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Go up to a land flowing with milk and honey; but I will not go up among you, or I would consume you on the way, for you are a stiff-necked people. (Exodus 33:3 NRSV)

These are God's words to Moses on the heels of the golden calf idol in chapter 32 (which we referred to briefly on Sunday). If you haven't read it recently, check it out (and let me know what you think about verses 20 and 25-28).

The fact that God allows the nation to exist and the journey to continue is a reflection upon:

a. God's mercy. He could have wiped out the nation. They had just been given great promises and holy commandments. And then they disobey the very covenant to which they had agreed.

b. Moses' intercession. The notes in the Wesley study Bible on this subject read: "Is anyone ready to say intercession doesn't work? Moses has already stood between a God spoiling for a fight and a people asking for it in ch. 32."

This got me thinking.

What would God point to in your life and mine that would allow us to be described as "stiff-necked"?

How long has it been since you pondered the fact that such stubborn disobedience on our part is more than enough to justify God's consuming us or wiping us out?

In 34:6-7 God describes who he is to Moses by telling Moses The LORD's name. It includes visiting the iniquity of the parents upon the children and the children's children.

But it also includes

- merciful and gracious

- slow to anger and

- abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness

- keeping steadfast love for the thousandth generation

- forgiving iniquity and sin

If God is pointing out a place where you have been stubborn or guilty, I urge you to accept God's gracious invitation, confess your sin, and seek God's forgiveness. His very name states that this is God's desire.

Grace & peace