Today's Passage: Exodus 34

Almost everyone has done some shopping at one time. Most of you reading this have probably shopped more times than you can count. In the plethora of things there are to look at, touch, try on, taste, it is fascinating that we all gravitate fairly easily to the things we like, sometimes without realizing it. When someone tries to push you towards something outside of that range, how often have you heard or thought, "That's just not me" to refer to an outfit, or furniture or car style?

In today's chapter, the Lord meets with Moses on Mt. Sinai for 40 days and 40 nights, remaking the tablets that Moses had broken, and telling Moses the good things He would do for the Israelites.

There were, however, some qualifiers and cautions. It was not a blessing no matter what.  When reading instructions like, "make no idols" and "take a sabbath" one can wonder how hard could it be to do those simple things in exchange for the nearly fantastical promises from the Most High? Apparently these were (and are) really hard things for a "stiff necked" people.

The Lord did not make intricate rules to be overbearing. He has to be consistent with His character. His name and His character are inseparable. He cannot share in fellowship with idols or those who worship idols. It's just not Him. He desires a people set apart from worldly things, focused on Him alone. It would be great if we were so much different than the Israelites, but we still struggle even with the sacrifice Christ gave for us.

At the risk of repeating (or the certainty of repeating), put away those things that separate you from fellowship with Him. You don't know what you're missing if you don't. If you do put Him first, people will see Him in you and you will become just like Him.