Today’s Reading: Exodus 32 – 33; Psalm 66

The Lord told Moses, “Quick! Go down the mountain! Your people whom you brought from the land of Egypt have corrupted themselves. How quickly they have turned away from the way I commanded them to live! They have melted down gold and made a calf, and they have bowed down and sacrificed to it. They are saying, ‘These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you out of the land of Egypt.’” – Exodus 32:7-8

God had emphasized over and over again that He was to be the only God, and that His people should not bow to any other idol or worship anything else but Him. When Moses came down from the mountain, he found God’s people doing the very thing God had just stressed not to do — he found them worshiping an idol.

Moses knew how important it was to God that His people not defile themselves in this way and he understood God’s plan to destroy them all and start over. But Moses stood between God and the Israelites; he begged God to forgive them, to allow them the opportunity to repent and try again. And so God mercifully allowed the Israelites to live.

WHAT A MERCIFUL GOD WE SERVE!

Moses had a big job ahead of him and he knew it. He knew that he was called to lead a stiff-necked people. Moses knew he needed God if he was going to accomplish the task set before him. He knew what it was to be in God’s presence and longed to follow God’s leading. He boldly asked God for help.

“You tell me, ‘I know you well and you are special to me.’ If I am so special to you, let me in on your plans. That way, I will continue being special to you. Don’t forget, this is your people, your responsibility.”

God said, “My presence will go with you. I’ll see the journey to the end.”

Moses said, “If your presence doesn’t take the lead here, call this trip off right now. How else will it be known that you’re with me in this, with me and your people?…”

God said to Moses: “All right. Just as you say; this also I will do, for I know you well and you are special to me. I KNOW YOU BY NAME.”

Moses said, “Please. Let me see your Glory.”

God said, “I will make my Goodness pass right in front of you…Look, here is a place right beside me. Put yourself on this rock. When my Glory passes by, I’ll put you in the cleft of the rock and cover you with my hand until I’ve passed by. Then I’ll take my hand away and you’ll see my back. But you won’t see my face.” — Exodus 33:12b-23 (The Message)

I don’t know what task God has before you today, but I pray you hear Him say that He will walk this journey with you to the end because He knows you well. You are special to Him, and He knows you by name. May you have the strength and faith needed to put yourself on “this rock” – this place right beside your merciful God. May you feel the protection of God tucking you safely into the cleft of the rock and covering you with His hand. May your heart’s desire always be to remain in God’s presence and allow Him to lead you each step of the way on this journey He has chosen for you.

GOD KNOWS YOU BY NAME.

Just as God cared about Moses and invited Him to experience His presence, He loves us enough to be present — to allow us to feel His presence in the good times and also in the hard times. He has a purpose for our lives and He calls us by name (Isaiah 45:3).

Can a mother forget her nursing child?
Can she feel no love for the child she has borne?
But even if that were possible, I would not forget you!
See, I have written your name on the palms of my hands… — Isaiah 49:15-16a

I love the thought that God knows everything about me and yet He loves me! He knows all my faults and all my fears, all my regrets and all my sins, yet He writes my name in the palm of His hands.

OH, WHAT A MERCIFUL GOD WE SERVE! MY NAME IS WRITTEN IN THE PALM OF HIS HAND AND SO IS YOURS.

In April, the ministry I have the privilege of working for will hold their 23rd healing retreat for individuals who are struggling with the pain of an abortion decision they cannot undo. This weekend allows a woman or man to go “Deeper Still” to find the forgiveness and healing God wants to give them. Will you help me spread the word? There may be someone you know who is holding tightly to a secret in the depth of their heart, and they need to know that God loves them and has written their name on the palm of His hand. For more information about the Deeper Still retreats, go to: https://www.pregnancyresourcecenter.org/services/after-abortion-support

And I will give you treasures hidden in the darkness — secret riches.
I will do this so you may know that I am the Lord,
the God of Israel, the one who calls you by name. — Isaiah 45:3

Come and listen, all you who fear God,
and I will tell you what he did for me.
For I cried out to him for help,
praising him as I spoke.
If I had not confessed the sin in my heart,
the Lord would not have listened.
But God did listen!
He paid attention to my prayer.
Praise God, who did not ignore my prayer
or withdraw his unfailing love from me. – Psalm 66:16-20