14 March 2024
The Lord said to Moses, ‘I have seen this people, how stiff-necked they are. Now let me alone, so that my wrath may burn hot against them and I may consume them; and of you I will make a great nation.’
From Exodus 32:7-14, NRSV
This exchange which took place between God and Moses on Mount Sinai resulted from the action of the people of Israel in making and worshipping a golden calf. This action was a violation of the first commandment and we can see from God’s reaction that this was a cause of great grief and disappointment. God instructed Moses to leave so that he get on with punishing the people. Instead of leaving, Moses stood his ground and set about persuading God that the people should be saved. Moses reminded God that these were his people whom he had rescued from Egypt and to whom he had made promises. Such was the power of Moses’ intercession that we are told God changed his mind and did not punish the people. As a result of Moses’s intercession, God was able to show the extent of his love for humanity. Even though the sins of the people caused grief and pain, God could not withdraw his love or fail to keep his promises.
- Why do you think Moses was prepared to plead the cause of his people?
- How does it feel to know that God does not give up on people?
What are situations today that would cause pain and grief to God. Focus on one such situation in your prayer.
