Executive Producer

This episode is brought to you in part by Executive Producer, John Anonymous.

Today’s Bible Translation

Bible translation used in today’s episode: Ch. 33 NET, Ch. 34-36ERV

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Thoughts

Chapter 33 begins where chapter 32 left off, immediately after the people made the golden calf. The Lord is angry, and tells Moses to quickly leave this place. And he tells Moses that He will not be in their midst, but will send an angel to go with them instead, because, “you are a stiff-necked people, and I might destroy you on the way.”

And when Moses told the people about this, they went into mourning, and they were afraid.

Do you think God was considering whether or not to destroy them? Would He have wiped them out because they built a golden calf and worshipped it? I don’t think so. 

I remember when my sons were just young boys. There were times when I would catch one or more of them doing something they knew they shouldn’t do. Sometimes I would discipline them on the spot. But other times, I would send them to their room. And with a stern look and firm tone, I would say, “I’ll be in to deal with you later.” And then when they were very young, they’d trudge off to their room, crying all the way. The waiting for the other shoe to drop was sometimes worse than whatever punishment might come.

Beloved, God was not surprised when the people built that golden calf. When we sin, it doesn’t shock God. But He does want us to learn to obey His Word. So I believe that He said He “might destroy them on the way” so that they would think about what they had done, and know that God does not take their sin lightly.