God's response to Moses' pleading is a new start. He restates the terms of the friendship contract. He reminds them the festivals they must keep. And God chisels out a second copy of the instructions.
Moses' response to God's generous forgiveness and grace is worship. He says, "travel WITH us, forgive us, own us, and possess us."
What do you think about when you worship? From Moses, we see that true worship does not begin with making God do our wishes. It is rather a response to God's kindness - kindness we don't deserve. And then in worship, we recommit ourselves to his ownership.
Like Moses, we need to worship because we need to worship because we need God with us on our journey through life. Too many of us go it alone. And we show it by the way we regularly pre-empt worship with other things.
Moses spent 40 days in God's presence. God presence was so "filling" that he didn't need to eat or drink. And by the time he comes down off the mountain, he face flowed with God's glory - that God's presence is seen on his face.
Write
Think about your faith story: how have you experienced new starts in God?
Presently, what situation or relationship in your life do you most need a new start? Do you feel God WITH you? How do you need to respond to God's grace in worship?
Who do you know needs a new start with God?
Pray
What
is God saying to you today? What's Good News to you?
Talk to God about your experience of his new starts. Thank God for the ways he is generous to forgive, generous to bless you with his presence, and generous to receive your worship.
Pray about the relationships and situations where you need a new start. Ask God for the wisdom and support to make different decisions with your new start. Respond in worship.
Pray for your friend who needs a new start. Pray for the wisdom and opportunity to come along side them and support them in starting over.
Pray for an experience of God's love, grace and mercy in the way he is generous with second chances, and the ways he inspires you and others to worship through his generosity.