May 10, 2019
Shoulda-Coulda-Woulda Doesn't Cut It Here.
Exodus 34:1–10
Melissa Hastings
Central Truth
We have a God of second chances and forgiveness. He does not withdraw behind our daily messiness. Rather, He responds with bold intention, relational pursuit, and covenant.
Key Verse | Exodus 34:1
The LORD said to Moses, "Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke."
Exodus 34:1–10
Moses Makes New Tablets
1 The LORD said to Moses, “Cut for yourself two tablets of stone like the first, and I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets, which you broke. 2 Be ready by the morning, and come up in the morning to Mount Sinai, and present yourself there to me on the top of the mountain. 3 No one shall come up with you, and let no one be seen throughout all the mountain. Let no flocks or herds graze opposite that mountain.” 4 So Moses cut two tablets of stone like the first. And he rose early in the morning and went up on Mount Sinai, as the LORD had commanded him, and took in his hand two tablets of stone. 5 The LORD descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the LORD. 6 The LORD passed before him and proclaimed, “The LORD, the LORD, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness, 7 keeping steadfast love for thousands, 1 34:7 Or to the thousandth generation forgiving iniquity and transgression and sin, but who will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children and the children's children, to the third and the fourth generation.” 8 And Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. 9 And he said, “If now I have found favor in your sight, O Lord, please let the Lord go in the midst of us, for it is a stiff-necked people, and pardon our iniquity and our sin, and take us for your inheritance.”
The Covenant Renewed
10 And he said, “Behold, I am making a covenant. Before all your people I will do marvels, such as have not been created in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people among whom you are shall see the work of the LORD, for it is an awesome thing that I will do with you.
Dive Deeper | Exodus 34:1–10
Smh . . . these are the second tablets. The first tablets were broken in Moses' outburst at the bottom of the mountain (Exodus 32:19). From what I gather, Moses and I have at least two things in common—we struggle with our own form of "righteous anger" and our intent on assisting in God's execution of justice.
I can recall a hundred times I've wanted a do-over (Romans 7:18). Many of these requests surround my anger getting the best of me. Sometimes this was frustration at another, while other times in frustration of the unknown. Generally, I prefer to understand all God is doing or preparing to do. I'd even go as far to veto the really "confusing messages" and maintain none of the liability. Thankfully, I'm learning to trust it is for my good that I'm not in charge. Turns out less control equals less anger these days.
In our reading of Exodus 34, we can be encouraged our God did not wait for us to be perfect to offer commitment (Exodus 34:10). He is not unaware of your mess or waiting for you to be fit to offer eternal salvation. Here we see an extension of forgiveness and covenant at the most undeserving moment. Furthermore, God did not ask of us what He also was not willing to give. Within our daily messes, confusion, or anger, we can know with confidence that our God is compassionate and relationally committed.
To what extent has God's love pursued you?
Let's be clear about the redeeming power of Jesus Christ. "For our sake he (God) made him (Jesus) to be sin who (still Jesus) knew no sin, so that in him we (sinners) might become the righteousness of God." (2 Corinthians 5:21) How often I forget and how gently reminded I am that I needed forgiveness to be free. And if such a payment was sufficient, then it would seem kind of silly to remain hinged to the past shoulda-coulda-wouldas. So friend, what would you say if we set down our anger and regrets? I'm just saying, the King of Kings wants to make you new.
Discussion Questions
1. What have you experienced God do in and through your life recently? Take a moment and reflect with gratitude how He has called you according to His purpose. (Romans 8:28)
2. Is there is anything in your heart (anger, doubt, hurt) that is keeping you from growing in your relationship with God? Psalm 139:23 is a really helpful prayer to locate lingering pain.
3. Forgiveness can cause a lot of feelings to rise. When you hear the word forgive, does a particular situation or person come to mind? Continue to pray and ask God to speak to you regarding anything you may need to submit and confess. Share your findings with your community group.
4. Speaking of community group, take a few moments and think about your people, those who have committed to life change with you. Have you been loving each other well or missing each other lately? What a great opportunity to reach out. Do something intentional this week to remind them they matter to you. And then keep doing it.