Exodus 32:1-34:35
The Israelites, while impatiently waiting for Moses to return from the
mountain, crafted and worshiped a golden calf. As a result, Moses threw down
and shattered the tablets with the Ten Commandments. Then, he called on the Levites
to eliminate the guilty parties (about 3,000 people), he broke up the idol and
made the people drink its pieces, and, he returned to the mountain to intercede
for the people, hoping to alleviate God’s anger and remove the plague He had
sent to punish them. Wow!
We also read about Moses’ incredible experiences meeting with the Lord
on the mountain and in the Tent of Meeting. As a result, his face would glow
like a lightbulb, and he had to cover it up when he was around the people. God
also replaced the Ten Commandment tablets.
It is always amazing to me how quickly the people of Israel abandoned
their covenant with God. Just a few chapters earlier (24:3), they shouted in
unison, “We will do everything that the Lord has told us to do.” Yet, in only
eight chapters (32:1), they asked Aaron to “make us gods who can lead us.” When the Lord
told Moses what they were doing, He said, “Quick, go down the mountain! The
people have already turned from the way I commanded them to live” (32:7, 8). What a bunch of
hypocrites!
Why were the people so ready to make images and idols? What was it
about them that was bent to worship powerless objects? It was obvious that they
had left Egypt, but Egypt had not yet left them. Their hearts were rebellious and
idolatrous.
God was concerned about sending them into Canaan, which was a land
full of idol worshipers. He knew they would be tempted by their pagan culture.
Daily Reflection
In what ways do we cheat on our holy Bridegroom, the Lord Jesus?
What are some of the “loves” in your life, those things that distract
you from the Lord or cause you to worship them with time and money?
Have you surrendered all to the Lord? If so, then be faithful to Him.
Cherish your relationship with Him enough to guard yourself against other
loves.
BiAY.org |Day 42 — 323 Days to Go
No comments:
Post a Comment