The Creator Reveals Himself-To Our Benefit -Continue with On to a Promised Land

The Israelites, assembled at Mount Sinai, agreed to abide by God's Law code.  They thus came under what the Bible calls a  covenant, or an agreement.  The covenant was between that nation and God. Despite their willingly, entering this covenant, the showed themselves  to be a stiff-necked people. For example, they made a golden calf as their representation of God. Their doing that was a sin because  idol worship directly violated the Ten Commandments (Exodus 20:4-6)  Moreover the complained about their provision, rebelled against God's appointed leader (Moses), and abandoned themselves to immoral relations with foreign women who worshiped idols. But why should this interest us, living so far removed in time from Moses day?

Again, this is not simply ancient history..  Bible accounts about Israel's ungrateful actions and God's response show that he truly cares.  The Bible says that the Israelites put Jehovah to the test "again and again," making him feel hurt" and "pained." (Psalm 78:40, 41)  Hence, we can be sure that the Creator has feelings and that he cares what humans do.

From our standpoint, one might think that Israel's wrongdoing would result in God's terminating his covenant and perhaps selecting another nation to fulfill his promise.  Yet he did. Instead, he exacted punishment toward his wayward nation as a whole. Yes, God continued loyal to his promise made to his faithful friend Abraham.

Next time: The Creator Reveals Himself -To Our Benefit - Conclusion of On to a Promised Land

From the book Is There a Creator That Cares About You?