"Golden Calves"!

God had led Israel out of Egyptian bondage. He had led them safely through the Sea while striking a great blow to the Egyptian army, saving Israel from Pharaoh's pursuit. God provided water where there was none and manna and quail. His power had also been witnessed at Sinai. Nevertheless we read. . .

"(1) When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron and said to him, 'Up, MAKE US GODS WHO SHALL GO BEFORE US. As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.' (2) So Aaron said to them, 'Take off the rings of gold that are in the ears of your wives, your sons, and your daughters, and bring them to me.' (3) So all the people took off the rings of gold that were in their ears and brought them to Aaron. (4) And he received the gold from their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool and MADE A GOLDEN CALF. And they said, 'THESE ARE YOUR GODS, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt!' (5) When Aaron saw this, he built an altar before it. And Aaron made proclamation and said, 'TOMORROW SHALL BE A FEAST TO THE LORD.' (6) And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play." ( Exodus 32:1-6 ESV)

Perhaps our first response is, "How could they?" We might even wonder, "How could Aaron?" However, should we not also ask, "How could we?" The people had been physically led by God out of Egypt. However, it appears they had not yet been fully led out of Egypt mentally and spiritually. Wondering what had become of Moses they stepped back into a kind of worship they had been surrounded by for about 400 years in Egypt. They did not yet know God as they should. But what power had this "god" that Moses would burn, grind to powder, and scatter over the water they would be made to drink? ( Exodus 32:20) Though they thought they would acknowledge the LORD in their feasting, their focus was still on a "golden calf" set before them.

Even today our claim may be of a worship completely fixed on God. However, as we have come to Christ, have we brought some "golden calves" along with us? Though we have been delivered from the bondage of sin, are we still allowing some things associated with our old life to sometimes stand between us and the SOVEREIGNTY OF GOD? Have our own desires been erected as "golden calves" in a manner in which they sometimes override God's Will? Are we boasting in ministry that may not necessarily be the Will of God? (note Matthew 7:21-23) Have we exalted some tradition that has become a "sacred golden calf" or a habit or even recreation or some other activity that may at times set our focus on God aside? As we look at our own lives, if we see anything that has become a "golden calf" between us and God, let us turn our backs completely from it and ALLOW GOD TO HAVE HIS RIGHTFUL PLACE OF SOVEREIGNTY OVER OUR ENTIRE BEING. Unless we properly know Him in this way, we will not be able to live right before Him.

Have a great day GIVING GOD ALL THE "WORTHSHIP" HE IS DUE!
Carl

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