3,000

Reading scripture is like reading a really good mystery, in that you can anticipate whatever you like, but you're surprised to see how it ends. With God, he doesn't change the story on us, and he doesn't make it where you can't understand the story; but he definitely has written his book in a way where you never run out of the need to read it anymore. Hebrews 4:12 says, "that the word of God is living and active...", if you're a "reader" then you know that's true. Over the last couple days I've read about Israel's amazing exodus from Egypt, God's display of his power, and also how rebellious the people were. As God threatened to destroy the Israelites for their lack of faith in his directions and their lack of confidence in his chosen leader I couldn't help but see that God means business. Although, more than business, he really wanted to see his people become truly free. While Moses was on the mountain getting the commands from God, the people were frolicking down below as they made false gods to worship. This was what brought God to a boiling point. Yet Moses interceded on the people's behalf. I like to think that God was wanting for Moses to stand up for his brothers and sisters, and demonstrate his loyalty to this motley crew. He didn't condone their behavior, but he was faithful to the cause. In fact Moses delivered a pretty severe punishment to all those involved in the idolatry. Moses was told to kill those people that committed this sin. In Exodus 32:28, Moses writes "on that day about three thousand of the people died." Some would read this and be mad at God for behaving so severely, but this was a form of discipline that helped people respect God's power. Hebrews 12:7-24, "Endure hardship as discipline; God is treating you as sons. For what son is not disciplined by his father? If you are not disciplined (and everyone undergoes discipline), then you are illegitimate children and not true sons. Moreover, we have all had human fathers who disciplined us and we respected them for it. How much more should we submit to the Father of our spirits and live! Our fathers disciplined us for a little while as they thought best; but God disciplines us for our good, that we may share in his holiness. No discipline seems pleasant at the time, but painful. Later on, however, it produces a harvest of righteousness and peace for those who have been trained by it. Therefore, strengthen your feeble arms and weak knees. "Make level paths for your feet," so that the lame may not be disabled, but rather healed. Make every effort to live in peace with all men and to be holy; without holiness no one will see the Lord. See to it that no one misses the grace of God and that no bitter root grows up to cause trouble and defile many. See that no one is sexually immoral, or is godless like Esau, who for a single meal sold his inheritance rights as the oldest son. Afterward, as you know, when he wanted to inherit this blessing, he was rejected. He could bring about no change of mind, though he sought the blessing with tears. You have not come to a mountain that can be touched and that is burning with fire; to darkness, gloom and storm; to a trumpet blast or to such a voice speaking words that those who heard it begged that no further word be spoken to them, because they could not bear what was commanded: "If even an animal touches the mountain, it must be stoned." The sight was so terrifying that Moses said, "I am trembling with fear." But you have come to Mount Zion, to the heavenly Jerusalem, the city of the living God. You have come to thousands upon thousands of angels in joyful assembly, to the church of the firstborn, whose names are written in heaven. You have come to God, the judge of all men, to the spirits of righteous men made perfect, to Jesus the mediator of a new covenant, and to the sprinkled blood that speaks a better word than the blood of Abel..." The point in many ways is that Jesus has given us a better incentive and opportunity to be "holy" in God's eyes. For the Israelites' unholiness at the presentation of the law, which Paul says "kills", 3,000 died because of the conviction of the law. On the other hand, when the Holy Spirit came, which was only possible because Jesus died to remove the guilt of our sins, 3,000 were reborn. Look in Acts 2:38-41 where Peter replied to the crowd's plea for help, "Repent and be baptized, every one of you, in the name of Jesus Christ for the forgiveness of your sins. And you will receive the gift of the Holy Spirit. The promise is for you and your children and for all who are far off-for all whom the Lord our God will call." With many other words he warned them; and he pleaded with them, "Save yourselves from this corrupt generation." Those who accepted his message were baptized, and about three thousand were added to their number that day." 3,000 die because they rebelled against the law several thousand years later 3,000 are reborn because of the spirit. Praise God for the Holy Spirit.