2.12.9 "Deal or No Deal"

"Deal or No Deal"

Exodus 34:1-35:9
Matthew 27:15-31
Psalm 33:12-22
Proverbs 9:1-6

"Deal, or No Deal?" When we were kids it was a matter of negotiating for everything from candy to toys. The basic rule is that you have to decide if what you want is worth giving something up for. It's the name of a game show that drives me nuts. I'm not sure which is worse. the people guessing which box the money is in, or the millions of people watching someone guess which box the money is in... I think I'm on the tail end of a generation that remembers Monte Hall & "Door number 1..." That was also about determining if it was worth giving up what you had for what you couldn't see. But life is more than game shows... right?

In Exodus 34 there's a great progression of events. It's impossible for us to imagine, but try to picture this. Moses is on the Mountain with the Lord. "Then the Lord came down in a cloud and stood there with him; ... The Lord passed in front of Moses, calling out, 'Yaweh! The Lord! The God of compassion and mercy! I am slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. I lavish unfailing love to a thousand generations. I forgive iniquity, rebellion, and sin." (Ex 34:5-7)

I think Moses' response is cool. "Moses immediately threw himself to the ground and worshiped." When we see God for who he really is, how can we do anything but worship? If you are having a hard time worshiping, you need to hone in on his nature, and seek his face. Seek his Character. Now here's the Deal:

In Exodus 34:8 Moses says to the Lord, "Please go with us..." in verse 10-11, the Lord says, "All right, this is the contract I am going to make with you. I will do miracles... all the people of Israel shall see the power of the Lord... Your part of the agreement is to obey all of my commandments;"

Deal or No Deal? Our obedience for his presence...

Is it worth it?

Is it worth it to give up the compromises? is it worth it to step out in faith as he directs?

There always seem to be things that can rise up to get in the way of our relationship with the Lord. Many times it's our selfishness. What we too often fail to realize is that selfishness separates us from Him. We remove ourselves from His presence. We break the deal.

We need to be people of obedience to experience the fullness of his glory. Psalm 33:18-22 says, "But the eyes of the Lord are watching over those who fear him, who rely upon his steady love. He will keep them from death even in times of famine! We depend upon the Lord alone to save us. Only he can help us; he protects us like a shield. No wonder we are happy in the Lord! For we are trusting him. We trust his holy name. Yes, Lord, let your constant love surround us, for our hopes are in you alone."

It sounds like a great deal to me!

Take the DEAL!


Through the Power of the Spirit,
Live the DREAM!

P Greg


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