Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible.
Read Exodus 31-33. Chapter 31 tells us of how God gave to many men of Israel the gift of craftsmanship for building the tabernacle and all the furnishings. Note that last line of the chapter, too. The Ten Commandments were ‘Inscribed by the finger of God.’
Chapter 32 tells the tragic story of Israel’s bent toward rebellion and sin. They, unlike Moses, were unwilling to wait on God. They wearied because Moses had been so long on the mountain. The people thought something had happened to Moses and immediately lost faith.
They urged Aaron to create a visible “god” for them and from there, we have the story of the golden calf. Their sin was grievous. They had broken one of God’s laws to “not have any other god before me”. Aaron had even lied saying that he “threw the gold into the fire and out came the calf god.” Aaron had given in to the peoples’ request for a god, going against his own principles and beliefs to follow the crowd.
But the highlight of this chapter is Moses’ intercession for his people. God loves intercessors. Notice in 32:32, Moses’ intervention included a willingness to sacrifice himself for his rebellious people. “Now if You would only forgive their sin. But if not, please erase me from the book You have written.” Moses was referring to the Book of Life.
Chapter 33 reveals the Tent of Meeting – a place established to meet with God. Do you have one? Verse 11 is one of the most beautiful in Scripture. “The Lord would speak to Moses face to face, just as a man speaks with his friend. . .”
Are you meeting with God daily, looking into His word, listening for His voice and quickly obeying what He reveals to you?
Write in your journal ways that you can draw closer to God, and list the people and situations where you can be an intercessor in prayer.
Pray: Lord, help me to discover and use the spiritual gift or gifts that You have given me to help build Your Church. Strengthen me to guard my heart against idolatry. Teach me to intercede for others including those with who I disagree. Call me daily to come aside and sit in Your presence as You speak to me through Your word. And help me to be quick to obey all that You say to me.
