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GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS WAS THE ONLY HOPE
THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 2
Deuteronomy 9:16-25

Proverbs 24:8-9

 

“The thought of foolishness is sin…”

 

GOD’S LOVINGKINDNESS WAS THE ONLY HOPE
 
Only God could exercise His lovingkindness and show the way forward. Moses said that the Lord hearkened to his prayer and saved Israel from destruction. Aaron who became the ring leader of the rebellion was also in for destruction. This was going to be a great disaster and Moses prayed for Aaron also. It was also necessary to get rid of that idol very quickly. Moses told them how he destroyed the idol: “And I took your sin, the calf which ye had made, and burnt it with fire, and stamped it, and ground it very small, even until it was as small as dust: and I cast the dust thereof into the brook that descended out of the mount” (Deut 9:21). It was a painful exercise trying to put things right but Moses knew that he had to act. He stood alone against the multitude. He did not only stand alone, he also sought to bear the burden of the people. There might have been a few who agreed with him but were afraid of the multitude. Joshua (who later became the successor of Moses) was not among those who made the idol but his position was insignificant in the midst of the great multitude. Nevertheless, Moses was determined to overcome that tragic event.
 
Israel also sinned in Taberah, Massah and Kibrothhattaavah. Moses was here referring to another rebellion during the Exodus which is recorded in Numbers 11:1-4. The people had complained and it displeased the Lord and His anger was kindled and fire came and burned those who were at the uttermost part of the camp. They cried unto Moses. When Moses prayed, the fire was quenched. Because of that fire, the place was called Taberah, meaning a burning. Massah and Meribah, named together, mean testing and strife. This refers to the time when Israel did not have water and they contended with Moses. In this testing, God told Moses to smite a rock and the water came out, and the people quenched their thirst. Kibrothhattaavah means graves of lust. God’s lovingkindness also saved the day. This was a comfort to Moses.
 
THOUGHT: Wise thoughts yield the fruit of the Spirit.

PRAYER: Father, I thank Thee that Thy grace is our assurance.

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