Perspective Exodus 34.6

Exodus 34:6: “And the LORD passed by before him and proclaimed, ‘The LORD, The LORD God, merciful and gracious, longsuffering, and abundant in goodness and truth.'”

Moses stood at the top of Mount Sinai, poised to receive the commandments from the Lord for the second time. The first set of tablets had been destroyed when he discovered the Israelites worshipping the golden calf they had made while he was on the mountain the first time. The people, described as stiff-necked, were terrified of God’s mighty power. In contrast, Moses had witnessed that very power pass by him as he was sheltered in the cleft of the rock (Exodus 33:19-23). While the Israelites cowered in fear, Moses basked in God’s presence and beheld His mercy, graciousness, longsuffering, and abundant goodness and truth.  Israel needed to gain the perspective of Gods mercy and grace, that God was still going to use them and be with them throughout their time in the wilderness

It is all a matter of perspective. The closer we draw near to God, the more we recognize His mercy and grace. We understand that the God of Heaven could justly condemn us; instead, He continues to show forgiveness and offers us opportunities to witness His power and might working on our behalf.