An imperfect mediator
Theologian M. Ryerson Turnbull, in his book on Exodus asks, "Is there in the whole Bible a more God-like act than this? Is there anything that more nearly approaches Calvary?" Moses goes before God himself and offers himself in the place of the Israelites. He invites God to take his life in exchange for the lives of his brothers. Really, as Turnbull notes, an incredible offer. It is the story of Calvary.
So how does God respond? Umm, no. Sorry Moses. No dice. Moses does something that get himself compared to Calvary and God says no?!? Yes, he does. And why? Because Moses himself was a sinner standing guilty before the Lord. Not from this particular situation with the golden calf, obviously, but still a sinner. He needed a mediator, how could he mediate for the Israelites. A perfect, sinless mediator was needed...
Created over 1 year ago
