Have you ever broken anything?

On purpose? In anger?

I have.

But let’s not think about us. Let’s think about Moses.

Moses was on Mount Sinai for 40 days and received two stone tables from God on which He had written the Ten Commandments. 

Because Moses was gone for so long, the Israelites thought something had happened to him, so they decided to make their own god.

They melted their gold earrings and formed an idol in the shape of a calf.

God alerted Moses to the problem and added that He would destroy the people.

Moses appealed on their behalf, and God spared them.

However, as Moses carried the two stone tablets down the mountain, he saw the people dancing around the calf and became so angry that he threw the tablets down, breaking them into pieces.

There were consequences for the people’s actions, but God didn’t forget about what was broken.

In the beginning of Exodus 34, He told Moses to chisel out two more stone tablets for Him to rewrite the commandments.

Sometimes we break things.

Through anger, even when we deem it justifiable, we might damage relationships, hurt hearts or break promises. 

Whether we are the ones who do the breaking, or we have suffered from other’s choices, I believe that God can restore all things.

Just as Moses was told to prepare two more tablets, God may lead us to steps we need to take for restoration. 

Although the details vary with individual situations, I trust God, the Shepherd, Who is described in Psalm 23:3 as the restorer of my soul.

Ronny Michel may be reached at rmichel@rtconline.com.