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.”
Exodus 24:3 NIV
Israel’s story is, in many ways, my story. We were both delivered from slavery. Israel from Egypt and myself from sin. We both entered into a covenant relationship with God. Both covenants were sealed by blood. For Israel, under the old covenant, it was the blood of a sacrificed animal (Ex. 24:8). For me, under the new covenant, it was the blood of Jesus (Mk. 14:24). Israel was made into a new nation. I was born again into a new person. And both of us committed ourselves to following the Lord’s instructions. But I wish the similarity ended there.
Israel had seen all the plagues God had poured out on Egypt. They had crossed the sea on dry land and watched Egypt’s army destroyed. They ate manna from heaven every day. And they were at Sinai with God’s presence covering the mountain. So it was only natural that when Moses told them what God wanted of them, they enthusiastically replied, “Everything the Lord has said we will do.” What else could they say?
Failing at Commitment
But how long did that commitment last? Moses went back up the mountain for 40 days. And when he returned, the people had built a golden calf and were worshipping it, breaking the first two of the 10 Commandments.
How easily I follow their example. I begin each morning in prayer, committing myself anew to follow the Lord throughout the day. But all too often, when I get to the end of the day, I look in the mirror and see a golden calf staring back at me. And I realize that much of my day has been wasted; spent serving my own interests rather than his.
But God is merciful to me and continues to love me and draw me to himself, despite my failures. I am thankful that he continues his work in me and through me. I am indeed blessed to be his child and called to follow him.
