32:28,29
The Levites had demonstrated their commitment to the Lord in no uncertain way. Three thousand men were killed by them. While we find it difficult to understand the need for such severe punishment, one lesson we should definitely take is the requirement for total commitment to the Lord, both on behalf of those who serve Him, and of the people. The people were to have no other gods before the Lord, something they had eminently failed in. “of his son and of his brother” may mean “fellow Israelite” rather than being restricted to strict family members. Though the latter is not impossible.
32:30
Unlike Aaron, Moses confronts the people with their sin, and has confronted them with the seriousness of their sin in no uncertain way. However, now He will go to see the Lord, and seek to make atonement for the people. So we see the two essential elements here. We must confront people with the reality of sin and its consequences, and we must seek the Lord on their behalf, praying for their forgiveness and repentance. Both elements are essential. Today we tend to focus on the latter without doing the former. But if we do not do the former, we cannot do the latter properly. There have been times when churches have focused on the former and neglected the latter, which is no better. Of course, it is only Christ who could offer true and full atonement.
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