WEBVTT 00:00:00.000 --> 00:00:09.279 Good morning, church. 00:00:11.599 --> 00:00:12.500 All right. 00:00:13.080 --> 00:00:26.719 Turn with me in your Bible to Exodus chapter 33, page 73, if you are looking in the Pew 00:00:26.719 --> 00:00:27.039 Bible. 00:00:30.000 --> 00:00:35.859 We're going to be looking at a long section, starting at chapter 33, verse 1, and going 00:00:35.859 --> 00:00:41.140 through chapter 34, verse 28, but I'm going to start by just reading the first six verses 00:00:41.140 --> 00:00:43.039 of chapter 33. 00:00:47.000 --> 00:00:55.200 The Lord said to Moses, depart, go up from here, you and the people whom you have brought up 00:00:55.200 --> 00:01:01.460 out of the land of Egypt, to the land of which I swore to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, saying, 00:01:02.060 --> 00:01:04.079 to your offspring I will give it. 00:01:05.359 --> 00:01:11.120 I will send an angel before you, and I will drive out the Canaanites, the Amorites, the 00:01:11.120 --> 00:01:14.300 Hittites, the Perizzites, the Hivites, and the Jebusites. 00:01:14.299 --> 00:01:21.399 Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey, but I will not go up among you, lest I consume 00:01:21.399 --> 00:01:24.179 you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people. 00:01:25.079 --> 00:01:30.640 When the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned, and no one put on his ornaments. 00:01:31.799 --> 00:01:36.439 For the Lord had said to Moses, say to the people of Israel, you are a stiff-necked people. 00:01:36.439 --> 00:01:41.359 If for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you. 00:01:42.560 --> 00:01:46.920 So now take off your ornaments that I may know what to do with you. 00:01:47.759 --> 00:01:53.039 Therefore, the people of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments from Mount Horeb onward. 00:01:54.759 --> 00:01:59.140 How do we go forward after we've blown it? 00:02:00.840 --> 00:02:04.620 How do we move on after we've failed? 00:02:04.620 --> 00:02:13.580 Last week, Pastor Nick looked at the incident of the golden calf in chapter 32 about the nature of sin, 00:02:14.560 --> 00:02:20.680 how sin is rooted in idolatry and our response to sin, and how only Christ can atone for our sin. 00:02:21.680 --> 00:02:26.159 But this week, the focus of the passage is not just how to deal with sin in the moment, 00:02:26.500 --> 00:02:29.520 when it's first exposed and brought to light. 00:02:30.040 --> 00:02:34.439 It's about how do we go forward in the weeks and months and years to come. 00:02:34.620 --> 00:02:40.659 For some of you, you can think back to a time and place where you know you really messed up. 00:02:42.180 --> 00:02:44.879 Maybe you told off your boss and got fired. 00:02:45.780 --> 00:02:48.939 Or you broke the law, and now you have a criminal record. 00:02:49.819 --> 00:02:53.240 Or you mistreated a friend and lost a close friendship. 00:02:54.180 --> 00:02:56.580 Or you started using drugs, and then you got addicted, 00:02:56.580 --> 00:02:58.880 and things went downhill from there. 00:02:59.960 --> 00:03:04.900 Or you knew that someone vulnerable was being taken advantage of, and you did nothing. 00:03:07.140 --> 00:03:09.600 Maybe you publicly denied Christ like Peter did. 00:03:11.280 --> 00:03:15.500 Maybe you violated your marriage covenant by committing adultery. 00:03:15.500 --> 00:03:22.900 Or maybe you didn't physically commit adultery, but you did something deeply wrong that broke the trust 00:03:22.900 --> 00:03:24.840 between you and your spouse. 00:03:26.919 --> 00:03:31.360 And ever since then, you've been living in the aftermath of your own failure and sin. 00:03:33.560 --> 00:03:35.560 Maybe you dwell on it and get depressed. 00:03:35.719 --> 00:03:38.240 Maybe you try to forget about it and just live in the present. 00:03:38.240 --> 00:03:41.120 Maybe you try to fix it and make up for it. 00:03:41.460 --> 00:03:47.280 But deep down, you know that the course of your life and maybe others has been marked by your failure. 00:03:50.020 --> 00:03:56.360 Now, for others of you, the course of your life might not be marked by prominent, obvious failures. 00:03:57.280 --> 00:03:58.300 At least not yet. 00:03:58.300 --> 00:04:01.939 But every one of us have sinned. 00:04:03.420 --> 00:04:06.560 In thought, word, and deed, and in what we have left undone. 00:04:06.800 --> 00:04:13.000 And whether or not the consequences seem life-altering, we all live in the aftermath of our own failure and sin. 00:04:14.800 --> 00:04:16.180 Whether it's large or small. 00:04:17.319 --> 00:04:18.699 And how do we go forward? 00:04:19.620 --> 00:04:22.480 That's this question that this text deals with. 00:04:22.480 --> 00:04:25.900 The Israelites were at the beginning of chapter 33. 00:04:25.899 --> 00:04:27.359 God says to Moses, depart. 00:04:27.959 --> 00:04:28.479 Go up. 00:04:28.799 --> 00:04:29.539 Time to leave. 00:04:29.620 --> 00:04:31.879 You're not going to stay here at Mount Sinai forever. 00:04:32.039 --> 00:04:34.599 You need to keep going toward the promised land. 00:04:36.419 --> 00:04:39.819 And for those of us who are Christians, we're not heading toward the land of Canaan, 00:04:39.899 --> 00:04:45.579 but we are on a journey to the heavenly city, to the place where we will see God's face. 00:04:46.319 --> 00:04:51.179 And Hebrews 12 urges us to lay aside every weight, everything that weighs us down, 00:04:51.180 --> 00:04:57.780 and the sin that clings so closely, that is, that trips us up and let us run with endurance the race that is set before us, 00:04:57.840 --> 00:05:01.360 looking to Jesus, the author and perfecter of faith. 00:05:01.819 --> 00:05:07.439 So today we're going to look at the Israelites' process of finding a way forward after one of their greatest failures, 00:05:07.939 --> 00:05:11.180 after they had veered completely off course and fallen on their face. 00:05:11.180 --> 00:05:18.819 And we'll also see how in Jesus Christ God makes a way forward for everyone who looks to Him, 00:05:19.720 --> 00:05:22.180 however you may have failed in the past. 00:05:23.439 --> 00:05:25.920 Now we're looking at a long section of Exodus today. 00:05:26.019 --> 00:05:27.540 I want to look at it in three parts. 00:05:28.160 --> 00:05:32.280 First, verses 1 to 6 that we've just read, we'll see the way not to go forward. 00:05:32.279 --> 00:05:38.919 And then in the middle section, 33.7 to 34.9, we'll see the search for a better way forward. 00:05:39.719 --> 00:05:44.279 And then in 34.10 to 28, we'll see that God makes a way forward. 00:05:45.039 --> 00:05:49.039 The way not to go forward, the search for a better way forward, God makes a way. 00:05:49.739 --> 00:05:50.639 So let's jump in. 00:05:50.699 --> 00:05:54.319 First, the way not to go forward, verses 1 to 6, the section we just read. 00:05:54.759 --> 00:05:57.259 There are two things that we learn in this section. 00:05:57.739 --> 00:06:01.099 And the first thing that we learn in this section is that moving on with life, 00:06:01.100 --> 00:06:05.240 but staying distant from the Lord is never a good option. 00:06:06.760 --> 00:06:08.120 God says, go up from here. 00:06:09.000 --> 00:06:13.560 I'll send an angel before you to fight your battles and clear the land for you. 00:06:13.960 --> 00:06:16.280 Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. 00:06:16.780 --> 00:06:17.379 And you know what? 00:06:17.439 --> 00:06:18.780 All that sounds pretty good. 00:06:20.260 --> 00:06:20.680 Right? 