In today’s passage from Exodus, we witness an extraordinary exchange between God and Moses. When God decides he is going to destroy Israel for worshiping a golden calf, Moses appeals to God on behalf of the people, and as one of them, he reminds God of the promises which he has made to Israel, and essentially asks “what kind of God do you want people to know you as?” Astonishingly, God responds by “repenting of the evil he had planned” to bring on his people. Moses shows a deep trust and confidence that God is true to his promises and will be faithful to the people he has chosen.
Jesus’ life and ministry are also dedicated to showing us the character and faithfulness of God. Even more than that, he shows us that the people whom God has chosen are not necessarily those who we would choose. Just as God’s faithfulness to Israel is not based on what they do, God’s faithfulness to us is not based on what we do but on God’s character, which we see fully revealed in Jesus Christ. What does it mean for us to proclaim this good news to each other, and to those God is calling? How are we called to intercede with Christ on behalf of humanity?
