exodus 30something

i've been reading through exodus, and it's been taking a really long time. the first twenty or so chapters tells a story, and then for about ten chapters there are laws and instructions on building the tabernacle. now that we're back to the story, the reading is much easier and quick.

i'm encouraged because of several things: namely, you can see how much moses matured. at a young age he killed an egyptian and then ran away. he returned, and God wanted moses to lead his people. moses responded with excuses, but eventually he did as God asked. a couple years later he's leading the israelites to the promised land and receives laws from God. when he returns to the people they're worshiping a calf. God almost killed them all, but moses spoke up for them. he interceded.

that's something else that encourages me: God listens. Moses could have not spoken up for them, but He did. and because of that God spared the people. so cool to have a God who hears our cries and listens to what we ask.

moses continuously intercedes for the "stiff-necked" israelites. and it's so awesome because as he begins to ask God to spare them, you begin to see an intimacy between him and God. it even states that moses saw his face and spoke to him as two friends speak.

amazing. as moses grew, matured, and listened to God more, God drew closer to him to the point of sitting down with him.