Eight ascents and descents, part 7

Moses’ ascent (Ex 32:30-33) and descent (Ex 32:34)
Peter healed Tabitha (Acts 9:36-43).

Exodus 32:30-34
The next day Moses said to the people, “You have committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the LORD; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin.”
So Moses went back to the LORD and said, “Oh, what a great sin these people have committed! They have made themselves gods of gold. But now, please forgive their sin—but if not, then blot me out of the book you have written.”
The LORD replied to Moses, “Whoever has sinned against me I will blot out of my book. Now go, lead the people to the place I spoke of, and my angel will go before you. However, when the time comes for me to punish, I will punish them for their sin.”

Peter was in Lydda (meaning-travail) at the time of Tabitha’s death in nearby Joppa (meaning-fairness; comeliness; beauty). Tabitha was always doing good and helping the poor. Messengers brought him to Joppa.

Acts 9:39-41
Peter went with them, and when he arrived he was taken upstairs to the room. All the widows stood around him, crying and showing him the robes and other clothing that Dorcas had made while she was still with them.
Peter sent them all out of the room; then he got down on his knees and prayed. Turning toward the dead woman, he said, “Tabitha, get up.” She opened her eyes, and seeing Peter she sat up. He took her by the hand and helped her to her feet. Then he called for the believers, especially the widows, and presented her to them alive.

The juxtaposition of these two stories provides a sobering contrast between idolatry and holiness. However, even in the face of idolatry, God gave instructions to Moses to move the Israelites forward after he sought atonement. Many people believed in the Lord after the resurrection of Tabitha (meaning-gazelle), and the kingdom of God on earth advanced.

Theme: From travail to beauty
Dominant posture: From prayer on knees to moving forward
O God, how we have sinned! Have mercy.

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