Exodus 34:1-9, Thoughts from Exodus (17)

3413 “Grace.”  The sad theology that claims that the God of the OT is not the God of the NT is a disgrace.  Sometimes people refer to the age of the Church as the “age of grace.”  That too is sad.  It is a denial of the fundamental truth of the name of God in Ex. 34:6-7.  While the specific word “grace” is not in those verses, those verses describe God’s grace in detail. 

·       In Ex. 33:1-34:9 the word “grace” appears 5 times.

·       The Hebrew is chen, meaning “favor, grace, charm.”  It is used 69X in the OT, the first speaking of Noah in Gen. 6:8. Noah found grace in the eyes of the LORD, as did Moses (Ex. 33:17).

·       Other uses of note include:

o   Abraham who pled God’s grace (Gen. 18:3).

o   Lot referred to God’s grace (Gen. 19:19).

o   Laban pled grace from Jacob because he knew Jacob was blessed by God (Gen. 30:27).

o   Jacob, in his fleshly attempt to placate Esau, pled for grace from Esau (Gen. 32:5; 33:8,10,15).

o   Shechem pled for grace from Jacob and his sons (Gen. 34:11).

o   Psalm 45:2: In this very Messianic Psalm, grace is poured out on Yeshua, the sin-bearing Son of God.

o   Psalm 84:11: The pilgrim will receive grace and glory from the LORD who withholds no good thing.

o   Eccles. 9:11: Look at this passage carefully.  The typical human does not see any logic to how their lives unfold.  It’s not their speed, strength, wisdom, riches or FAVOR (grace) but it’s time and chance. 

o   The term is twice in Zechariah’s prophecy.  In 4:7 the second temple will be completed with shouts of grace, grace to it!  How wonderful that is to hear.  Then in 12:10 God promises to pour out on the house of David and inhabitants of Jerusalem the Spirit of grace and supplication; then they will look on Me whom they pierced.  Wow!  The OT is full of the grace of God and it is as powerful and amazing and everywhere else!

3505   35:5,21,22,29: The Mosaic Law is not simply about what they were required to do.  It is not a contradiction to be obedient and willing at the same time.  God desired willing hearts.  “Lord, may I be willing today; joyful in serving; not giddy but willing.”

3531   What a great picture.  This man, Bezalel, was filled with the Spirit, wisdom, understanding, knowledge and also workmanship.  As one who, with Christ, wants to be involved in building His body, we are to be filled with the Spirit (Eph. 5:19). 

3613   The tabernacle was built in such a way so as to be a “unity” … everything was tied together.  So God is One, a unity.