“And the Lord said to me, “I have seen this people, and they are a stiff-necked people indeed! Let me alone, so that I may destroy them and blot out their name from under heaven. And I will make you into a nation stronger and more numerous than they.” (Deuteronomy 9:13-14 NIV)
Moses was retelling about mountain, the commandments and the golden calf. He reminded God’s people that they had previously angered the Lord to the brink of extinction. This is an important truth to carry into the Promised Land.
It’s uncomfortable to consider, but there are several takeaways from these couple verses:
- God gets angry
- God always has another plan to accomplish His purpose.
- God doesn’t need us to carry out His will, He chooses us and we have the choice to receive or reject Him.
- If we reject Him, His will goes forward without us.
- Unbelievers are expendable and belief is marked by obedience.
- Believers are precious, protected and included in the plan.
We alone determine our Kingdom position (as individuals and as a nation) by our posture. Do we reserve worship for God alone or are we quick to turn away from His commandments and bow before false gods?
The yet-birthing nation of Israel tried God’s patience. They could not sit still for forty days while their leader met with the Creator-Sustainer. We can roll our eyes or we can recognize our own tendency toward impatience, our easy distraction by lesser things and our temptation to bow before just about anything.
Just as God’s will could continue on without the Israelites three thousand years ago, God’s will can go forward without Americans today. We are not essential to the success of the Kingdom unless we are surrendered to the King of said Kingdom. We must believe in Him, keep His commandments and stay far away from idolatry. I’m sure God would love to include us in His purposes, but our heart posture will ultimately determine our involvement.
“Turn my heart toward Your statues and not toward selfish gain. Turn my eyes away form worthless things; preserve my life according to Your Word.” (Psalm 119:36-37 NIV)
Lord, please help us guard our hearts and eyes as we commit ourselves entirely to You and Your purposes. We believe You and Your Word. We long to be included in Your plan and Your eternity. Please give us the courage to follow You closely and worship You only. Amen.