Readings
Old Testament: Exodus 34:1-17
Psalm 60
Gospel: Matt. 5:21-26
New Testament: 1 Thess. 2:13-20
Devotional
“Tell me about yourself.” It’s a request you’ve answered at some point in your life before. Maybe on a first date. Perhaps a job interview. Maybe a time you arrived in a new city filled with new people. It’s one thing when people describe who they think you are, but something about the way you describe yourself gets right to the heart of what you think is most important for people to know about you. It’s a revealing question to answer because it reveals what we find most essential for someone to know who we truly are.
At this point in the book of Exodus, the Israelites have been through a lot. God has rescued them from the hands of the Egyptians, He has given them the Law, and now they are journeying towards a land God has promised them. Yet, in spite of God’s faithfulness, Israel has turned away and worshipped through a golden calf. Moses is so distraught that he smashes the tablets of the law, and he begins to question God. Why has God brought us out of slavery just for everyone to turn away. How am I supposed to lead a people that don’t want to be led? “If I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways,” asks Moses to God.
God’s response is striking, isn’t it? He would have every right to give up this rebellious group of people to the sinful desires of their hearts, but the first thing He says is literally “I Am who I Am (translated from the Hebrew Yahweh). A God who is merciful, gracious, and slow to anger.” And the root of this graciousness, He says, is His covenant. The promise that He made to His people that will never fail.
Frequently when we approach God, it can be difficult to feel like we really know the God to whom we draw near. Rather than try to imagine, what if we simply listened to God when He tells us what He is like? He is merciful. He is gracious. He is slow to anger, and He always keeps His covenant love and faithfulness. He forgives, but He always upholds justice. God’s introduction was enough to equip Moses to return to lead a stubborn people, and it is enough to sustain you through your own trials.
Hymn
The Lord is King
Prayer
Almighty God, whom truly to know is everlasting life: Grant
us so perfectly to know your Son Jesus Christ to be the way,
the truth, and the life, that we may steadfastly follow his
steps in the way that leads to eternal life; through Jesus Christ
your Son our Lord, who lives and reigns with you, in the unity
of the Holy Spirit, one God, for ever and ever. Amen.