00:06:20.939 --> 00:06:28.080 Protection from enemies, victory in battles, prosperity in the land sounds like many of the things that we want. 00:06:28.079 --> 00:06:37.079 But then, verse 3, God says, but I won't go up among you, lest I consume you on the way. 00:06:40.180 --> 00:06:42.079 See, God is a just God. 00:06:42.599 --> 00:06:44.740 He's a consuming fire of holiness. 00:06:46.019 --> 00:06:52.199 And a consuming fire of holiness cannot dwell in the midst of a sinful, corrupt, idol-worshiping people. 00:06:52.199 --> 00:06:55.300 A consuming fire and pure gold can coexist forever. 00:06:57.300 --> 00:07:02.740 But a consuming fire and a pile of trash will coexist for less than a minute. 00:07:04.659 --> 00:07:06.480 And then it will be a pile of ashes. 00:07:07.920 --> 00:07:09.099 Idolatry corrupts. 00:07:09.579 --> 00:07:12.180 And a holy God cannot dwell in the midst of corruption. 00:07:12.180 --> 00:07:21.959 And so, in one sense, we see God's mercy here in not in distancing himself from the people in order to not immediately destroy them. 00:07:22.939 --> 00:07:27.420 Verse 5, God says, if for a single moment I should go up among you, I would consume you. 00:07:30.199 --> 00:07:37.960 But notice the people's response to this proposal, to this word. 00:07:37.959 --> 00:07:42.500 Note at verse 4, when the people heard this disastrous word, they mourned. 00:07:43.399 --> 00:07:44.839 And no one put on his ornaments. 00:07:46.719 --> 00:07:48.500 And this is the right response. 00:07:50.740 --> 00:07:56.779 God had said, I'll give you everything you could want in this world, but you won't have me among you anymore. 00:07:57.779 --> 00:08:02.279 You'll have all kinds of blessings, but you won't have closeness and intimacy with me. 00:08:03.500 --> 00:08:04.819 And the people mourned. 00:08:04.819 --> 00:08:08.839 Because why had God brought them out of Egypt in the first place? 00:08:10.199 --> 00:08:17.300 Not just so they could be prominent and prosperous, but so they might worship him and belong to him and be his people forever. 00:08:17.420 --> 00:08:19.620 And anything less than that would be a disaster. 00:08:21.339 --> 00:08:27.240 It's actually a very good sign that the people won't be satisfied with anything less than the presence of God himself among them. 00:08:29.219 --> 00:08:31.480 John Piper asked this probing question. 00:08:31.480 --> 00:08:49.080 He said, if you could have heaven with no sickness, with all the friends you ever had on earth, and all the food you ever liked, and all the leisure activities you ever enjoyed, and all the natural beauties you ever saw, 00:08:49.860 --> 00:08:58.899 all the physical pleasures you ever tasted, and no human conflict or any natural disasters, could you be satisfied with heaven if Jesus Christ were not there? 00:08:58.899 --> 00:09:06.620 Now, some of us would have trouble answering that question. 00:09:08.220 --> 00:09:15.000 Because in our heart, we love all kinds of things in this world, as much as or even more than Jesus Christ himself. 00:09:15.000 --> 00:09:23.059 But brothers and sisters, I hope that you can say in response to that question, absolutely not. 00:09:24.159 --> 00:09:27.460 Everything else in the world minus Jesus is emptiness. 00:09:28.379 --> 00:09:31.720 Even the promised land is not a paradise apart from the Lord. 00:09:32.700 --> 00:09:36.500 Moving on with life but staying distant from the Lord is not a good option. 00:09:36.500 --> 00:09:44.179 But the second thing we learn from this first section is that in order to get close with God again, 00:09:45.019 --> 00:09:48.059 we need to mourn over our sin like the people did here. 00:09:50.200 --> 00:09:56.620 You see, the people mourned because their sin had created this massive gap between them and God. 00:09:56.620 --> 00:10:04.419 And we too need to recognize how massively sin disrupts our communion with God. 00:10:06.460 --> 00:10:07.659 Even as Christians. 00:10:07.779 --> 00:10:15.039 Now, under the new covenant, the covenant of Jesus Christ, the blood of Christ atones for all sin. 00:10:15.139 --> 00:10:18.620 So, God's children are still God's children even when they sin. 00:10:18.779 --> 00:10:19.440 But you know what? 00:10:19.440 --> 00:10:24.740 When we sin, especially when we sin willfully and repeatedly and without repenting, 00:10:25.620 --> 00:10:29.560 our fellowship with our heavenly Father becomes obstructed. 00:10:31.000 --> 00:10:34.100 Our joy in the Holy Spirit can sometimes be removed. 00:10:35.080 --> 00:10:36.940 Our prayers can be hindered. 00:10:38.280 --> 00:10:40.700 One example of this is 1 Peter 3, 7. 00:10:40.800 --> 00:10:41.080 It says, 00:10:41.080 --> 00:10:46.520 Husbands, live with your wives in an understanding way, showing honor to them, 00:10:46.940 --> 00:10:49.240 so that your prayers may not be hindered. 00:10:49.440 --> 00:10:58.040 Husbands, neglecting your wife or treating her harshly may stop your prayers from being answered until you repent. 00:11:01.420 --> 00:11:04.620 The effects of sin, whatever it is, are serious. 00:11:08.820 --> 00:11:13.720 See, sometimes Christians who have really messed up try to move on too quickly. 00:11:13.720 --> 00:11:22.639 Without examining and confessing and mourning over their sin and its consequences. 00:11:24.080 --> 00:11:30.600 Without digging below the surface of their heart to expose those deep idols that Pastor Nick talked about last week. 00:11:30.600 --> 00:11:33.240 Jesus said, 00:11:33.240 --> 00:11:35.700 Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. 00:11:35.720 --> 00:11:39.740 That is not primarily talking about people who are grieving the loss of a loved one. 00:11:40.940 --> 00:11:44.659 Jesus was talking about life in God's kingdom and how it begins with being humble, 00:11:44.759 --> 00:11:49.120 being poor in spirit, and mourning over our sin and its consequences. 00:11:49.120 --> 00:12:19.100 Jesus said, 00:12:19.100 --> 00:12:49.080 Jesus said, 00:12:49.080 --> 00:12:51.820 Close with the Lord again after our sin and failure. 00:12:52.080 --> 00:12:55.520 We need to begin by mourning over our sin. 00:12:58.860 --> 00:13:00.340 But that's not the end of the story. 00:13:02.020 --> 00:13:07.379 In these verses, we see the way not to go forward, but then in the next section, we see the search for a better way forward. 00:13:08.560 --> 00:13:09.960 Chapter 33, verse 7. 00:13:09.960 --> 00:13:17.000 Now, Moses used to take the tent and pitch it outside the camp, far off from the camp, and he called it the tent of meeting. 00:13:18.200 --> 00:13:22.259 And everyone who sought the Lord would go out to the tent of meeting, which was outside the camp. 00:13:24.000 --> 00:13:29.180 Now, in this section, we see God's mercy in drawing one step closer to the people. 00:13:29.179 --> 00:13:32.179 Moses pitches a tent outside the camp. 00:13:32.179 --> 00:13:37.939 Verse 11 tells us that there, God spoke to Moses face to face as a man speaks to his friend. 00:13:37.940 --> 00:13:44.840 Now, the people didn't go into the tent with Moses, but they watched him from a distance. 00:13:45.820 --> 00:13:50.700 And those who wanted to could go out to the tent and presumably could inquire of Moses. 