Exodus: From Suffering to Salvationಮಾದರಿ

Knowing the God Who Forgives Me

So far in Exodus, we have seen God reveal His power as both Defender and Provider.

However, at Mount Sinai, the Israelites proved that their journey had only just begun. When Moses was on the mountain receiving God’s Law, Israel became impatient. So, trapped in their slavery mentality, they created an idol to worship instead, something that was familiar from the Egyptian traditions.

The Israelites’ idolatry may seem shocking after all they witnessed of God’s power. How could they so quickly turn their backs on God?

But the truth is, we all have this tendency. When God does not submit to our flawed expectations, symptoms of our slavery to sin can creep back in. Difficult situations–like missing out on a job promotion or seeing others find love when we cannot–these situations distort our view of God’s character and tempt us to find fulfillment in sin instead.

How often have you found yourself stuck in the same chains God already freed you from?

When our worries and sins cause us to lose sight of who God is, God is gracious to remind us again and again.

Though we do not deserve it, God lavishes us with unfailing love, mercy, and forgiveness. The same hands that are strong enough to defend and provide are also tender and ready to forgive.

We see these hands at work in Exodus. Even as the Israelites turned their backs on Him, God chose to forgive them.

Despite their immediate failure, God still loved His people and chose to uphold His covenant relationship with them.

Like a parent watching their child learn to walk, God knows we will fall. And, as the loving Father He is, God catches us in the arms of His grace.

Now, does this grace give us permission to continue living in sin? Of course not! God’s forgiveness is our invitation into a life free from the powers of sin.

This is why God gave His people commandments: to protect us from temptation so we can live a life marked by repentance.

Through Jesus, we walk with the God who forgives.

Reflection:

What failures have kept you away from resting in God’s forgiveness?

Prayer:

God, thank You for forgiving me for my failure and my sins. Please guide me in the new life Jesus won for me so that I may honor You in all I say and do. Amen.