You know how sometimes things just break? Well, in this message, Larry Neville dives into a story you might remember – when Moses broke those special Tablets of Testimony that God had given him. You know, those stone tablets that were actually written on by God’s own "Finger"? Pretty intense, right?
But here's the heart of what Larry's getting at: God has this incredible way of using people who break things. People who are, well, a bit broken themselves. And the best part? He's all about healing our broken pieces.
"When He had made an end of speaking with him on Mount Sinai, He gave Moses two tablets of the Testimony, tablets of stone, written with the finger of God" (Exodus 31:18).
While Moses was on the mountain the people get Aran to build them a golden calf to be their god. God tells Moses that the people you brought out of Egypt have defiled themselves. I ‘m going to destroy them and raise up a new people through you. But, Moses interceded for them, "So the Lord changed his mind about the terrible disaster he had threatened to bring on his people" (Exodus 32:4).
"Then Moses turned and went down from the mountain with the two tablets of the testimony in his hand, tablets that were written on both sides; on the front and on the back they were written. 16 The tablets were the work of God, and the writing was the writing of God, engraved on the tablets" (Exodus 32:15).
"When they came near the camp, Moses saw the calf and the dancing, and he burned with anger. He threw the stone tablets to the ground, smashing them at the foot of the mountain" (Exodus 32:19).
I'm sure that you have heard this story before about when Moses broke those stone tablets that God gave him on Mount Sinai? Those tablets weren't just any old stones; they were written on by God's own "Finger." Quite a moment, right?
Here's the deal: Moses was up on that mountain, and down below, the people made a golden calf to worship. God was ready to start over without them, but Moses stepped in, and God decided to spare the people. When Moses came down and saw the calf, he was so angry he smashed those tablets. Talk about a dramatic moment.
So, what can we take away from this?
1. God loves working with imperfect people.
Ever feel like you're not cut out for something big because of your mistakes or imperfections? Well, you're in good company. Moses, David, and even the prophets felt inadequate at times. But here's the thing: God doesn't call the equipped; He equips the called. It's not about being perfect; it's about being open to what God can do through you.
2. Yep, we all break stuff.
It's part of being human. Moses shattered those tablets, David made his fair share of mistakes, and if we're honest, we've all had our moments. But these stories remind us that it's not about never breaking anything; it's about what you do after. It's about seeking forgiveness and moving forward.
3. God's in the business of fixing broken things.
After everything, God told Moses to make new tablets, and He wrote on them again. This shows us that no matter how broken things seem, God can restore and renew. He's got a knack for turning our messes into messages and our tests into testimonies.
So, what's your takeaway? Maybe it's time to drop the shame and the "I can't" attitude. Maybe it's time to say, "Yes" to God, knowing He's got your back, imperfections and all.
Let's not forget, God's looking for someone just like you to make a difference. Are you in?Amen,
Larry Neville
larry@praisechapel.com