February 4, 2006 - Exodus 34-35 and Matthew 22:23-46
After we sin we must have a time of repentance and restoration in order to renew our relationship with the Lord. The same was true for the Hebrews. In chapter 34 we read about that process. Let the Lord speak to you through this chapter. Let Him show you how to be renewed in your relationship with Him after you sin.
Moses had broken the first two tablets God gave him with the Ten Commandments written on them, so God told Moses to cut two more himself. This was Moses taking responsibility for the results of his anger. Then, as Moses went to the top of Mount Sinai, God revealed Himself to him. (v.6) Moses' response was to worship God in submission. That must be our response when God comes to us, too. If we don't submit we won't be forgiven and restored. Then, God spoke His commands to Moses, again. Moses fasted and listened to the Lord, so He could go down and share God's truth with the people. When he did come down his face glowed with the glory of God. He had been in God's presence and that is the result. Do you sense the glory of God when you enter His presence? Does it show on your face? That should be the results even today, but our faces may not literally glow. We should reflect the glory of God to others. This shows our relationship has been restored. Then, chapter 35 is the story of how they picked up where they left off on the Tabernacle. They could not do this until they were restored, but it was the right thing to do after restoration. What did God tell you to do before sin came? Are you ready to be restored and then get back to His will? I hope you will do just that today.
Matthew 22 is a great example of the wisdom of God to us. Jesus answered the questions of the Sadducees and Pharisees in such a way that they were stopped in their tracks. They never questioned Him again. (v.46) How could that be? Jesus has a way of proving Himself and His will. If we will hear His Word, it will clear up the questions. Look at how He used the Old Testament to confound these two groups. He quoted specific passages, and they could not respond. He will do the same for anyone who reads His Word with an open heart. He wants us to listen and to have our honest questions answered so we can believe with our whole heart. I urge you to go to Jesus with your questions, today. Don't go to test Him. Go to seek Him, and you will find Him in all of His glory.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 36-38 and Matthew 23:1-22.
Moses had broken the first two tablets God gave him with the Ten Commandments written on them, so God told Moses to cut two more himself. This was Moses taking responsibility for the results of his anger. Then, as Moses went to the top of Mount Sinai, God revealed Himself to him. (v.6) Moses' response was to worship God in submission. That must be our response when God comes to us, too. If we don't submit we won't be forgiven and restored. Then, God spoke His commands to Moses, again. Moses fasted and listened to the Lord, so He could go down and share God's truth with the people. When he did come down his face glowed with the glory of God. He had been in God's presence and that is the result. Do you sense the glory of God when you enter His presence? Does it show on your face? That should be the results even today, but our faces may not literally glow. We should reflect the glory of God to others. This shows our relationship has been restored. Then, chapter 35 is the story of how they picked up where they left off on the Tabernacle. They could not do this until they were restored, but it was the right thing to do after restoration. What did God tell you to do before sin came? Are you ready to be restored and then get back to His will? I hope you will do just that today.
Matthew 22 is a great example of the wisdom of God to us. Jesus answered the questions of the Sadducees and Pharisees in such a way that they were stopped in their tracks. They never questioned Him again. (v.46) How could that be? Jesus has a way of proving Himself and His will. If we will hear His Word, it will clear up the questions. Look at how He used the Old Testament to confound these two groups. He quoted specific passages, and they could not respond. He will do the same for anyone who reads His Word with an open heart. He wants us to listen and to have our honest questions answered so we can believe with our whole heart. I urge you to go to Jesus with your questions, today. Don't go to test Him. Go to seek Him, and you will find Him in all of His glory.
Tomorrow, I intend to read Exodus 36-38 and Matthew 23:1-22.