

Cut two fresh stone tablets and let's try this again!

Father, I do not want to be unfaithful to you; not for a day, not for a minute. But I have been and you know that. And I will be, and you know that. I hate my sinful waywardness. But I rejoice that I am secure not in my own righteousness but in yours. I revel in your faithfulness and rely on your grace and mercy daily. 

Think and Pray:

Reflect on the faithfulness of Christ in your own life and thank him that your relationship with God depends on him and his faithfulness, not your merit.
Let that faithfulness motivate you to greater holiness and purity, not to careless living.