32:1-6 Failure Giving free reign to our impatient, restless spirits can very quickly get us into trouble. It did for the Israelites, who turned to idolatry and pagan revelry almost immediately after Moses went up the mountain to meet with God. When we allow our wandering hearts to lose their focus on God, we find that temptation, sin, and suffering are not far off.
32:30-35 Intercession The people’s sin had serious consequences for the entire community, including the death of many by sword and by plague. Restoration of their relationship with God—their greatest need—was made possible because Moses was able and willing to intercede on their behalf, at great cost to himself. In Jesus Christ, we have a “great High Priest” who is greater than Moses and “lives forever to intercede with God on [our] behalf” (Heb 4:14; 7:25).