Michael Medved on Exodus 33:18-23 – “God Passing By”

Mark is delighted to welcome Michael Medved, a legend in the world of American thought and political discourse, to the podcast today. Starting his public life as a left-liberal political organizer, Michael has gone on to become a historian, movie critic, nationally-broadcast talk radio host, podcaster, and best-selling author. One of his books, What Really Happened to the Class of ’65?, is actually the first book Mark remembers seeing around his house as a child. The passage that Michael has chosen to discuss today is Exodus 33:18-23. Michael begins this fascinating conversation with the story behind President Trump’s choice of his favorite Bible verse, and follows with his summary of today’s selected verse and its meaning for him. He and Mark then engage in an extensive analysis of the notion of ‘God passing by’ highlighted by this verse, including a number of examples where God is involved not only in the history of America and Israel, but also in our daily lives. They also discuss the value of seeing the world with ‘radical and perpetual amazement’ before Michael shares the lessons he has learned about humankind, his perspective on what is wrong in America right now, and the importance of acknowledging gratitude. As Mark notes, the Torah’s ‘truths keep coming’, and today they are highlighted through Michael’s gift for effortlessly bringing history to life, rendering this episode yet another clear demonstration of the wisdom of this seminal text and its profound impact upon both historical and present day issues. Episode Highlights: · President Trump’s favorite Bible verse · Michael’s summary of the verse and why it’s meaningful for him · How this verse relates to Israel’s recent peace agreements · God passing by · Good advice for statesmen · Stories of God’s involvement in the history of America · Opening up to the certainty that God is here · The story of Michael meeting his wife · ‘Radical and perpetual amazement’ · The lessons Michael has learned about humankind · Michael’s perspective on what is