00:13:50.860 --> 00:13:54.640 Moses would then go into the Lord and come back with the word of the Lord with guidance for them. 00:13:54.639 --> 00:14:04.199 So, we see God's mercy in that God is one step closer, but we also see God's justice in that the people's sin still hinders their fellowship with the Lord. 00:14:05.259 --> 00:14:10.279 When God instructed Moses to build the tabernacle, he said, put it right in the middle of the camp. 00:14:11.019 --> 00:14:12.399 Everything else is around it. 00:14:12.460 --> 00:14:20.799 In other words, God's presence is right in the midst of the people, dwelling among them, flowing over into everything that they do. 00:14:20.799 --> 00:14:26.359 But here, the tent of meeting is outside the camp, far off from the camp. 00:14:27.079 --> 00:14:30.379 God is present with Moses, but not in the midst of the people. 00:14:31.879 --> 00:14:37.439 And further, the function of this tent of meeting was much more limited than the tabernacle. 00:14:38.059 --> 00:14:39.240 There were no sacrifices. 00:14:39.759 --> 00:14:41.779 There was no role for the Levites and priests. 00:14:41.859 --> 00:14:44.179 It was much smaller and more stripped down. 00:14:45.219 --> 00:14:50.039 In other words, compared to God not going up among the people at all, this was a step in the right direction. 00:14:50.799 --> 00:14:53.539 But it still wasn't a great way forward. 00:14:55.219 --> 00:14:56.519 Moses recognized this. 00:14:57.120 --> 00:15:00.819 And starting in verse 12, we see Moses interceding on behalf of the people. 00:15:00.919 --> 00:15:02.339 So, let's look down at verse 12. 00:15:04.299 --> 00:15:05.519 Moses said to the Lord, 00:15:05.519 --> 00:15:12.120 See, you say to me, bring up this people, but you have not let me know whom you will send with me. 00:15:13.240 --> 00:15:17.519 Yet you have said, I know you by name, and you have also found favor in my sight. 00:15:17.600 --> 00:15:21.879 Now, therefore, if I have found favor in your sight, please show me now your ways, 00:15:22.519 --> 00:15:25.500 that I may know you in order to find favor in your sight. 00:15:26.159 --> 00:15:29.220 Consider, too, that this nation is your people. 00:15:29.220 --> 00:15:33.399 And he said, the Lord said, 00:15:33.399 --> 00:15:36.959 My presence will go with you, and I will give you rest. 00:15:37.899 --> 00:15:38.819 And Moses said to him, 00:15:38.879 --> 00:15:42.519 If your presence will not go with us, do not bring us up from here. 00:15:43.699 --> 00:15:47.539 For how shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight, I and your people? 00:15:47.620 --> 00:15:51.299 Is it not in your going with us, so that we are distinct, I and your people, 00:15:51.379 --> 00:15:53.419 from every other people on the face of the earth? 00:15:53.419 --> 00:15:55.419 And the Lord said to Moses, 00:15:55.579 --> 00:15:57.360 This very thing that you have spoken, I will do, 00:15:57.459 --> 00:16:00.159 for you have found favor in my sight, and I know you by name. 00:16:00.240 --> 00:16:00.779 Moses said, 00:16:01.339 --> 00:16:02.959 Please show me your glory. 00:16:04.399 --> 00:16:05.740 So there are three requests. 00:16:07.079 --> 00:16:08.740 Verses 12 to 13, Moses says, 00:16:08.839 --> 00:16:10.019 Please show me your ways. 00:16:10.799 --> 00:16:13.059 Verses 15 and 16, he basically says, 00:16:13.159 --> 00:16:14.139 Go with us. 00:16:14.740 --> 00:16:16.120 And then verse 18, he says, 00:16:16.199 --> 00:16:17.179 Please show me your glory. 00:16:17.279 --> 00:16:19.159 And then if you look at 34 verse 9, 00:16:19.539 --> 00:16:20.779 Moses makes another request, 00:16:20.779 --> 00:16:23.019 Please let the Lord go in the midst of us. 00:16:23.480 --> 00:16:25.019 And pardon our iniquity and sin, 00:16:25.059 --> 00:16:26.259 And take us for your inheritance. 00:16:28.059 --> 00:16:28.860 Now you might ask, 00:16:28.919 --> 00:16:32.039 What's going on in this conversation between Moses and the Lord? 00:16:32.779 --> 00:16:34.860 With Moses' four requests. 00:16:35.360 --> 00:16:37.419 Is Moses asking for four different things? 00:16:38.220 --> 00:16:40.100 Or is he just asking for one thing? 00:16:40.740 --> 00:16:42.399 And if he's just asking for one thing, 00:16:42.439 --> 00:16:44.240 Why doesn't he come out and say it in the beginning? 00:16:44.319 --> 00:16:46.120 And why this back and forth and back and forth? 00:16:47.899 --> 00:16:50.240 Well, let me give a bit of cultural context, 00:16:50.240 --> 00:16:51.360 which might help us here. 00:16:53.019 --> 00:16:55.840 In the majority culture in America, 00:16:56.840 --> 00:17:01.720 the expectation is that if you approach someone in authority with a request, 00:17:02.159 --> 00:17:06.720 you should ask them directly and straightforwardly for exactly what you want. 00:17:07.379 --> 00:17:08.539 Don't beat around the bush. 00:17:08.980 --> 00:17:09.900 Get right to the point. 00:17:11.180 --> 00:17:14.059 But that's not the way it works in many other cultures, 00:17:14.160 --> 00:17:16.700 including many minority cultures within the United States. 00:17:16.700 --> 00:17:22.740 And so sometimes this presents challenges in a workplace or in a family or in a church like ours 00:17:22.740 --> 00:17:26.019 where we have people from a lot of different ethnic and cultural backgrounds. 00:17:28.019 --> 00:17:31.680 Some of us who tend to communicate more directly and up front, 00:17:31.779 --> 00:17:34.759 and some of us who tend to communicate more indirectly and slowly. 00:17:34.759 --> 00:17:41.039 And so sometimes we need to work hard at listening well and at communicating clearly 00:17:41.039 --> 00:17:45.619 because communication doesn't naturally happen in a cross-cultural setting. 00:17:46.559 --> 00:17:48.440 In the ancient Near Eastern culture, 00:17:48.779 --> 00:17:56.259 the expectation was that you don't ask someone in authority directly and up front for exactly what you want. 00:17:56.799 --> 00:18:03.799 Instead, you start by politely and respectfully asking for something that the person in authority is likely to agree with. 00:18:03.799 --> 00:18:11.419 And then little by little, you might ask for more and more until you finally get to the point that you were really hoping for. 00:18:11.680 --> 00:18:13.859 But you take it slowly, one step at a time. 00:18:14.700 --> 00:18:17.839 And that seems to be how Moses approaches God here. 00:18:18.960 --> 00:18:22.599 It's a long conversation, but Moses is really getting at one thing. 00:18:24.180 --> 00:18:26.000 Lord, don't just go with me. 00:18:26.639 --> 00:18:27.559 Go with us. 00:18:28.779 --> 00:18:31.319 That's what he's getting at in this whole long conversation. 00:18:31.440 --> 00:18:32.519 So let me show you that a bit. 00:18:32.519 --> 00:18:37.759 Back in chapter 32, verse 10, the Lord had said to Moses, 00:18:38.599 --> 00:18:45.539 Let me alone that I may destroy this people and start a new people with you alone. 00:18:46.480 --> 00:18:49.039 And Moses says, Lord, please no. 00:18:50.299 --> 00:18:53.900 Please don't destroy the people that you brought out of Egypt. 00:18:54.039 --> 00:18:55.599 Don't leave them now. 00:18:55.599 --> 00:19:02.359 And here in verses, chapter 33, verse 12, Moses says a similar thing. 00:19:02.419 --> 00:19:04.939 He says, Lord, you told me to bring up this people. 00:19:06.359 --> 00:19:08.719 And you've told me that you're pleased with me. 00:19:09.919 --> 00:19:12.519 So Moses reminds God of what God has already said. 00:19:12.679 --> 00:19:16.619 And then he asks God on that basis, please show me your ways. 00:19:16.779 --> 00:19:18.980 In other words, please show me the way forward. 00:19:18.980 --> 00:19:22.740 And then at the end, he hints at what he's really getting at. 00:19:22.839 --> 00:19:24.980 Consider, too, that this nation is your people. 