Read Exodus 34:6-9
Have you ever felt the need to “lay your cards on the table” when you first met someone? Like, “Let’s cut to the chase—this is who I am, this is what is important to me, this is what I am against.”
Usually, we take our time disclosing ourselves and there is good wisdom in that. But there may be instances, perhaps with a time urgency or a need for utmost clarity that we may “lay out our cards” fast.
In Exodus 33, Moses asked God to teach him His ways so that he may know God (v.13). As Moses climbs the mountain alone with two more stone tablets, God meets with him in the cloud, God “lays out His cards” for Moses—what He is like, how He acts, and what He is against. God wants to be known.
This is a precious gathering of God’s attributes in one place. He is compassionate, gracious, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness. He extends His love to thousands and is forgiving and just. Imagine a spouse having these qualities. Who wouldn’t want to be married to someone like that? And God images Himself as a bridegroom and His people collectively as a bride.(Hosea 2:19-20). How precious it is for God’s people to have such a wonderful spouse.
God also tells Moses what He doesn’t like (wickedness, rebellion and sin). God is more like a parent when it comes to dealing with disobedience and going the wrong way. There is punishment with consequences that can be long and drawn out and affect many people deeply (for generations). Knowing this causes us to think carefully about our choices. This gives us a sober fear of God and a desire to do right.
And Moses’ response to this revelation? He immediately bows to the ground and worships. He asks God to go with them, to forgive them and to take them as His inheritance.
If we ever need to recalibrate our understanding of God’s character, these verses are a goldmine. Moses’ encounter with God reminds us what God is like. That knowledge is mercy in our lives.
For Reflection:
- What attribute of God are you most grateful for? What attribute of God would you like to see developed more in your life?
by Nancy Perry
