Day 44, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today's Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Exodus 33:18–36:7
A Restored Relationship
Our previous Bible study was about restoring broken trust. Today we discover the joy of a restored relationship! If there have been efforts to bring two parties together, and the breach is healed, the one who interceded for them rejoices. He is brought into a closer relationship with the one who was gracious to forgive. The forgiven ones also rejoice; now, what they have done is no longer held against them. They have a renewed relationship and joy in the presence of the one who forgives them! Because of this, they are most willing to please. This is what happens between God and the Israelites in today’s Bible reading from the book of Exodus.
God is gracious
Israel had grievously betrayed the LORD. She engaged in idolatry and immorality. Moses, their leader, interceded for the Israelites. After a time of anger, judgment, and even unwillingness to go with or even associate with the Israelites, the LORD relents. He yields because it’s in his nature, not only to exercise his holiness but to also show mercy.
God Reveals Himself to Moses
Moses rejoices in the LORD’s forgiveness! Then he asks to see the LORD’s glory; he wants to see and understand more of him. He caught a glimpse of the Almighty when he, Aaron, his sons, and seventy community elders stood before Mt. Sinai and saw him in his glory above them (Exodus 24:9-10).
Now, Moses wants to get more personal, not just see him from a distance. But to see God’s face would kill a man. However, the LORD doesn’t totally refuse Moses’ request. He hides him in a cleft of a rock, and as he passes before him, God takes away his hand so Moses can see his backside. Moses is drawn into a more intimate relationship with God as the LORD partially reveals himself.
Then the LORD came down in the cloud and stood there with him and proclaimed his name, the LORD. And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The LORD, the LORD, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the fathers to the third and fourth generation.” (Exodus 34:5-8, NIV)
An accurate view of God
Those who say the God of the Old Testament is primarily a God of wrath should read these verses and realize that he is first compassionate, gracious, and slow to anger. We will see this in many upcoming Bible studies. The Old Testament God is not different from Jesus of the New Testament; Jesus and his heavenly father are two personalities of the same God. So is the Holy Spirit (John 1:14; Hebrews 1:3). This is called the trinity or triunity of God.How is Closeness with the LORD Attained?
Of course, we know that physical intimacy in marriage fully discloses both body and soul to and for each other. Similarly, spiritual intimacy with God is attained by unclothing our pride and other sins, revealing the nakedness of our heart, repenting, and drawing near to him in complete submission. The Scriptures say in the book of James,
Submit yourselves, then, to God. Resist the devil, and he will flee from you. Come near to God and he will come near to you. Wash your hands, you sinners, and purify your hearts, you double-minded. Grieve, mourn and wail. Change your laughter to mourning and your joy to gloom. Humble yourselves before the Lord, and he will lift you up. (James 4:7-10, NIV)
The Israelites are grievously sorry for their sin. They turn to God from their wickedness, and he forgives them. Do any of us still need to humble ourselves and repent before him? He can give us forgiveness, peace, and joy, and we can experience spiritual intimacy with him. (more...)
Nothing Between Us and God
When Moses comes back down the mountain, his face is radiant because he has been in God’s presence. The people see it and are afraid, so Moses veils his face when he’s with them but removes the veil in the LORD’s presence. He wants nothing between him and his beloved creator—he is God’s friend. What about us? Are we going into his presence with a veil or not?
How do we Maintain a Relationship with the LORD?
Plan ahead and put up safeguards
God tells Moses that he is making or renewing a covenant with the Israelites. He will go before them into battle against many nations. However, they are not to treaty with them or worship their gods. Instead, they are to completely destroy all foreign gods when they occupy Canaan. Who do we make alliances with—those who love God or those who are evil? Who are our good friends?
Do things to remember and maintain the relationship
The Israelites kept their relationship with the LORD by following his law and celebrating their feasts. Today, believers in Christ maintain their relationship with God by regularly reading and obeying his Word (the Bible), fellowshipping with other believers, and observing Communion.
Give God the first of everything
A married woman might remember how her fiancée always put her ahead of everyone else, trying to please her. We must do the same with God, giving the best of ourselves and our substance to him.
Joyfully serve the Lord
The Israelites are given instructions on what materials to gather to construct the tabernacle (a portable worship center). They joyfully scurry back to their tents for a treasure hunt. They give so much that the general contractors and artisans have to withhold any more offerings. A restored relationship brings us much joy and generosity!
All his law includes the 10 commandments and the stipulations on how to carry them out.
Discussion
When God relents from taking action or changes his mind (the meaning of repent), has God changed? How does God’s nature reflect in his actions?
What is spiritual intimacy, and how can we have it with God?
How do we maintain a restored relationship?
Focus Verse
James 4:8a (NIV) “Come near to God and he will come near to you.”
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Here is a sample prayer for Day 44
Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com
Looking Ahead: Now that the materials and the laborers have been gathered, it is time to get to work. The Israelites need to follow the blueprint and Get It Right (follow the design). Since it is Valentine's day tomorrow, at the end of the lesson are some principles for building relationships (doing it right).
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