God Promises an Awesome Thing

September 26, 2010

Background Scripture: Exodus 34:1 – 10
Lesson Passage: Exodus 34:1 – 10

Today’s lesson starts out on a somewhat somber note. It begins with Moses picking up the pieces and preparing to get back on track with his conversation with God. God and Moses were in conversation when God interrupted it in reaction to the wanton and shameful national sin of Israel. Their behavior was beyond reprehensible for a nation and it could not have happened at a worse time. Their actions took place as God was preparing for them the most unique document ever created for mankind. This document would become the basis of a written contract between God and mankind. In it, God would put unbelievable gifts of grace for Israel. This would become the most prestigious document the world has ever known and it was being prepared especially for Israel. God had carved out two stone tablets and written the contract language himself. When Moses returned to the foot of the mountain and witnessed Israel’s transgression, he became so distraught with them that he threw the stone tablets down and broke them. By the time things had settled down and God had forgiven Israel’s trespass against him, Moses was left to pick up the pieces and start afresh. This time God would not carve out tablets and write on them. Instead, he required Moses to carve the tablets and then God wrote on the tablets that Moses had to provide. No doubt, every strike of the chisel must have reminded Moses of what it was that led to him having to carve stone tablets. Finally, they were done and Moses could again return to his meeting place with God and resume the conversation. When God met Moses, he proclaimed his presence by declaring the holiness of his character. In that proclamation were seeds of a special blessing. God is merciful, forgiving, patient, and filled with goodness and mercy. God, who had every right to be angry and vengeful, is also merciful and forgiving. God never changes. Israel’s sin, however, had revealed an aspect of God’s nature that was up to this point unknown or perhaps just unappreciated. Furthermore, God promised to display miracles among Israel that would be witnessed by all who came in contact with Israel. Not only would Israel be blessed beyond imagination, but their blessings from God would be evident to others who they would be among. God will display an awesomeness that will be observed and talked about. Although God is spirit and therefore not visible, yet there will be no mistaking the fact that his presence is with Israel. No other nation had ever known such a thing. Israel was still yet unborn as a nation but they had the assurance from God that they would exceed all other nations in God’s display of goodness towards them. Other nations had thousands of years of history, culture, education, and wealth but Israel, yet unborn as a nation, had an eternity of blessings promised to them. God had promised an awesome thing.


Robert C. Hudson
September 15, 2010