February 10, 2010
Exodus 32:26 - "Let anyone who wants to follow the LORD come to me."
The Levites who responded yes to that command were asked to go throughout the camp and kill family, friends, and neighbors—to get rid of those who were doing evil. Moses told them they would be blessed because of their willingness to do what God asked. It wasn't that they were willing to kill.* The key is they were willing to serve; willing to do whatever the LORD asked; willing to follow the LORD. And, they were blessed because of it.
God wants our willing obedience. Every step taken on the path of disobedience takes you farther away from God and every step taken on the path of disobedience makes it harder to turn back. You have to turn away from before you can turn to. God's blessings are waiting if you turn. God's punishment is waiting if you do not.
Exodus 32:33 - "I will erase from my book the names of the people who sin against me."
Exodus 32:34 - "When the time comes to punish, I will punish them for their sin."
Addendum: 9/27/13 ~ The Old Testament contains graphic details of a very different time. We don't live in those times. God will never ask any of us to hurt another human being. Never. The New Testament contains Jesus' words of love, peace, and forgiveness. We are to follow Jesus' example. Willing to follow Jesus and breaking God's commands don't go together. It is oil and water. It is not up to us to avenge, seek revenge, or harm another human being. God is the only one who has the right and authority to avenge. Jesus paid the debt for all of mankind. It is not our place to put another person in bondage when Jesus gave his life to set them free.
Next Entry: Exodus 32:1 – 34:35 (Continued)
Exodus 32:26 - "Let anyone who wants to follow the LORD come to me."
The Levites who responded yes to that command were asked to go throughout the camp and kill family, friends, and neighbors—to get rid of those who were doing evil. Moses told them they would be blessed because of their willingness to do what God asked. It wasn't that they were willing to kill.* The key is they were willing to serve; willing to do whatever the LORD asked; willing to follow the LORD. And, they were blessed because of it.
God wants our willing obedience. Every step taken on the path of disobedience takes you farther away from God and every step taken on the path of disobedience makes it harder to turn back. You have to turn away from before you can turn to. God's blessings are waiting if you turn. God's punishment is waiting if you do not.
Exodus 32:33 - "I will erase from my book the names of the people who sin against me."
Exodus 32:34 - "When the time comes to punish, I will punish them for their sin."
Addendum: 9/27/13 ~ The Old Testament contains graphic details of a very different time. We don't live in those times. God will never ask any of us to hurt another human being. Never. The New Testament contains Jesus' words of love, peace, and forgiveness. We are to follow Jesus' example. Willing to follow Jesus and breaking God's commands don't go together. It is oil and water. It is not up to us to avenge, seek revenge, or harm another human being. God is the only one who has the right and authority to avenge. Jesus paid the debt for all of mankind. It is not our place to put another person in bondage when Jesus gave his life to set them free.
Next Entry: Exodus 32:1 – 34:35 (Continued)
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