00:19:26.220 --> 00:19:31.079 See, he's really asking on behalf of the people, even though he doesn't come out and say it directly from the start. 00:19:34.299 --> 00:19:36.940 And in verse 14, we see God's initial answer. 00:19:37.720 --> 00:19:39.200 God's initial answer is, 00:19:39.200 --> 00:19:44.799 Now, the you there is singular. 00:19:46.500 --> 00:19:49.720 So I think most likely it's actually referring to Moses himself. 00:19:50.200 --> 00:19:51.120 God is saying to Moses, 00:19:51.960 --> 00:19:52.960 I will go with you, Moses. 00:19:53.900 --> 00:19:54.920 I'll take care of you. 00:19:55.000 --> 00:19:55.700 You'll be all right. 00:19:56.960 --> 00:19:58.100 I'll give you rest. 00:19:58.259 --> 00:20:00.160 Rest most likely refers to the promised land. 00:20:00.259 --> 00:20:01.220 You're good. 00:20:02.360 --> 00:20:04.039 In other words, Moses, I'll take care of you. 00:20:04.100 --> 00:20:05.720 And Moses isn't satisfied with that. 00:20:05.759 --> 00:20:06.759 He says, no, Lord. 00:20:07.600 --> 00:20:09.120 If your presence, verse 15, 00:20:09.799 --> 00:20:11.660 Now, the ESV in verse 15 says, 00:20:11.799 --> 00:20:15.880 If your presence will not go with me, do not bring us up from here. 00:20:16.440 --> 00:20:19.920 But the words with me are not actually in the Hebrew text. 00:20:20.080 --> 00:20:20.799 Literally, it says, 00:20:20.920 --> 00:20:24.799 If your presence will not go, don't bring us up from here. 00:20:25.400 --> 00:20:29.259 So most other English translations say something like, 00:20:29.340 --> 00:20:31.220 If your presence won't go with us, 00:20:31.740 --> 00:20:32.720 interpreting it that way, 00:20:32.759 --> 00:20:34.400 or if you won't go yourself, 00:20:34.680 --> 00:20:36.960 which seems to make better sense in the context. 00:20:36.960 --> 00:20:41.360 You see, Moses is not worried that God isn't going to go with him. 00:20:42.600 --> 00:20:47.140 Moses' concern is that God is not going to go with all the people. 00:20:47.140 --> 00:20:51.860 And we see this very clearly in verse 16, 00:20:51.860 --> 00:20:55.120 where Moses links his destiny with that of the people. 00:20:55.200 --> 00:20:55.540 He said, 00:20:55.880 --> 00:20:56.280 He says, 00:20:56.360 --> 00:20:58.360 Is it not in your going with us? 00:20:59.960 --> 00:21:00.360 Sorry. 00:21:00.359 --> 00:21:03.539 How shall it be known that I have found favor in your sight? 00:21:03.679 --> 00:21:05.019 I and your people. 00:21:05.919 --> 00:21:08.379 Is it not in your going with us so that we are distinct? 00:21:08.539 --> 00:21:09.959 I and your people. 00:21:11.759 --> 00:21:14.339 Moses is pleading with God on behalf of the people. 00:21:14.439 --> 00:21:15.879 He's standing with the people and saying, 00:21:15.959 --> 00:21:17.659 God, don't leave them and take me. 00:21:19.099 --> 00:21:20.119 Take us. 00:21:20.119 --> 00:21:23.279 Have mercy on us. 00:21:23.799 --> 00:21:25.719 And in verse 17, God says, 00:21:26.399 --> 00:21:27.099 Request granted. 00:21:28.539 --> 00:21:29.699 And then in verse 18, 00:21:29.779 --> 00:21:31.339 Moses asks for further assurance. 00:21:31.479 --> 00:21:32.719 Please show me your glory. 00:21:33.059 --> 00:21:36.939 I don't think Moses is just asking for a deeper personal experience of God, 00:21:37.079 --> 00:21:38.239 valuable as that may be. 00:21:38.399 --> 00:21:40.239 I think Moses is asking for a sign, 00:21:40.339 --> 00:21:40.899 a confirmation, 00:21:41.279 --> 00:21:42.259 an assurance that, 00:21:42.519 --> 00:21:44.359 yes, God will do what He just said He would. 00:21:46.019 --> 00:21:47.299 And that's what Moses gets. 00:21:47.299 --> 00:21:48.899 Verse 19, God says, 00:21:49.019 --> 00:21:51.399 I will make all my goodness pass before you 00:21:51.399 --> 00:21:53.960 and will proclaim before you my name, the Lord. 00:21:56.619 --> 00:21:58.619 And that's what God does in chapter 34. 00:21:59.480 --> 00:22:00.399 God tells Moses, 00:22:00.579 --> 00:22:02.519 go up to the top of Mount Sinai. 00:22:03.639 --> 00:22:06.240 And if you look down at chapter 34, verse 5, 00:22:06.319 --> 00:22:08.839 God does exactly what He promised back in 33, 19. 00:22:09.019 --> 00:22:09.259 It says, 00:22:09.339 --> 00:22:12.839 The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with Him there 00:22:12.839 --> 00:22:15.940 and proclaimed the name of the Lord. 00:22:17.299 --> 00:22:18.599 And verse 8, 00:22:18.680 --> 00:22:21.659 Moses quickly bowed his head toward the earth and worshiped. 00:22:22.919 --> 00:22:23.740 And then he says, 00:22:23.839 --> 00:22:25.240 If now I have found favor in your sight, 00:22:25.319 --> 00:22:26.659 please go in the midst of us. 00:22:27.500 --> 00:22:28.200 Forgive our sin. 00:22:28.299 --> 00:22:29.279 Take us for your inheritance. 00:22:31.159 --> 00:22:33.419 You see, that's what Moses is getting at all along. 00:22:33.519 --> 00:22:35.000 Now, what do we take away 00:22:35.000 --> 00:22:38.039 from this long back-and-forth dialogue 00:22:38.039 --> 00:22:39.339 between Moses and the Lord? 00:22:40.279 --> 00:22:42.619 The search for a better way forward. 00:22:42.619 --> 00:22:43.779 Now, in one sense, 00:22:43.859 --> 00:22:45.859 this is not a simple question to answer 00:22:45.859 --> 00:22:49.059 because the point of this story 00:22:49.059 --> 00:22:50.879 is not that we imitate Moses 00:22:50.879 --> 00:22:54.819 in all of the details of his interactions with the Lord. 00:22:56.479 --> 00:22:58.299 We can appreciate what Moses did 00:22:58.299 --> 00:22:59.339 on behalf of the Israelites, 00:22:59.559 --> 00:23:02.299 but our situation is not identical to his, 00:23:02.719 --> 00:23:04.839 and so we can't just take everything 00:23:04.839 --> 00:23:07.299 and directly map it onto our own lives. 00:23:07.299 --> 00:23:11.059 But I think there are at least two broad takeaways 00:23:11.059 --> 00:23:11.960 from this section. 00:23:13.379 --> 00:23:15.399 First, the importance of a mediator. 00:23:17.119 --> 00:23:20.859 The people can't find a good way forward by themselves. 00:23:23.240 --> 00:23:25.379 See, the people had really messed up. 00:23:25.440 --> 00:23:26.119 They had failed. 00:23:26.700 --> 00:23:27.559 They had sinned. 00:23:27.639 --> 00:23:30.200 And sin always distorts our perspective. 00:23:31.019 --> 00:23:33.879 Our perspective is already limited as finite creatures, 00:23:33.880 --> 00:23:38.060 and sin further blinds and distorts our view of ourselves 00:23:38.060 --> 00:23:39.720 and of God and of the world. 00:23:40.020 --> 00:23:40.920 And so all by themselves, 00:23:41.020 --> 00:23:42.160 the people of Israel could not, 00:23:42.260 --> 00:23:44.760 were not capable of discerning a good way forward 00:23:44.760 --> 00:23:46.920 in the aftermath of their sin. 00:23:48.720 --> 00:23:52.160 They needed Moses to stand in the gap for them. 00:23:52.260 --> 00:23:55.060 They needed someone to intercede for them with God. 00:23:56.520 --> 00:23:59.940 And similarly, if you have fallen into serious sin, 00:24:00.460 --> 00:24:02.000 if you've really messed up, 00:24:02.000 --> 00:24:05.359 you can't just figure out how to go forward all by yourself. 00:24:07.339 --> 00:24:10.019 This is not a DIY job. 00:24:10.480 --> 00:24:11.119 Do it yourself. 00:24:12.259 --> 00:24:14.019 There are some things around my house 00:24:14.019 --> 00:24:16.819 that if they break, I can fix them. 00:24:18.160 --> 00:24:21.059 But there are plenty of things that if they break, 00:24:21.099 --> 00:24:22.119 I'm calling the plumber, 00:24:22.339 --> 00:24:23.640 or I'm calling the electrician, 00:24:23.720 --> 00:24:24.720 or I'm calling the roofer. 