The God of Restoration

"Then God said, “Behold, I am going to make a covenant."   Exodus 34:10

The book of Exodus is remembered for the wondrous works of the Lord and it also known for the numerous acts of disobedience from the Israelites.  When reading Exodus we see how countless times the children of Israel forsook the ways of the Lord by choosing their own way.  On multiple occasions they spoke harshly against Moses who was relaying the Lord’s will as he was leading them to the Promised Land.  The most recent act of disobedience, in the form of idolatry, caused the Lord such great anger, that the Israelites were plagued and almost did not have the Lord’s presence accompany them through the wilderness.  We read of Moses’ diligent pleas and intercession for forgiveness on the Israelites’ behalf.  The Lord was greatly moved by Moses’ desire to please Him and for His presence to remain with both Moses and the Israelites.

We also read of the Lord’s great compassion as He restores His covenantal relationship with the Israelites. He tells them once more that He desires a faithful relationship and He then restored the two tablets that contained the Ten Commandments. This passage tells us so much about the compassion and forgiveness of the Lord. He was so kind and merciful to hear and answer Moses’ prayer to continue His presence with both Moses and the Israelites as they journeyed in the wilderness. The Lord also demonstrated His forgiveness towards the Israelites although He was greatly dishonored by their Idolatry. He restored their relationship by reaffirming the covenant between the Israelites and Himself.

As you read this passage, reflect on a time or even the multitude of times that you have grieved the Lord or even dishonored the Lord. Think of how He redeemed you, restored your broken relationship and your broken fellowship with Him after you choose a path that was against His will and purpose for your life. Praise Him for the Moses or Moses’ in your life that continued to plead and intercede on your behalf and thank Him for being compassionate and merciful toward you by allowing you to turn from disobedience and to run towards Him. If you are still running away from the Lord, today is the day of salvation, or if you already genuinely know the Lord and for a brief time in your relationship with Him you have temporarily gone your own way, today is the day of restoration. God responds to genuine repentance and He is willing to restore your broken relationship with Him.