Stand for the Lord
Exodus 32:7-20, 25-26
What do you do when you see a brother or sister in Christ sin? It is difficult not to react with one of two extremes.
One is to be concerned about sin but doing nothing more than praying (or even gossiping) about it, never confronting them in love. The other is to be rightfully displeased with sin and confronting it in an unloving, self-righteous manner. Moses gives an example of how to encounter another’s sin in a caring manner that helps him or her deal with the wrongdoing and turn from it.
In chapter 20, God visited the Israelites. They had to observe strict guidelines lest God’s holiness consume them. God spoke the Ten Commandments before them, and the experience was terrifying. Moses climbed Mount Sinai for a private chat with God, and God gave Moses the rest of the law (chapters 21-31).
The Israelites became impatient waiting on Moses’ return. They made an idol, a golden calf (32:1-6). God commanded Moses to return and confront the people. God’s righteous wrath was so hot, he was on the brink of consuming them and starting over (vv. 7-10). Moses bowed before God, pleading for mercy for the people (vv. 11-14).
People make mistakes. Some of the mistakes are accidental. Some are blind. Some are stupid. Like Moses, we need to intercede for those who mess up, asking for God’s grace and guidance. One day you will fail and need someone to intercede for you.
I wonder if Moses regretted interceding for the Israelites when he saw the idolatry of the people. Regardless, he made a strong stand for the Lord and confronted them. He did not back away, but clearly pointed out their failure to do the right thing (vv. 15-20). Then he called them back to serving the Lord (vv. 25-26).
When we see our friends make bad choices, we need to help them see their mistake and call them back. But if we just condemn their sin and tell them to do better, we are just being self-righteous.
Instead, we need to do what Moses did. He prayed for them. He helped them see their sin and pointed the way back to God. Then he continued the journey with them.
Moses did not simply tell them to do better. He coached them, gave them a living example, and led them to where God wanted them to go. He loved them. That’s how we make a stand for the Lord.
Scudder– Lessons in the BSL series for the fall quarter are being written by Steve Scudder, former director of missions for Savannah River Association.