00:24:25.839 --> 00:24:28.440 Because otherwise, I will make even more of a mess 00:24:28.440 --> 00:24:29.460 trying to fix something 00:24:29.460 --> 00:24:31.460 that I don't know how to fix by myself. 00:24:32.000 --> 00:24:34.160 And spiritually speaking, there's a parallel. 00:24:35.420 --> 00:24:37.259 Some things in our spiritual house, 00:24:37.460 --> 00:24:39.059 we can learn to fix on our own 00:24:39.059 --> 00:24:40.940 by the power of the indwelling Holy Spirit 00:24:40.940 --> 00:24:42.579 and with the help of the Word of God 00:24:42.579 --> 00:24:43.960 and our personal prayer. 00:24:44.799 --> 00:24:46.579 But when the problem is serious, 00:24:47.359 --> 00:24:48.420 or when it's chronic, 00:24:49.380 --> 00:24:51.119 or when it gets really complex, 00:24:51.519 --> 00:24:53.460 you need to call a professional for help. 00:24:53.460 --> 00:24:55.600 And I don't just mean a pastor, 00:24:56.079 --> 00:24:59.340 but somebody else who's spiritually mature, 00:25:00.640 --> 00:25:03.000 someone who will tell you what you need to hear 00:25:03.000 --> 00:25:04.600 and not just what you want to hear, 00:25:05.600 --> 00:25:07.640 someone who can help you see things 00:25:07.640 --> 00:25:09.980 that you can't or won't see on your own, 00:25:10.840 --> 00:25:15.039 someone who can pray through it along with you. 00:25:15.039 --> 00:25:21.139 James 5 says, 00:25:21.220 --> 00:25:22.839 confess your sins to one another 00:25:22.839 --> 00:25:25.839 and pray for each other so that you may be healed. 00:25:26.799 --> 00:25:28.720 That doesn't mean that everyone in the church 00:25:28.720 --> 00:25:29.960 needs to know all the details 00:25:29.960 --> 00:25:31.399 of your past sins and failures. 00:25:32.940 --> 00:25:34.960 But it does mean that we better be open 00:25:34.960 --> 00:25:37.039 with somebody in the body of Christ 00:25:37.039 --> 00:25:38.720 who can know the truth 00:25:38.720 --> 00:25:41.119 and who can be praying for us and with us. 00:25:41.119 --> 00:25:44.519 You see, the sad thing is some Christians 00:25:44.519 --> 00:25:46.539 rarely or never ask for help 00:25:46.539 --> 00:25:48.099 in this kind of way. 00:25:49.899 --> 00:25:51.079 They say things like, 00:25:51.679 --> 00:25:55.079 my marriage has been terrible for the last 10 years, 00:25:55.379 --> 00:25:57.319 but I know what I need to do. 00:25:58.019 --> 00:25:59.299 I've messed up in the past. 00:25:59.819 --> 00:26:01.459 Don't worry, I'll fix it. 00:26:01.839 --> 00:26:02.159 Really? 00:26:04.479 --> 00:26:06.199 Or they say, I don't have a problem. 00:26:06.299 --> 00:26:07.019 I'm just fine. 00:26:08.239 --> 00:26:10.299 Well, why does your wife think you have a problem? 00:26:11.119 --> 00:26:11.799 Or your roommate? 00:26:12.359 --> 00:26:13.359 Or your best friend? 00:26:16.239 --> 00:26:18.859 You see, we need other people who can help us, 00:26:19.859 --> 00:26:22.859 who can shed light on what we can't see on our own. 00:26:25.059 --> 00:26:28.099 But you know, there's one mediator 00:26:28.099 --> 00:26:29.759 that we need more than any other person 00:26:29.759 --> 00:26:32.859 because there's only one person who can save us, 00:26:33.379 --> 00:26:35.199 and that is Jesus Christ. 00:26:35.859 --> 00:26:37.699 The Bible says He is the one mediator 00:26:37.699 --> 00:26:39.299 between God and humanity. 00:26:39.299 --> 00:26:42.899 If you've been trying to get yourself right with God 00:26:42.899 --> 00:26:44.519 by your own efforts, 00:26:44.519 --> 00:26:47.319 or if you're looking for someone else to save you 00:26:47.319 --> 00:26:49.779 and to rescue you and to justify you 00:26:49.779 --> 00:26:51.019 and to make it all right, 00:26:51.159 --> 00:26:52.779 it's never going to work. 00:26:54.099 --> 00:26:55.700 Jesus Christ is the only one 00:26:55.700 --> 00:26:57.779 who can reconcile sinful human beings 00:26:57.779 --> 00:26:59.339 to a holy and righteous God. 00:26:59.639 --> 00:27:00.659 Are you trusting Him 00:27:00.659 --> 00:27:02.799 as your mediator? 00:27:02.799 --> 00:27:06.599 Second, we also see in this section 00:27:06.599 --> 00:27:08.000 not just the importance of a mediator, 00:27:08.099 --> 00:27:09.339 but also the importance of prayer. 00:27:11.539 --> 00:27:13.039 There are many places in the Bible 00:27:13.039 --> 00:27:15.579 that show us and tell us 00:27:15.579 --> 00:27:17.119 about the sovereignty of God, 00:27:17.659 --> 00:27:20.019 that God knows the end from the beginning, 00:27:20.180 --> 00:27:21.379 and because of that, 00:27:21.440 --> 00:27:23.919 we should praise Him and rest in Him. 00:27:25.180 --> 00:27:26.539 But at the same time, 00:27:27.180 --> 00:27:29.019 right here in this story, 00:27:29.119 --> 00:27:31.099 which is part of the holy Word of God, 00:27:31.099 --> 00:27:32.839 we see that God is portrayed 00:27:32.839 --> 00:27:34.719 as changing His mind, 00:27:36.339 --> 00:27:38.359 relenting from His righteous wrath 00:27:38.359 --> 00:27:40.299 and granting mercy to His people 00:27:40.299 --> 00:27:42.199 in response to Moses' bold 00:27:42.199 --> 00:27:43.500 and persistent prayer. 00:27:45.599 --> 00:27:47.619 And this too is an important part 00:27:47.619 --> 00:27:49.139 of the biblical picture of God, 00:27:49.199 --> 00:27:51.539 which we ought not to quickly neglect 00:27:51.539 --> 00:27:53.459 or dismiss or explain away 00:27:53.459 --> 00:27:55.799 in a zeal to protect the sovereignty of God. 00:27:55.799 --> 00:27:58.500 Yes, this story is told 00:27:58.500 --> 00:27:59.700 from a human perspective. 00:28:00.319 --> 00:28:02.980 It's not showing us God's mind 00:28:02.980 --> 00:28:04.180 from all eternity. 00:28:05.460 --> 00:28:06.639 It doesn't contradict 00:28:06.639 --> 00:28:07.839 the other parts of Scripture 00:28:07.839 --> 00:28:09.899 that affirm the sovereignty 00:28:09.899 --> 00:28:11.940 and all-knowingness of God. 00:28:12.740 --> 00:28:14.500 But still, this is an important part 00:28:14.500 --> 00:28:16.059 of how God has chosen 00:28:16.059 --> 00:28:17.639 to reveal Himself to us, 00:28:17.839 --> 00:28:19.419 that in the story of our lives, 00:28:19.480 --> 00:28:20.659 He wants us to approach Him 00:28:20.659 --> 00:28:22.059 with boldness and persistence, 00:28:22.659 --> 00:28:24.579 that God is personal, 00:28:24.579 --> 00:28:26.220 He hears and responds 00:28:26.220 --> 00:28:27.019 to our prayers. 00:28:28.220 --> 00:28:29.740 God is not just a force. 00:28:30.259 --> 00:28:31.419 He's not just an idea. 00:28:31.599 --> 00:28:32.559 He's not just a feeling. 00:28:32.679 --> 00:28:33.939 He's not just a list of attributes. 00:28:34.339 --> 00:28:35.419 He's a personal God, 00:28:35.500 --> 00:28:36.599 and prayer matters. 00:28:38.319 --> 00:28:39.319 So, brothers and sisters, 00:28:39.399 --> 00:28:40.639 if we want to see God move 00:28:40.639 --> 00:28:42.519 in mercy in our city, 00:28:43.079 --> 00:28:44.539 if we want to see God renew 00:28:44.539 --> 00:28:45.599 and grow our church, 00:28:46.359 --> 00:28:48.139 if we've messed up 00:28:48.139 --> 00:28:50.159 and we're looking for a way forward, 00:28:50.259 --> 00:28:51.240 we need to pray. 00:28:51.240 --> 00:28:51.339 Amen. 00:28:54.579 --> 00:28:55.819 So, we've seen the way 00:28:55.819 --> 00:28:56.759 not to go forward. 00:28:57.460 --> 00:28:58.399 We've seen the search 00:28:58.399 --> 00:28:59.379 for a better way forward. 00:28:59.480 --> 00:29:00.939 And finally, we see in 34, 00:29:01.240 --> 00:29:02.179 10 to 28, 00:29:02.859 --> 00:29:05.199 God makes a way forward. 