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In Order. Follow Your Leader

February 10, 2017. Exodus 33-35.

 

If you are going to go where you have never gone before you need to be led. The Hebrews had been struggling with following God. While Moses was away getting instructions on how the Hebrews were to meet with God they built a golden calf and call it god. God was not pleased and refused to lead them any longer. Moses knew that this would not be good and the people were lamenting their poor choice. God was the reason the Hebrews got as far as they did and would not go any further without God leading them so Moses intercedes for the Hebrews.

33.16 How will anyone know that you look favorably on me—on me and on your people—if you don’t go with us? For your presence among us sets your people and me apart from all other people on the earth.” 17 The Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for I look favorably on you, and I know you by name.”

Have you ever prayed for another believer (interceded) who had done wrong and was “getting what they deserved”? I mean not praying that they would get more of what they deserved but that God would be merciful and gracious and begin leading and blessing them again? I heard someone say years ago that “Christians are the only army that shoot their own wounded” unfortunately I have experienced the truth of that statement. The reason Moses interceded for the Hebrews was not for their punishment or annihilation but for God to keep His promises and to receive glory by setting apart the Hebrews as His favored people.

God answered Moses prayer and once again favored the Hebrews with His presence, power and favor 34.10 The Lord replied, “Listen, I am making a covenant with you in the presence of all your people. I will perform miracles that have never been performed anywhere in all the earth or in any nation. And all the people around you will see the power of the Lord—the awesome power I will display for you. How amazing is that! One moment experiencing the wrath and displeasure of God the next favored like no other nation on the earth! perhaps more of God’s glory and favor would be evident on His people today if we interceded for those among us that are not experiencing the goodness of God.

We are responsible for our choices and God warns us of the struggles with this world, sin and the flesh. But remember the words of our leader when we sin and fall short of his will for us.

34.6 The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out,

“Yahweh! The Lord!

    The God of compassion and mercy!

I am slow to anger

    and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness.

He leads us in Love, Mercy and Grace we follow in humility, brokenness and obedience. Lead us God we have no other hope but you!

Previous Devotional - February 9

Sal Sberna

Sal Sberna was Lead Pastor at The MET Church in Houston, Texas for 20 years. He retired on February 2015. He and Kristi Sberna have been married since 1981. They have two children, Salvatore and...more