The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him and what came to my heart and mind in Exodus 24:3,
"When Moses went and told the people all the Lord's words and laws, they responded with one voice, 'Everything the Lord has said we will do.'"
Famous last words! The Lord brought Israel to the foot of Mt. Sinai, gave them laws to live by and promised them a land of their own, "I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the desert to the Euphrates River. I will give into your hands the people who live in the land, and you will drive them out before you." Exodus 23:31. Israel considered the offer and wholeheartedly entered into a covenant, or agreement with God. In verse 24:7 we read, "Then he [Moses] took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, 'We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.'"
The Lord offered to enter into an agreement with Israel. Here is a question, did the Lord need to make an agreement with the Israelites to find out if they would keep it?
Some fail to understand that our Creator exists outside the dimension of time. Of course God knew they would not keep their part of the bargain. The fact that God knew ahead of time has nothing to do with him causing them to fail to keep their word. From his existence outside the boundaries of time and space, he knows all things. He does not have to cause things to happen to know the future, he simply looks. A big problem for some who simply cannot grasp the reality of God not being bound within the dimensions of time and space.
Yes, God knew ahead of time Israel would not keep their end of the covenant. And, his knowing ahead of time does not exonerate the Israelites. Subject to the whims of their collective sinful nature, Israel turned their back on God in rebellion to chase whatever fancies their sinful nature dictated. God didn't cause the Israelites to disobey, they chose to do so with a volition their Creator himself gave them.
So, why does God place before man (it is not just Israel, it is all mankind) laws that he knows ahead of time they will not keep? Is it to keep them from doing wrong, is it to make them behave? Hardly. Mankind, in his sinful rebellion inherited from the fall in the garden of Eden, will never be able to live their lives pleasing to God on their own. It is just this very perplexing state of things that drives mankind to the feet of God's mercy. It is this very state of things that drives mankind to recognize their need of a savior. It is this very state of things that prompts mankind to call out to God and reach out to him. Paul, using himself as an example, portrays this very thing in Romans 7:14-25. Before encountering Jesus Christ, in his very best efforts of attempting to keep the law God has given, he is driven in desperation to cry out, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"
"When Moses went and told the people all the Lord's words and laws, they responded with one voice, 'Everything the Lord has said we will do.'"
Famous last words! The Lord brought Israel to the foot of Mt. Sinai, gave them laws to live by and promised them a land of their own, "I will establish your borders from the Red Sea to the Mediterranean Sea, and from the desert to the Euphrates River. I will give into your hands the people who live in the land, and you will drive them out before you." Exodus 23:31. Israel considered the offer and wholeheartedly entered into a covenant, or agreement with God. In verse 24:7 we read, "Then he [Moses] took the Book of the Covenant and read it to the people. They responded, 'We will do everything the Lord has said; we will obey.'"
The Lord offered to enter into an agreement with Israel. Here is a question, did the Lord need to make an agreement with the Israelites to find out if they would keep it?
Some fail to understand that our Creator exists outside the dimension of time. Of course God knew they would not keep their part of the bargain. The fact that God knew ahead of time has nothing to do with him causing them to fail to keep their word. From his existence outside the boundaries of time and space, he knows all things. He does not have to cause things to happen to know the future, he simply looks. A big problem for some who simply cannot grasp the reality of God not being bound within the dimensions of time and space.
Yes, God knew ahead of time Israel would not keep their end of the covenant. And, his knowing ahead of time does not exonerate the Israelites. Subject to the whims of their collective sinful nature, Israel turned their back on God in rebellion to chase whatever fancies their sinful nature dictated. God didn't cause the Israelites to disobey, they chose to do so with a volition their Creator himself gave them.
So, why does God place before man (it is not just Israel, it is all mankind) laws that he knows ahead of time they will not keep? Is it to keep them from doing wrong, is it to make them behave? Hardly. Mankind, in his sinful rebellion inherited from the fall in the garden of Eden, will never be able to live their lives pleasing to God on their own. It is just this very perplexing state of things that drives mankind to the feet of God's mercy. It is this very state of things that drives mankind to recognize their need of a savior. It is this very state of things that prompts mankind to call out to God and reach out to him. Paul, using himself as an example, portrays this very thing in Romans 7:14-25. Before encountering Jesus Christ, in his very best efforts of attempting to keep the law God has given, he is driven in desperation to cry out, "What a wretched man I am! Who will rescue me from this body that is subject to death?"
It is only when those who desire God recognize the need we have for his mercy that we will reach out to be saved.
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just respond and let me know.
Trevor Fisk
trevor.fisk@gmail.com
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