00:29:06.079 --> 00:29:07.779 34, verse 10, God says, 00:29:07.859 --> 00:29:09.500 Behold, I am making a covenant. 00:29:10.379 --> 00:29:11.599 And then in verse 27, 00:29:11.679 --> 00:29:12.359 He concludes, 00:29:13.079 --> 00:29:14.460 I have made a covenant 00:29:14.460 --> 00:29:17.980 with you and with Israel. 00:29:19.419 --> 00:29:21.079 You see, in making the golden calf, 00:29:21.159 --> 00:29:22.199 the Israelites had broken 00:29:22.199 --> 00:29:22.980 God's covenant. 00:29:22.980 --> 00:29:24.000 Spiritually speaking, 00:29:24.099 --> 00:29:25.720 it's as if they had committed adultery 00:29:25.720 --> 00:29:28.039 after vowing faithfulness to God 00:29:28.039 --> 00:29:29.259 just a few weeks prior. 00:29:30.019 --> 00:29:32.180 But here we see God restores the covenant 00:29:32.180 --> 00:29:34.039 that was broken by the people's sin. 00:29:34.519 --> 00:29:35.539 God takes them back. 00:29:35.640 --> 00:29:36.680 He claims them as His own, 00:29:36.740 --> 00:29:37.360 and He promises, 00:29:37.799 --> 00:29:39.299 I will go forward with you 00:29:39.299 --> 00:29:41.319 as my covenant people. 00:29:42.640 --> 00:29:44.920 But we also see that God doesn't change 00:29:44.920 --> 00:29:47.200 or relax any of the demands 00:29:47.200 --> 00:29:48.360 of the agreement 00:29:48.360 --> 00:29:50.279 that He had previously made with them. 00:29:50.279 --> 00:29:54.440 If you scan down at verse 11 to 26, 00:29:54.740 --> 00:29:56.279 most of that is a restatement 00:29:56.279 --> 00:29:58.420 of what we've already seen 00:29:58.420 --> 00:30:00.639 in the Ten Commandments in chapter 20 00:30:00.639 --> 00:30:02.839 and in the covenant laws of chapter 23. 00:30:04.039 --> 00:30:04.720 And specifically, 00:30:04.960 --> 00:30:06.099 this section emphasizes 00:30:06.099 --> 00:30:07.819 what the people forgot 00:30:07.819 --> 00:30:09.059 and disobeyed 00:30:09.059 --> 00:30:10.279 in the course of building, 00:30:10.519 --> 00:30:11.920 of worshiping the golden calf. 00:30:12.000 --> 00:30:13.940 So, it emphasizes worshiping God alone 00:30:13.940 --> 00:30:15.200 and not any idols. 00:30:15.259 --> 00:30:17.639 That's the main idea of verse 11 to 17. 00:30:17.640 --> 00:30:21.580 And it emphasizes celebrating their feasts 00:30:21.580 --> 00:30:22.600 unto the Lord 00:30:22.600 --> 00:30:24.660 and not unto anyone else 00:30:24.660 --> 00:30:25.360 or anything else. 00:30:25.420 --> 00:30:27.340 That's the emphasis of verse 18 to 26. 00:30:28.840 --> 00:30:31.000 So, again, we see here God is merciful. 00:30:31.520 --> 00:30:32.640 He takes His people back. 00:30:32.720 --> 00:30:34.440 He restores the covenant that they broke. 00:30:35.180 --> 00:30:36.400 But God is also just. 00:30:37.220 --> 00:30:39.680 He will not tolerate ongoing faithlessness 00:30:39.680 --> 00:30:42.020 and disobedience in the lives of His people. 00:30:42.240 --> 00:30:44.120 His call is always for us to be holy. 00:30:44.119 --> 00:30:47.339 And that's what we've seen 00:30:47.339 --> 00:30:48.219 throughout this section, 00:30:48.319 --> 00:30:51.239 that the God who makes a way forward for us 00:30:51.239 --> 00:30:54.739 is the God of mercy and justice. 00:30:56.759 --> 00:30:58.179 He's the God of mercy. 00:30:58.279 --> 00:30:59.539 We've seen in verse 1 to 6, 00:30:59.579 --> 00:31:00.779 He's the God of second chances. 00:31:01.159 --> 00:31:03.139 He doesn't immediately destroy His people. 00:31:04.159 --> 00:31:06.119 He's the God who hears and answers prayer 00:31:06.119 --> 00:31:07.579 in the middle section 00:31:07.579 --> 00:31:09.939 when Moses stands in the gap for the people. 00:31:10.059 --> 00:31:11.239 And here we see He's the God 00:31:11.239 --> 00:31:13.099 who restores broken covenants. 00:31:13.099 --> 00:31:15.359 And takes His people back. 00:31:16.599 --> 00:31:18.879 But again, we also see He's the God of justice. 00:31:19.599 --> 00:31:21.740 God doesn't just sweep things under the rug. 00:31:22.379 --> 00:31:24.199 He doesn't just pretend it never happened. 00:31:25.839 --> 00:31:27.179 That's why at first He said 00:31:27.179 --> 00:31:28.459 He wouldn't go up among the people. 00:31:28.719 --> 00:31:31.359 He wanted them to realize the gravity of their sin. 00:31:33.480 --> 00:31:35.459 And that's why He didn't immediately come back 00:31:35.459 --> 00:31:36.500 in the center of the camp, 00:31:37.240 --> 00:31:39.319 but provided a way for Moses and others 00:31:39.319 --> 00:31:40.759 to seek Him outside the camp. 00:31:40.759 --> 00:31:43.900 And that's why God reminded His people once again 00:31:43.900 --> 00:31:46.940 in verse 11 to 26 what He expected of them. 00:31:48.460 --> 00:31:49.839 You see, when we've blown it 00:31:49.839 --> 00:31:52.539 and when we're looking for a way forward, 00:31:52.640 --> 00:31:56.099 we need the God of mercy and justice. 00:31:56.099 --> 00:31:59.699 If we've messed up, 00:31:59.740 --> 00:32:02.179 justice without mercy does us no good 00:32:02.179 --> 00:32:03.599 because it leaves us either hopeless 00:32:03.599 --> 00:32:05.259 in the face of our sin 00:32:05.259 --> 00:32:08.379 or it leaves us in denial about the extent of it. 00:32:10.980 --> 00:32:12.379 And if you're on the other side, 00:32:12.439 --> 00:32:13.659 if you've been wronged, 00:32:14.399 --> 00:32:16.599 justice without mercy is not the answer either. 00:32:16.599 --> 00:32:20.119 Because in the hands of human beings, 00:32:20.199 --> 00:32:21.859 a desire for justice without mercy 00:32:21.859 --> 00:32:23.639 almost never ends in justice. 00:32:25.179 --> 00:32:27.939 It almost always turns into revenge 00:32:27.939 --> 00:32:30.500 or bitterness or cynicism, 00:32:31.299 --> 00:32:34.399 becoming hardened to the humanity of the offender, 00:32:35.199 --> 00:32:36.519 closed to any possibility 00:32:36.519 --> 00:32:38.579 that God could be working to change them. 00:32:38.579 --> 00:32:42.179 Miroslav Volf wrote, 00:32:42.279 --> 00:32:43.559 Forgiveness flounders 00:32:43.559 --> 00:32:45.659 because I exclude the enemy 00:32:45.659 --> 00:32:47.240 from the community of humans 00:32:47.240 --> 00:32:49.379 even as I exclude myself 00:32:49.379 --> 00:32:50.659 from the community of sinners. 00:32:52.059 --> 00:32:52.859 In other words, 00:32:52.980 --> 00:32:54.899 seeking justice without mercy 00:32:54.899 --> 00:32:56.059 is not the way forward. 00:32:57.099 --> 00:32:59.139 But mercy without justice isn't any better. 00:33:01.639 --> 00:33:03.240 Showing mercy without accountability 00:33:03.240 --> 00:33:04.660 and without truth 00:33:04.660 --> 00:33:06.880 in the face of destructive sin 00:33:06.880 --> 00:33:08.259 is just enabling. 00:33:08.740 --> 00:33:10.180 It's not actually mercy. 00:33:10.579 --> 00:33:13.259 Mercy without justice isn't mercy. 00:33:15.120 --> 00:33:16.359 But the God of the Bible 00:33:16.359 --> 00:33:17.900 is a God of mercy and justice. 00:33:18.839 --> 00:33:19.799 That's what we need 00:33:19.799 --> 00:33:21.440 and that's who we need to go forward. 00:33:24.420 --> 00:33:26.319 That's exactly how God reveals Himself 00:33:26.319 --> 00:33:28.779 back in chapter 34, verses 6 and 7. 00:33:28.880 --> 00:33:30.319 I skipped over these verses earlier, 00:33:30.460 --> 00:33:32.259 but they're some of the most important verses 00:33:32.259 --> 00:33:33.079 in the whole Bible. 00:33:33.920 --> 00:33:36.220 Because they're echoed 40 times 00:33:36.220 --> 00:33:38.000 in the rest of the Old Testament, 00:33:38.140 --> 00:33:39.819 probably more than any other 00:33:39.819 --> 00:33:41.920 single statement in the Old Testament. 