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Day 28 – Thru the Bible
We continue our journey through Exodus and Psalms.
Exodus 32 – The people quickly turn away from God and say this god (the golden calf) delivered them – a god they made in an image they came up with.
How do we try to create a god of our own making?
Where did the gold and jewelry come from? Hint: think about what happened when they left Egypt.
Essentially, Israel committed Adam and Eve’s sin (Genesis 3:1–8): rather than abiding by God’s Word, they determined that they knew better than God himself and ascribed God’s character, presence, and redemptive action to the bull calf.
We may not make a golden calf, but what other ways do we make things or people “gods” in our lives?
Moses’ thought that “perhaps I can make atonement for your sin” was mistaken (Exodus 32:30). He thought that he could offer himself in the place of the people: “Please forgive their sins; if not, then please let me die in their place.” Moses was offering his life in place of his people. But he is not the perfect sacrifice required either.
How does this point us to Jesus?
Exodus 33 – God indicated that he would not go with his people (vv. 1–6) lest he destroy them. But for Moses, he would rather not go to the Promised Land if God did not go with them. In response, God reaffirms that he would go with them and he would grant them favor.
Do we seek the gifts of God or the presence of God?
Exodus 34 – God renews his covenant with his sinful people. And it is striking that God does not lower his standards in the light of his people’s failure. The law continues to hold out a constant standard. It is a standard that can be met only by One who is perfectly righteous and holy.
How does this point us to Jesus?
Psalm 28 – As it did for David, our assurance of God’s promises to save his people settles our hearts into quiet joy, even before the difficulties of our immediate situation are resolved (Psalm 28:6–7; 1 Peter 1:8–9).
How does God’s presence in you settle your heart?
How is this reflected in your daily life?
What other thoughts or questions does today’s reading bring up?
Some of these notes are from the ESV Gospel Transformation Bible study notes. We highly recommend this study Bible.
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All links you need to be a part of this are here – Thru the Bible in 2018.