Grace

After the Israelites were delivered from slavery in Egypt, God gave Moses commands and laws that were necessary for an orderly and righteous nation. Among the first commands were, “You shall have no other gods before Me. You shall not make for yourself a carved image” (Ex. 20:3, 4). When Moses communicated the covenant God had made with Israel, the people responded, “All that the Lord has said we will do, and be obedient” (Ex. 24:7).

Fast forward forty days. While Moses was absent, we find these “obedient” Israelites profanely worshiping and dancing around an idol — a calf! One of the ultimate consequences of this great sin is that now God will not go with them on their journey. The covenant was broken; sin had separated Israel from God; the price paid was the loss of His presence.

It is in these circumstances that Moses begins to earnestly intercede for the manifestation of God’s grace—first for himself and then for all of Israel. Moses needed assurance that God would not only be with him, but with everyone.

And God’s response? “I will also do this thing that you have spoken; for you have found grace in My sight, and I know you by name” (Ex. 33:17). God’s grace was extended to a faithful, obedient servant and was bestowed upon undeserving, disobedient children.

Grace is favor as exemplified by the favor given Moses. Grace is unmerited favor as illustrated by the grace given to the Israelites. But perhaps this passage also teaches that grace is the personal presence of Almighty God with His children. Truly this is the grace and the good news of the gospel: Immanuel, God with us.

Cynthia Heald

Taken from Women of Faith Devotional Bible