Abounding in Hesed - The Revelation of God's Gracious Heart

-The extraordinary passage before us today is foundational and highly significant in Scripture in terms of revealing the attributes and character of God. This momentous disclosure of Yahweh to Moses would become a historical marker to which God's people would return again and again throughout their history, a disclosure that continues to give enormous hope to God's people in all generations. The passage easily divides itself into four related movements.- - -1. Yahweh's Gracious Summons -vs. 1-5-- -- Carve out two stone tablets.-- Come alone in the morning up to Mt. Sinai.-- Call on My name when I reveal Myself.- -2. Yahweh's Definitive Revelation -vs. 6-7-- -- Yahweh, Yahweh God-- Compassionate and gracious-- Slow to anger.-- Abounding in hesed and truth.-- Keeps hesed for thousands.-- Forgives iniquity, transgression, and sin.-- Will by no means leave the guilty unpunished.- -3. Moses' Humble Response -vs. 8-9-- -- Instantaneous, contrite worship-- A humble, reverent request for Yahweh's presence, pardon, and assurance that Israel was still His inheritance.- - -4. Yahweh's Reassuring Reaffirmation -vs. 10-- -- The gracious renewal of His covenant.-- The resounding reaffirmation to show His omnipotent power on behalf of His people.