00:33:42.400 --> 00:33:44.299 These verses are quoted many times 00:33:44.299 --> 00:33:46.120 and echoed in many other places 00:33:46.120 --> 00:33:47.759 throughout the history of Israel 00:33:47.759 --> 00:33:49.960 about who God is. 00:33:50.039 --> 00:33:51.599 The Lord, the Lord, 00:33:51.700 --> 00:33:52.539 a God merciful, 00:33:53.240 --> 00:33:54.660 cares about us in our misery, 00:33:54.799 --> 00:33:55.559 a God gracious. 00:33:55.740 --> 00:33:57.099 He loves us despite our sin, 00:33:57.160 --> 00:33:58.359 a God slow to anger, 00:33:59.059 --> 00:34:00.259 patient and forbearing, 00:34:00.440 --> 00:34:00.940 abounding, 00:34:00.940 --> 00:34:02.259 that is overflowing 00:34:02.259 --> 00:34:04.220 in steadfast love and faithfulness. 00:34:04.279 --> 00:34:05.160 That word translated 00:34:05.160 --> 00:34:06.059 steadfast love 00:34:06.059 --> 00:34:07.160 is a rich word. 00:34:07.740 --> 00:34:09.639 Hesed, meaning covenant loyalty, 00:34:10.159 --> 00:34:10.940 loving kindness. 00:34:11.099 --> 00:34:12.579 God is constant and loyal. 00:34:12.940 --> 00:34:14.780 He keeps steadfast love 00:34:14.780 --> 00:34:15.539 for thousands 00:34:15.539 --> 00:34:18.360 or even for a thousand generations 00:34:18.360 --> 00:34:19.599 that might be translated 00:34:19.599 --> 00:34:21.179 or as it is, 00:34:21.440 --> 00:34:22.619 that's explicitly said 00:34:22.619 --> 00:34:23.679 for a thousand generations 00:34:23.679 --> 00:34:25.300 in Deuteronomy 7, 9. 00:34:25.820 --> 00:34:26.920 Forgiving iniquity 00:34:26.920 --> 00:34:28.099 and transgression and sin, 00:34:28.219 --> 00:34:29.480 all kinds of failures. 00:34:29.599 --> 00:34:30.500 God forgives. 00:34:30.500 --> 00:34:32.400 When God forgives, 00:34:32.460 --> 00:34:33.980 He doesn't forgive reluctantly 00:34:33.980 --> 00:34:36.519 or against His nature, right? 00:34:36.559 --> 00:34:37.599 He's not just showing 00:34:37.599 --> 00:34:38.719 outward politeness 00:34:38.719 --> 00:34:39.659 but on the inside 00:34:39.659 --> 00:34:41.380 holding resentment against us. 00:34:42.179 --> 00:34:43.300 That's how sometimes 00:34:43.300 --> 00:34:44.360 we pretend to forgive. 00:34:44.820 --> 00:34:46.079 God doesn't pretend to forgive. 00:34:46.940 --> 00:34:47.679 God's character 00:34:47.679 --> 00:34:50.099 is merciful and forgiving. 00:34:50.980 --> 00:34:52.719 But He's also the God of justice. 00:34:53.659 --> 00:34:54.639 He will by no means 00:34:54.639 --> 00:34:55.400 clear the guilty. 00:34:56.460 --> 00:34:57.539 God doesn't just let us 00:34:57.539 --> 00:34:58.059 off the hook. 00:34:58.159 --> 00:34:59.219 He doesn't just dispense 00:34:59.219 --> 00:34:59.759 with justice. 00:34:59.879 --> 00:35:01.059 He doesn't say sin 00:35:01.059 --> 00:35:01.939 doesn't matter 00:35:01.939 --> 00:35:02.879 or it's okay. 00:35:03.319 --> 00:35:04.839 In fact, God will punish sin 00:35:04.839 --> 00:35:05.639 over and over 00:35:05.639 --> 00:35:06.959 for as long as it takes, 00:35:07.899 --> 00:35:09.000 even for three or four 00:35:09.000 --> 00:35:10.139 successive generations. 00:35:11.939 --> 00:35:13.359 Says the rest of verse 7. 00:35:16.179 --> 00:35:17.179 Visiting the iniquity 00:35:17.179 --> 00:35:17.739 of the fathers 00:35:17.739 --> 00:35:18.339 on the children 00:35:18.339 --> 00:35:19.299 and the children's children 00:35:19.299 --> 00:35:19.839 to the third 00:35:19.839 --> 00:35:20.759 and fourth generation. 00:35:20.859 --> 00:35:21.500 What does that mean? 00:35:22.519 --> 00:35:23.259 Sinful patterns 00:35:23.259 --> 00:35:24.379 tend to be passed down 00:35:24.379 --> 00:35:25.199 from one generation 00:35:25.199 --> 00:35:25.759 to another. 00:35:26.699 --> 00:35:27.879 And children who continue 00:35:27.879 --> 00:35:29.139 in the sins of their parents 00:35:29.139 --> 00:35:30.159 are not off the hook 00:35:30.159 --> 00:35:31.500 just because they learn 00:35:31.500 --> 00:35:32.579 to sin from their parents. 00:35:33.659 --> 00:35:34.819 But notice the contrast. 00:35:34.960 --> 00:35:35.799 God will punish sin 00:35:35.799 --> 00:35:37.099 to the third or fourth generation 00:35:37.099 --> 00:35:38.259 for as long as it takes, 00:35:38.319 --> 00:35:39.319 for as long as He must, 00:35:39.699 --> 00:35:41.500 but He will keep 00:35:41.500 --> 00:35:42.559 steadfast love 00:35:42.559 --> 00:35:44.019 for a thousand generations. 00:35:45.259 --> 00:35:45.940 God's desire 00:35:45.940 --> 00:35:47.379 is not that any should perish, 00:35:47.480 --> 00:35:48.319 but that all should come 00:35:48.319 --> 00:35:48.819 to repentance. 00:35:50.699 --> 00:35:51.879 He's the God of mercy 00:35:51.879 --> 00:35:54.339 and He's the God of justice. 00:35:54.340 --> 00:35:56.980 That's what we see 00:35:56.980 --> 00:35:59.019 in that reading with Peter, 00:35:59.180 --> 00:36:00.220 with Jesus and Peter 00:36:00.220 --> 00:36:02.600 that we read earlier 00:36:02.600 --> 00:36:03.640 in the service. 00:36:04.360 --> 00:36:05.680 See the same pattern, right? 00:36:05.680 --> 00:36:07.480 Jesus, Peter had denied Jesus 00:36:07.480 --> 00:36:08.340 three times 00:36:08.340 --> 00:36:10.780 and Jesus came to him 00:36:10.780 --> 00:36:12.019 and asked him 00:36:12.019 --> 00:36:14.000 three painful questions. 00:36:14.160 --> 00:36:15.340 Simon, son of John, 00:36:15.460 --> 00:36:16.480 do you love me? 00:36:17.880 --> 00:36:18.680 Three times, 00:36:19.440 --> 00:36:20.260 reminding Peter 00:36:20.260 --> 00:36:21.320 of the three times 00:36:21.320 --> 00:36:22.360 that Peter had failed. 00:36:22.360 --> 00:36:24.400 Jesus didn't pretend 00:36:24.400 --> 00:36:25.480 that nothing went wrong. 00:36:26.140 --> 00:36:27.240 Jesus didn't make excuses 00:36:27.240 --> 00:36:27.720 for Peter. 00:36:27.820 --> 00:36:28.300 He didn't say, 00:36:28.380 --> 00:36:29.079 ah, no big deal, 00:36:29.140 --> 00:36:29.760 don't worry about it, 00:36:29.780 --> 00:36:30.900 we'll just let the past 00:36:30.900 --> 00:36:31.599 be the past 00:36:31.599 --> 00:36:32.720 and look on to the future. 00:36:33.200 --> 00:36:34.620 No, He took Peter 00:36:34.620 --> 00:36:35.380 right back 00:36:35.380 --> 00:36:36.559 to the place 00:36:36.559 --> 00:36:37.519 of His greatest failure 00:36:37.519 --> 00:36:37.920 and sin. 00:36:37.960 --> 00:36:38.480 He even built 00:36:38.480 --> 00:36:39.420 a charcoal fire. 00:36:39.539 --> 00:36:40.599 There's only two places 00:36:40.599 --> 00:36:41.980 where a charcoal fire 00:36:41.980 --> 00:36:43.320 appears in the Gospel of John. 00:36:44.059 --> 00:36:44.740 It's when Peter 00:36:44.740 --> 00:36:45.680 was standing outside 00:36:45.680 --> 00:36:47.099 and warming himself 00:36:47.099 --> 00:36:48.120 by the charcoal fire 00:36:48.120 --> 00:36:49.200 and he denied Jesus 00:36:49.200 --> 00:36:50.280 and it's when Jesus 00:36:50.280 --> 00:36:51.300 built the charcoal fire 00:36:51.300 --> 00:36:51.800 on the beach 00:36:51.800 --> 00:36:52.440 and cooked breakfast 00:36:52.440 --> 00:36:52.920 for him 00:36:52.920 --> 00:36:53.860 and then had this 00:36:53.860 --> 00:36:54.820 conversation with Peter. 00:36:56.539 --> 00:36:57.240 Jesus took him 00:36:57.240 --> 00:36:57.880 right back 00:36:57.880 --> 00:37:00.820 but He took him back 00:37:00.820 --> 00:37:02.340 in order to show him 00:37:02.340 --> 00:37:03.840 that He had a way forward 00:37:03.840 --> 00:37:04.519 for him. 00:37:06.720 --> 00:37:07.280 He said, 00:37:07.600 --> 00:37:08.320 feed my sheep. 