They Saw . . . But They Forgot
By Marlys Roos
TODAY’S TREASURE
"Only take care, and keep your soul diligently, lest you forget the things that your eyes have seen, and lest they depart from your heart all the days of your life." - Deuteronomy 4:9a
"Sometimes, no matter how many times we’ve read a Bible passage, it strikes us and sticks with us as a new revelation. It’s proof: the word of God is living and active."Hebrews 4:12
God’s Word doesn’t change, but on occasion, He opens our eyes, minds, and hearts when He has readied us to see a particular truth, take it in, meditate on it, and perhaps share it. Seeing a passage anew can be exciting and daunting.
One such passage I “discovered” is in Exodus: Then Moses and Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu, and seventy of the elders of Israel went up, and they saw the God of Israel. . . And He did not lay His hand on the chief men of the people of Israel; they beheld God, and ate and drank (Ex. 24:9-11, emphasis added).
Notice the clear declarations, “they saw the God of Israel” and “they beheld God,” repeated, so there is no doubt those men were in the presence of God. God had even set a table for them to eat and drink in His presence.
Next, notice the timing of the event and those named. After the feast, God called Moses up to the mountain to receive instructions and the tablets (the Ten Commandments), but what did the others do? Moses told them to wait. Did they? Scripture doesn’t tell us what they did―until chapter 32.
Even if those seventy-two, including Aaron, had gone down and testified in awe and wonder of God’s glory and greatness, it wasn’t long before they forgot. When Moses and Joshua (Ex. 29:13) stayed with God longer than expected, Aaron and the others were then swayed by the crowd. Chapter 32 opens with the people calling for Aaron to make an idol for them to follow, and he complied. Perhaps those other elders stood as Aaron shaped the molten gold and directed him based on how they remembered God.
The timing makes us ask ourselves just how quickly do we forget being in the presence of God, whether after a sweet quiet time, hearing a powerful sermon, or experiencing significant blessing? Do we try to make God’s revelation fit our thoughts, desires, and circumstances just as they molded their idol?
Finally, notice the names given. Although most are nameless, Nadab and Abihu are the only participants mentioned besides Moses, Aaron, and Joshua. Why name the two sons of Aaron who would be destroyed when they brought strange fire before the Lord (Lev. 10:1-2)? Of all present, we know only Joshua entered the Promised Land forty years later.
While exciting to notice things in Scripture, it can also be daunting. Why did the Lord suddenly spotlight this passage? As Paul wrote to the Corinthians, these things happened to them as an example, but they were written down for our instruction . . . Therefore, let anyone who thinks that he stands take heed lest he fall (1 Cor. 10:11-12).
Have we, like the seventy-two elders, become so comfortable with God, we no longer fear Him? Instead, do we fear others’ opinions and fall prey to their whims to create idols in hope of some fleeting satisfaction rather than the enduring hope of the promises of God? Have we, like Nadab and Abihu, decided we know better than God how things should be and take matters into our own hands? I have done both—without good results.
It's easy to point to those who follow after other gods and their own desires, but can we say we never have forgotten God or tried to shape Him into what we want Him to be? God is beyond anything we can think or imagine (Job 36:26, Eph. 3:20), and we must constantly remind ourselves of who He is and what He has shown us.
LIFE-GIVING ENCOURAGEMENT
Have you ever kept a journal? After you’ve read a scripture passage, heard a sermon, or listened to a podcast, take a few minutes to write about a point or two you would like to remember. Then, every few months, read what you’ve written, so you don’t forget those truths.
PRAYER
Lord God, you know how quickly I can forget what You have shown me. Please continue to remind me throughout each day to remember who You are and what You have done. Thank You for the day when I will no longer need reminders, because I will be forever in Your presence. Amen.
More free resources for help, hope, & healing:
Aging with Grace, Flourishing in an Anti-Aging Culture
By Sharon W. Betters and Susan Hunt
Agingwithgrace.online Discover afresh a gospel that is big enough, good enough, and powerful enough to make every season of life significant and glorious. Free Ask an Older Woman videos and much more. Not just for older women!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Marlys Roos is the publications coordinator for the PCA’s Committee on Discipleship Ministries. She, her husband, and her son live in Atlanta and are members of Perimeter Church.
For more from Daily Treasure please visit MARKINC.ORG.
Originally published Tuesday, 22 August 2023.
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