the conclusion of the Golden Calf incident

Two things from my lesson this morning on Exodus 32:31-33:6...

1.) The tension between what God wants to offer to the people in 33:1-3a, including a land flowing with milk and honey-- and the picture in 33:3b-6 of His pessimism at it "working out" for this group of "stiff-necked people". At the end of the day (or at least, this episode), it's not their sin that's so worrisome as His two-fold characterization of them as stubborn. In a word, it doesn't seem like they're ready to be blessed by God.

2.) An observation by Ian Thomas (from his classic book, The Saving Life of Christ, p. 72): After all is said and done...

"Yet the next morning, mingled with the shattered fragments of those tables of stone, which had been written upon by the finger of God-- there was manna on the ground! This is the amazing patience of God! This is a love that will not let you go!"

Thomas talks about God's patience and love, but he could have easily mentioned His mercy and grace as well. What a staggering picture: after the previous day's events, with the stench of death still hanging in the air of the camp, with the uncertainty of what would happen next...there, God still gave the daily provision of manna. Wow!

As Paul writes in Romans 5:20, "where sin increased, grace increased all the more". Praise God for his patience and grace toward bozos like us!