We have described Aaron's failure of the people, in leading them into idolatry, and in refusing to intercede for them, but rather justifying himself.
It was thus left to Moses to intercede for sinful Israel unto God.
Moses refused to sugar-coat Israel's sin. Moses could not assure that he would be able to make an atonement for their sin before God. His bare appeal to God was for mercy, for under the law, they were worthy of death. They had no hope under the Mosaic Law, for it is a covenant of works: do this and live. Disobey and die.
Moses then makes a tragic request of God, that if there is to be no mercy, God will destroy him along with the people. Moses thereby identifies with the people's sin, and declares his willingness to be judged with his people for their sin.
But Moses cannot and does not offer himself as a substitute in the judgment of Israel. His death with Israel would be completely futile, and he knows it cannot save Israel from judgment.
Moses herein displays many of the attributes of Jesus that Aaron did not: he pleads for his people, he has pity for them, he is willing to suffer the same judgment.
But Moses does not have a suitable sacrifice to substitute in the judgment of God for poor Israel!
God rejects Moses' offer, and reiterates His righteous judgment against sinners. God spares the nation as a whole, but He reserves judgment for each of the wicked.
Moses' intercession was hamstrung by the covenant of works that he mediated. Under that covenant, there is no final remission of sin, no escaping the judgment for disobedience.
Praise God, our Lord Jesus mediates a better covenant based upon better promises - Believe and live!
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John Pittman Hey was born in 1961 in Jackson, Mississippi, to Godly parents who from the beginning raised him in the nurture and admonition of the Lord. With child-like faith he came to Christ on his fourth birthday at his mother's knee. He received his education at church...
#16 - Top Played Sermon (48-Hours) on 4/3/2016