00:37:09.100 --> 00:37:10.100 Follow me. 00:37:10.360 --> 00:37:10.920 And by the way, 00:37:10.980 --> 00:37:12.019 don't worry about John. 00:37:12.740 --> 00:37:13.320 What am I going to do 00:37:13.320 --> 00:37:13.640 with him? 00:37:13.640 --> 00:37:15.060 Don't compare yourself 00:37:15.060 --> 00:37:15.840 to somebody else. 00:37:15.840 --> 00:37:20.300 Some of you have been 00:37:20.300 --> 00:37:22.000 in ministry 00:37:22.000 --> 00:37:23.340 or in Christian leadership 00:37:23.340 --> 00:37:23.860 positions 00:37:23.860 --> 00:37:25.140 and you've failed. 00:37:27.160 --> 00:37:28.120 And maybe you think 00:37:28.120 --> 00:37:28.539 you're done 00:37:28.539 --> 00:37:30.300 with meaningful service 00:37:30.300 --> 00:37:31.160 in the kingdom of God. 00:37:32.920 --> 00:37:33.880 That's not true. 00:37:35.500 --> 00:37:37.340 You might need to deal 00:37:37.340 --> 00:37:39.059 with some painful questions. 00:37:39.059 --> 00:37:42.079 You might need to mourn 00:37:42.079 --> 00:37:42.719 over your sin 00:37:42.719 --> 00:37:43.299 more deeply. 00:37:44.500 --> 00:37:45.239 You might need 00:37:45.239 --> 00:37:46.400 to confess more openly. 00:37:47.799 --> 00:37:48.500 You might need 00:37:48.500 --> 00:37:49.079 to make amends 00:37:49.079 --> 00:37:50.079 to those whom you have hurt. 00:37:51.840 --> 00:37:52.579 That process 00:37:52.579 --> 00:37:53.519 will probably take longer 00:37:53.519 --> 00:37:54.279 than you want it to 00:37:54.279 --> 00:37:56.519 but there's a way forward 00:37:56.519 --> 00:37:57.320 for you to find 00:37:57.320 --> 00:37:58.059 renewed joy 00:37:58.059 --> 00:37:58.940 in your salvation 00:37:58.940 --> 00:38:01.000 and even to be restored 00:38:01.000 --> 00:38:01.559 to a place 00:38:01.559 --> 00:38:02.440 of meaningful service 00:38:02.440 --> 00:38:03.320 in the kingdom of God. 00:38:03.320 --> 00:38:10.860 Whatever your sin 00:38:10.860 --> 00:38:12.059 or failure is 00:38:12.059 --> 00:38:14.420 that you're looking back on, 00:38:16.180 --> 00:38:16.880 the way forward 00:38:16.880 --> 00:38:17.519 always begins 00:38:17.519 --> 00:38:18.539 at the cross of Christ. 00:38:20.480 --> 00:38:21.440 Because at the cross 00:38:21.440 --> 00:38:22.480 we see God's justice. 00:38:22.660 --> 00:38:23.280 We see that Jesus 00:38:23.280 --> 00:38:23.960 had to die 00:38:23.960 --> 00:38:24.580 in order for us 00:38:24.580 --> 00:38:25.080 to be saved. 00:38:25.160 --> 00:38:25.980 There was no other way 00:38:25.980 --> 00:38:26.940 to pay for our sin 00:38:26.940 --> 00:38:28.600 and yet we see His mercy 00:38:28.600 --> 00:38:29.960 that He was willing 00:38:29.960 --> 00:38:30.620 in His love 00:38:30.620 --> 00:38:31.600 to die for sinners 00:38:31.600 --> 00:38:32.460 like us. 00:38:32.460 --> 00:38:33.980 We see God's justice 00:38:33.980 --> 00:38:35.099 that our sin was condemned 00:38:35.099 --> 00:38:36.059 in the flesh of Jesus 00:38:36.059 --> 00:38:37.220 and we see God's mercy 00:38:37.220 --> 00:38:38.539 that because of Christ 00:38:38.539 --> 00:38:39.260 we are justified 00:38:39.260 --> 00:38:40.519 and we are free. 00:38:44.199 --> 00:38:45.119 Whatever the nature 00:38:45.119 --> 00:38:46.019 of your failure, 00:38:46.139 --> 00:38:46.860 the path forward 00:38:46.860 --> 00:38:47.639 always begins 00:38:47.639 --> 00:38:48.320 at the cross 00:38:48.320 --> 00:38:49.720 and at the empty tomb 00:38:49.720 --> 00:38:50.960 because that's how 00:38:50.960 --> 00:38:51.659 Jesus made a way 00:38:51.659 --> 00:38:52.500 forward for us. 00:38:56.400 --> 00:38:57.079 Let's pray. 00:39:00.780 --> 00:39:01.720 Father, we pray 00:39:01.719 --> 00:39:04.619 that you would 00:39:04.619 --> 00:39:08.819 help us to see you 00:39:08.819 --> 00:39:09.679 as the God of mercy 00:39:09.679 --> 00:39:10.539 and justice 00:39:10.539 --> 00:39:12.779 and to grapple with you. 00:39:14.239 --> 00:39:15.059 We thank you 00:39:15.059 --> 00:39:15.619 that you are a God 00:39:15.619 --> 00:39:16.359 who makes a way. 00:39:17.639 --> 00:39:18.419 You are a God 00:39:18.419 --> 00:39:18.839 who makes 00:39:18.839 --> 00:39:20.819 a way forward. 00:39:21.459 --> 00:39:22.299 Lord, not a way 00:39:22.299 --> 00:39:23.239 for us to be 00:39:23.239 --> 00:39:25.759 blessed in earthly terms 00:39:25.759 --> 00:39:27.379 but to be distant 00:39:27.379 --> 00:39:27.959 from you 00:39:27.960 --> 00:39:30.380 and not even 00:39:30.380 --> 00:39:32.099 that you would 00:39:32.099 --> 00:39:33.659 continue to hang 00:39:33.659 --> 00:39:34.559 around the outskirts 00:39:34.559 --> 00:39:35.400 of our lives 00:39:35.400 --> 00:39:38.019 and that we can go 00:39:38.019 --> 00:39:38.780 to you periodically 00:39:38.780 --> 00:39:40.039 but that you can come 00:39:40.039 --> 00:39:42.039 that our fellowship 00:39:42.039 --> 00:39:42.720 with you, 00:39:42.920 --> 00:39:43.860 our communion 00:39:43.860 --> 00:39:44.300 with you 00:39:44.300 --> 00:39:45.179 can be restored. 00:39:47.579 --> 00:39:48.539 That we can know 00:39:48.539 --> 00:39:49.980 that you are our God 00:39:49.980 --> 00:39:51.039 and we are your people 00:39:51.039 --> 00:39:54.220 because of your son 00:39:54.220 --> 00:39:54.880 Jesus Christ, 00:39:54.980 --> 00:39:56.260 because he is our mediator, 00:39:56.260 --> 00:39:57.760 because he has paid 00:39:57.760 --> 00:39:58.720 the cost for our sin 00:39:58.720 --> 00:39:59.280 on the cross, 00:39:59.320 --> 00:40:00.260 because he has triumphed 00:40:01.100 --> 00:40:02.060 over the grave 00:40:02.060 --> 00:40:03.660 in his resurrection. 00:40:06.720 --> 00:40:07.460 God, we pray 00:40:07.460 --> 00:40:08.360 that you would give us 00:40:08.360 --> 00:40:13.240 both help us 00:40:13.240 --> 00:40:13.680 to mourn 00:40:13.680 --> 00:40:14.620 in the face of our sin 00:40:14.620 --> 00:40:15.420 but give us joy 00:40:15.420 --> 00:40:16.180 in our salvation. 00:40:17.060 --> 00:40:17.680 Give us hope 00:40:17.680 --> 00:40:18.320 for the future. 00:40:20.480 --> 00:40:21.160 Lord, help us 00:40:21.160 --> 00:40:22.040 not to get stuck 00:40:22.039 --> 00:40:23.679 in a place 00:40:23.679 --> 00:40:24.199 of sin 00:40:24.199 --> 00:40:24.880 and shame 00:40:24.880 --> 00:40:28.420 but that we would 00:40:28.420 --> 00:40:28.980 go forward 00:40:28.980 --> 00:40:29.860 looking to Jesus 00:40:29.860 --> 00:40:30.980 and run the race 00:40:30.980 --> 00:40:31.500 that you have set 00:40:31.500 --> 00:40:32.019 before us 00:40:32.019 --> 00:40:32.559 with endurance. 00:40:33.320 --> 00:40:33.840 We pray this 00:40:33.840 --> 00:40:34.539 in Jesus' name. 00:40:34.779 --> 00:40:35.059 Amen. 00:40:35.059 --> 00:40:35.159 Amen. 00:40:35.159 --> 00:40:35.179 Amen. 00:40:35.179 --> 00:40:35.219 Amen. 00:40:35.219 --> 00:40:35.320 Amen. 00:40:35.320 --> 00:40:35.480 Amen. 00:40:35.480 --> 00:40:37.259 Amen. 00:40:37.259 --> 00:40:37.420 Amen. 00:40:37.420 --> 00:40:39.219 Amen. 00:40:39.219 --> 00:40:39.320 Amen. 00:40:39.320 --> 00:40:39.340 Amen. 00:40:39.340 --> 00:40:41.219 Amen. 00:40:41.219 --> 00:40:41.239 Amen. 00:40:41.239 --> 00:40:43.259 Amen. 00:40:43.259 --> 00:40:45.199 Amen. 00:40:45.199 --> 00:40:47.199 Amen. 00:40:47.219 --> 00:40:47.820 Amen. 00:40:47.820 --> 00:40:49.019 Amen. 00:40:49.019 --> 00:40:49.159 Amen. 00:40:49.159 --> 00:40:49.279 Amen. 00:40:49.279 --> 00:40:49.300 Amen. 00:40:49.300 --> 00:40:49.880 Amen. 00:40:49.880 --> 00:40:50.219 Amen. 00:40:50.219 --> 00:40:50.320 Amen. 00:40:50.320 --> 00:40:51.279 Amen. 00:40:51.279 --> 00:40:52.019 Amen.