28 - "God's Thoughts Are Fixed; God's Dispensations of His Providence are Alterable" Exodus 32-34

But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. And he reminded God of how He brought the troubled people out of Egypt with His Great Power and a Mighty Hand. Didn't God already know that? And Moses told God what the people would threaten and say: "It was plain wrong, just evil, that God brought them out to kill them in the mountains and now wipe them off the face of the earth. Why is he doing this to us?" So, Moses pleads: Turn your back on this, God. Don't let it happen. Remember your good servants. And then there it is in Exodus 32:14, the answer: "Then, the Lord relented and did not bring on his people the disaster he had threatened."  

Hey Kids, Are God's thoughts or the determinations of His Mind alterable?  "He can change the outward dispensations of His Providence, or His methods of acting with men" according to Henry's Commentary.  But the thoughts of His Heart are fixed and firm to all generations. Matthew Henry. We understand from our perspective what it means to change our minds.  God dispenses Grace here---no fickle change but He relents His Hand.  May He do so on us this very day.

"My Presence shall go with you; and I will give you rest." Exodus 33:14.  The original Hebrew left off "with you."  Moses, along with each of us, needs confirmation if this is a promise for the person or the people.  God assures.  He will give rest in the midst of pressing perplexities and he will give rest to the present people, then and today.  I could live with this verse tucked in the pillow of my heart every night.  Sweet dreams.  Sleep in peace knowing His Presence comes; His Rest is real.  Am I really finding rest from the demands of my day as the sun closes Sunday.  What does it look like in my life to be at rest?

PHOTO: Circa 2023. Brooke and her family.