Moses by Michelangelo in San Pietro in Vincoli
Photo by Sebastian Bergmann
(Why did the famous artist put horns on Moses’ head? He’s not the only ancient artist to do so…strange.)
Who doesn’t know that Moses was great? I’m sure there are some in far off lands where the name Moses means nothing. Those places are becoming rare because of the work of Christian missionaries throughout the centuries.
I stumbled on something the other day that lifted Moses to a new level in my mind. You may have heard of this, but I don’t recall it. I’m sure I’ve read it; it just never caught my eye.
This time my reaction was “Wowwie-kazowie!!!
Moses made 7 trips to the top of Mount Sinai.
Most of us know of two.
Well, he made seven. They are noted in the Klassen Study Bible.
It was Moses 6th trip that intrigued me. One can find the story in Exodus 32:32.
Almost all people who have gone to a Christian church have heard the story of the Golden calf. However, it is 2012 and maybe this is, sadly, not the case. If you haven’t read it, you can start at Exodus 32:15 where Moses went down from his fifth trip on Sinai carrying the two tables (10 commandments).
Most know that Moses had to go back up the mountain (6th trip). You really should read the story if you haven’t to find out why. You can start at Exodus 32:1 or even at 31:1.
Anyway, In Exodus 32:31, Moses has gone back up Mt. Sinai once more. He says to God, “Oh this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold.”
And then Moses does an outstanding thing.
I will use His words:
“Yet now, if thou wilt forgive their sin-; and if not, blot me, I pray thee, out of thy book which thou hast written.” (Exodus 32:32)
Is Moses offering up his salvation if God will forgive the people’s sins? It is not clear. It is clear that Moses is so concerned about the people that, if God won’t forgive their sins, he asks to be blotted out of God’s book.
Haven’t heard about God’s book? Well, Moses knew about it.
Not only is it mentioned in the Old Testament (here and in Malachi 3:16), it is mentioned in the New Testament:
“And there in shall in no wise enter into it (the gates of the holy city in heaven) any thing that defileth, neither whatsoever worketh abomination, or maketh a lie: but they which are written in the Lamb’s book of life.” (Rev. 21:27)
Anyway, Moses impresses me more than ever. He offers up his salvation for the people of Israel. Offering up one’s life is an amazing thing…but one’s salvation?
I think it is excellent. “Excellent” doesn’t really define it. But there it is, the highest thing one could offer is placed on the table.
God says to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me, him will I blot out of my book.” (Exodus 32:33)
That would make heaven empty except for God.
But Moses knew the promise of God – that a Savior would come, and save those who believed in Him.
Moses was one of the greatest, but he can’t save us.
Only faith that Jesus paid the price for our sins can save us.
It’s like the old song says: “What can wash away our sins? Nothing but the blood of Jesus.”
God’s love is an unconditional love that I will not understand this side of heaven.
But, I understand it enough.
It is amazing. Amazing is another word that is inadequate in this case, but it is the best I can think of.
Chris Reimers
Wings of the Wind 
Great post Chris, very awesome moment in a man’s life. A true leader putting the welfare of others before himself. A rare man indeed. Know wonder our Lord choose the one who stuttered. “No more humble man existed on the face of the earth.”
Thank you, Manny. Moses had a love for the people that could only be possible through a relationship with God.
I’m glad you brought up that he had problems vocalizing.
“And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Corinthians 12:9)
It seems that the Apostle Paul had some things in common with Moses. It seems that all Christians do: “We are weak but He is strong.”
So glad you stopped by, my friend.