Search This Blog

Can we change God’s mind?


“I have seen these people,” the Lord said to Moses, “and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation.”
But Moses sought the favor of the Lord his God. “Lord,” he said, “why should your anger burn against your people, whom you brought out of Egypt with great power and a mighty hand?”  Exodus 32:9-11
            God wanted to wipe out the people for their golden calf worship and Moses stepped in and pleaded for the people.  God backed off and gave a less severe punishment.  Did Moses change God’s mind?
            Yes and no.  God still killed 3,000 people for their disobedience, but he didn’t wipe them all out as he planned.  God knows all things and knew they would disobey and he knew Moses would plead, so his relenting became a part of the plan.  He wanted to wipe everyone out, but he knew he would not after Moses pleaded.
            God changes direction because he already knew he was going to change direction.  It’s not like we provide insight God didn’t know or act more righteous when God gets angry.  God wants us to know we can be part of the process, but ultimately, he makes all the final decisions.