Exodus 34:10 And God said, “As of right now, I’m making a covenant with you: In full sight of your people I will work wonders that have never been created in all the Earth, in any nation.

We usually consider the Israelites to be a difficult nation, and it’s easy to criticise them, but in reality, they were just people who thought they were doing the right thing. In building a golden calf, they were simply repeating what they had seen and learned in Egypt. I don’t think they deliberately wanted to go against God’s will.

But it didn’t go down well with Moses. When he saw what the Israelites had done, he was immediately so angry and, as the Bible says, smashed the stone tablets on the ground. Of course, they broke into pieces.

God Himself didn’t take it well either. He didn’t want to travel with them anymore. He didn’t want to be associated with such a stubborn group of people who were doing their own thing. He even said that He would wipe them out.

Moses pleaded with God not to abandon them, asking what would become of the Israelites if He did. Fortunately, God reconsidered, and after He had dealt with the offenders by sending a plague, He was merciful towards the Israelites and accompanied them further.

We also make mistakes. We push against the boundaries and sometimes cross them completely. Some more than others. I fall into the first category. But fortunately, God is merciful. Fortunately, He does not abandon us when we make mistakes.

God will not leave you because of the wrong things you do. Thank goodness for that. But just because there’s no sword hanging over our heads, it does not mean that we can do whatever we like.

No, because we’re grateful for what God has done for us, and what Jesus did for us on the cross, we must now do everything possible to live before God in a way that is pleasing to Him.

May we live in such a way that God constantly says: “Well done, faithful friend. Well done!”

Prayer
Father, thank you for so much grace. Jesus, thank you for dying in my place. Holy Spirit, help me to live step-by-step according to Your will …

Questions
Do I live grateful for God’s grace, or do I take it for granted?
Is there something in my life that I know doesn’t please God, but that I still do?
What can I do today that will make God say, “Good!”?

Do this now
Think of one area in your life today where you know you need to make changes.
Talk honestly to  God about it and ask Him to help you live differently.
Do one practical thing today that you know will please God, even if it feels small.