Lance Armstrong, Richard Nixon, Ravi Zacharias: we know from the headlines the stories of people who let down those who trusted them, but letting others down touches ordinary people too, and in the end, us. This sermon in the Exodus: The Road to Freedom series pauses at Moses’ conversation with God after the sin of the golden calf (Exod 33). God is angry at unfaithfulness, and yet His desire to be near turns out to be stronger than His anger. Listen if you wonder what happens to your relationship with God when you let Him down, and whether you truly want to be with Him, and not only to receive what comes from Him.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- How does Moses talk with God in Exodus 33:12-23, and why does he refuse to accept the promised land without God's presence?
- Why is God angry at the sin of the Israelites, and what does this anger say about His love?
- What does God proclaim about Himself as He passes before Moses, and how did those words sound after the sin of the golden calf?
- What idols, such as passions, money, recognition, or comfort, take the place in your life that belongs to God?
- Do you think of faith mainly as avoiding hell and getting into heaven, or as being with God? What difference does it make?
- How do you react when you let God down, and how can you come to Him this week in faith, asking for mercy?
