Have you ever felt like you needed a second chance? In part 23 of our study through the Book of Exodus, we break down Exodus 34 and learn about the remaking of the Ten Commandment tablets. Discover the patience and mercy of God to give us second chances and how His presence in our lives transforms us.

TALK IT OUT

Below, you’ll find some key discussion points to consider, questions to personally reflect on and/or discuss in your small group, with your family, or in your circle of friends, and some action points for the week. 

Memory Verse of the Week: Exodus 34:10 (NIV)

^“Then the Lord said: ‘I am making a covenant with you. Before all your people I will do wonders never before done in any nation in all the world. The people you live among will see how awesome is the work that I, the Lord, will do for you.’”

Second Chances

You’ve probably heard it before, “God is a God of second chances.” Actually, He’s a God of third chances, fourth chances, fifth chances—you get the idea. But the main point of that idea is the Lord doesn’t just cut us off after our first failure. His heart is to forgive, restore, and renew His good plan for our lives. We see a strong picture of this in Exodus 34 as God commands Moses to “cut two tablets of stone like the first ones.”

As we consider the importance of God’s Word in our own lives, we live under a very similar principle. As we cast our eyes to the horizon, we don’t know all that lies beyond it. Most of the future remains a mysterious wilderness filled with trials, temptations, and traps. But our God knows all that we don’t know. He foresees everything we will encounter, and He’s given us His Word to guide us on each step of our journey and to assure us in our relationship with Him. The Bible is not just a book, it’s a bond, a lifeline, and a cord that connects us to the One we call Father and to whom we belong for eternity. 

Discussion Question 1: Read Exodus 34:1–3. What does God’s command to Moses reveal about Himself and His Word?

Discussion Question 2: Read Exodus 34:4–17. How has God revealed Himself to you in response to your obedience to Him? 

Radiant Faces

Imagine the face of Moses after descending from Mount Sinai with the perfect and beautiful words of God on those tablets that would guide the people in their covenant. The Hebrew word used for “radiant” also means to shine or send out rays (StepBible.org). Moses’ face was radiant because he spent time in the presence of God and witnessed Him writing down the covenant law. When he descended, the people were afraid to come close because of how radiant his face was. 

Consider the beautiful imagery here for us as believers. Although our faces may not always be radiant in this way, we still can experience something similar to what Moses did every time we enter the presence of God, spend time with Him, and then go into the world and engage in daily activities. This is why it says in Psalm 34:5 (NIV), “Those who look to him are radiant; their faces are never covered with shame.” It wasn’t just spending time with God, but it was also speaking with the Lord that caused Moses to be so radiant. In the Old Testament, this was a privilege that only select people could have. But speaking with God is something that has been made possible for all of us through the redemptive work of Christ on the cross!

May we take inspiration from Moses to spend more time in the presence of God, engage in conversation with Him, and never forget to unashamedly display His joy in our lives as a witness to those around us. 

Discussion Question 3: Read Exodus 34:18–28. What are you doing to remember God’s faithfulness in your own life and in the stories of Scripture?  

Discussion Question 4: Read Exodus 34:29–35. What does quality time in the presence of God look like for you?

THIS WEEK

Take a moment over the next several days to spend time with God in solitude. Focus your mind on His character, be aware of His presence, and start a conversation with Him. You may not hear His voice audibly, but you can open His Word and let the Spirit guide you in your reading of it. Just be with Jesus and see how His joy and peace can fill your heart.

A LOOK AHEAD

What does generosity look like in action? In week 25, we’ll make our way through Exodus 35 and discover where true generosity flows from, why it’s actually an act of worship that brings joy and fulfillment, and the different expressions of generosity we can engage in as believers.