Making atonement

Then Moses said, "Consecrate yourselves today to the LORD, that He may bestow on you a blessing this day, for every man has opposed his son and his brother." Now it came to pass on the next day that Moses said to the people, "You have committed a great sin. So now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin." – Exodus 32v29-30

What a perfect Christmas Day reminder!

Moses had what I am sure he thought was a great idea. Since Israel had made such a mess of things maybe he could go up to God and give his life as an atonement for the lives of the people of Israel. Maybe God would put the punishment that was due to the people on him and let him take the consequences.

Great idea possibly, but it was not going to work. Moses was also a sinner, and besides, every man must pay the penalty for his own sin. As a result God’s wrath was poured out on the people for their wickedness.

Moses had the right plan, but he was not the right man. The Right Man came later and it is His birth we celebrate today. The Atoner had to be perfect, sinless, spotless, and undefiled. Only Jesus qualified for that position.

In the fullness of time God sent forth His Son, born of a woman, born under the Law that He might redeem those under the Law and that He might adopt us as His children. Now because of His Spirit we can cry out to our ‘Abba Father’ – our Daddy.

Great idea Moses, in fact, it was the perfect idea. Praise God that in the fullness of time He sent the One who was qualified to make atonement.