Endless Patience

Read Exodus 34:1-7

Context: God engraved his commands on two stone tablets, but Moses threw them on the ground when he returned to find the Israelites involved in idolatry. Moses has pleaded with God to stay with them and not destroy them. God has shown Moses his glorious presence at Moses' request.

Text:
1-3 God spoke to Moses: "Cut out two tablets of stone just like the originals and engrave on them the words that were on the original tablets you smashed. Be ready in the morning to climb Mount Sinai and get set to meet me on top of the mountain. Not a soul is to go with you; the whole mountain must be clear of people, even animals—not even sheep or oxen can be grazing in front of the mountain."
4-7 So Moses cut two tablets of stone just like the originals. He got up early in the morning and climbed Mount Sinai as God had commanded him, carrying the two tablets of stone. God descended in the cloud and took up his position there beside him and called out the name, God. God passed in front of him and called out, "God, God, a God of mercy and grace, endlessly patient—so much love, so deeply true—loyal in love for a thousand generations, forgiving iniquity, rebellion, and sin. Still, he doesn't ignore sin. He holds sons and grandsons responsible for a father's sins to the third and even fourth generation." (The Message)

taken from www.biblegateway.com

This passage makes me really admire Moses. Not only did he hear directly from God, he was able to find the right kind of stone in the desert, cut out stone tablets, carve instructions from God on them, walk all the way up a mountain carrying heavy tablets, and meet personally with God! Whew...even if those tablets were only the size of a notebook, they had to be heavy.

This is also one of the few passages where God talks about his character. Most other passages have man telling of his traits. He tells us that he is merciful, full of grace, endlessly patient, and so full of love...too bad we can't stop with this sentence. But in reality, if he did, would he really love us?

Think about your children (if you don't have any, pretend with me for a moment). How many times have you had to tell them 'no' to something that you know would be wrong for them in the long run (like a cookie before dinner, soda for breakfast, or watching a movie that has adult content)? How many times have you punished them for their errors in order to teach them the right way to live (for lying, stealing, rudeness, destruction of their sibling's property)? If they don't learn about consequences early, their lives will be full of nasty surprises. I'd have to question a 'love' that doesn't involve teaching right from wrong.

God does the same for us. In his love he has to teach us right from wrong, and often through unpleasant consequences. I'm REALLY glad he told us about his 'endless patience...I'm sure I try it every day.