Making a Deal with God

Exodus 33:7-34:8

We reach the dramatic conclusion of the golden calf story. God has just told Moses to lead the people, but that God will not go out with them. Our passage covers a fascinating conversation between Moses and God where Moses asks God to not only remain with him and the people of Israel, but to also show Moses His glory. God does both of those things, revealing a classic and often repeated self description of God. This story shows us the depth of intimacy we should pursue with God, but it also confronts us with the mindbending reality of God's compassion and grace set alongside his truth and justice. How can it be that a holy God would dwell with an unholy people? The mediation of Moses, yes. But it is only fully & finally made possible through the glory and goodness of God revealed and fulfilled in Christ.