Exodus 33 – 36

They have just been chastised for making the golden calf and are ready to move forward. Verse 33: 3 lays out what God had decided:

Travel to the land that flows with milk and honey,the land of your inheritance. However, because you are such an incredibly stubborn people, I will not be going with you. Otherwise, I would completely destroy you during the journey.

Imagine loving someone so much, but not being able to be around them because they infuriated you so much? I know many in our family who say that about me. They love me but can’t be around me.

Verse 34:14 clarifies why God is this way:

because you must not worship any god except for Me. My name is Jealous, and I am a jealous God.

I believe one of the reasons God does not want us worshiping these idols and gods is many are the ones cast out with Satan. They are trying to be like God and therefore gather the wrath of God, since he cast them out of heaven. This is the constant battle between man, demons and God where we are trying to elevate ourselves to God like levels.

Take the books “The Secret” it tries to break down “the law of attraction” into some scientific thing that over powers any belief of God. Heck all I have to do is want it and the “universe” will get it for me, without having to pray to God to get it. I have become God like in this case!! See the danger? The book focuses on God being a genie to give you things and not a ruler over all.

Verse 35:21 ties offerings from the heart vs forced:

Then all those whose hearts and minds moved them came back, bringing their valuables as a contribution to the Eternal One for the congregation tent, all its service, and the sacred garments. 

See the difference? Those who changed their “hearts and minds” gave offerings pleasing to God. God does not want you to seem forced to give something you do not wish, rather He wants you to give from love. It’s that simple, don’t give from the law, but give from the heart and then you will see what was talked about in Luke 6:38.