Exodus 19

Mark Twain is given credit as saying, “Some people are troubled by the things in the Bible they can’t understand. The things that trouble me are the things I can understand.” There is some debate as to whether these words originated with Mark Twain, but the reality is the point he was making is undeniable. What this statement alludes to is that “doing” what we know God wants us to do is often a great challenge that we face. In Exodus 19 God was clear about his will for the people. They were to be a “kingdom of priest and a holy nation” for God. We do not have to name specific things to understand what that means. When the people heard what God wanted they responded by saying, “All that the Lord has spoken we will do” (verse 8). Their response was the correct response and the easy response to say. However, it will not be long before this same group of people are bowing down worshipping a golden calf. The unfortunate truth is we have often done the same. It may not be a golden calf that we bow to, but we have bowed to money, to prestige, and to pleasures of all kind. Like Israel we have suffered for it. Let me remind you there is a hope for when we fail to be who God wants us to be. The hope is God himself. In 1 Peter 5:10 we are told, ” And after you have suffered a little while, the God of all grace, who has called you to his eternal glory in Christ, will himself restore, confirm, strengthen, and establish you.” The God of all grace will himself restore you. Let’s make every effort to do what we know God wants us to do, but if you fail be sure to repent and turn to the God of grace and be restored.