DAILY READING
REFLECTION
Partnership
by Jennifer Jerrome
In Exodus 31, Moses received the first set of tablets. When the Lord finished speaking to Moses on Mount Sinai, he gave him the two tablets of the covenant law, the tablets of stone inscribed by the finger of God (v. 18).
Exodus 32:16 states, the tablets were the work of God; the writing was the writing of God.
After Moses went down the mountain and saw the golden calf the Israelites were worshipping, he threw the tablets breaking them to pieces. Though Moses was angry with the people, he went to the Lord and asked for their forgiveness. He pleaded for another chance. And the God of mercy said to Moses, “I will do the very thing you have asked, because I am pleased with you and I know you by name” (33:17).
God is the Father of second chances… the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin (34:6-7).
God and Moses developed a beautiful relationship. When a second set of tablets was decreed, God did not inscribe them himself, but asked Moses to do it. This act solidified their partnership.
Research for this passage led to an article by Rabbi Rene’ Pfertzel for JewishNews.co.uk. The Rabbi said, “Both sets of tablets represent different stages of Revelation: it is a progressive process. The first tablets were written only by God. For the second, Moses and God were partners. Similarly, our relationship with God is one of collaboration.”
I am drawn to the idea of collaboration. God calls us to work in concert with Him. He wants to partner with us to share his message. When we need a second (or third) chance, God graciously offers it because we are his beloved.
PRAYER PRACTICE
Compassionate Father,
Thank you for loving us even when we stray. hank you for calling Moses into a relationship with you and using him to lead the way. May we also heed your call and become partners in your kingdom work. Amen
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