Exodus 32
Today's Passage: Exodus 32
Exodus 32 can be seen as both a depressing example of the sinful, broken, idolatry that exists in the hearts of people, as well as a devastating example of terrible leadership.
Why are we prone to idolatry?
Just because you (presumably) don’t create a golden calf and bow down before it doesn’t mean that you are not an idol worshiper. We all have the propensity to worship things other than God. Exodus 32 provides some examples of why we are prone to idolatry.
God doesn’t move on our time table.
The people were frustrated that Moses was taking so long, and instead of exercising patience, they gave into their desires and thought that something other than the true God must have been the reason they got out of Egypt.
We forget the goodness and faithfulness of God.
Only a few chapters earlier, the people of Israel had agreed to the covenant to honor the Lord.
The people of Israel failed to remember that it was YHWH who faithfully protected them and sovereignly provided their escape from slavery in Egypt.
A failure of leadership.
The other main factor here is that the people were not led well. Aaron should have boldly stood against the onslaught of the people (as Moses did once he came back down).
Instead, Aaron aided in the corruption of his people.
When Moses returned, he reacted with anger, but it was a righteous anger that mirrors God’s attitude toward sin and idolatry. Moses graciously seeks to intercede for his people, and God mercifully relents of his anger. But there is still something to be said of the need for faithful leaders who boldly stand on God’s truth even if it means being the only one standing.
What areas in your life are you prone to grow frustrated with God or forget the faithfulness of God?
Written By: Graham Withers
Exodus 32 can be seen as both a depressing example of the sinful, broken, idolatry that exists in the hearts of people, as well as a devastating example of terrible leadership.
Why are we prone to idolatry?
Just because you (presumably) don’t create a golden calf and bow down before it doesn’t mean that you are not an idol worshiper. We all have the propensity to worship things other than God. Exodus 32 provides some examples of why we are prone to idolatry.
God doesn’t move on our time table.
The people were frustrated that Moses was taking so long, and instead of exercising patience, they gave into their desires and thought that something other than the true God must have been the reason they got out of Egypt.
We forget the goodness and faithfulness of God.
Only a few chapters earlier, the people of Israel had agreed to the covenant to honor the Lord.
Moses came and told the people all the words of the Lord and all the rules. And all the people answered with one voice and said, “All the words that the Lord has spoken we will do.” Exodus 24:3
The people of Israel failed to remember that it was YHWH who faithfully protected them and sovereignly provided their escape from slavery in Egypt.
A failure of leadership.
The other main factor here is that the people were not led well. Aaron should have boldly stood against the onslaught of the people (as Moses did once he came back down).
Instead, Aaron aided in the corruption of his people.
When Moses returned, he reacted with anger, but it was a righteous anger that mirrors God’s attitude toward sin and idolatry. Moses graciously seeks to intercede for his people, and God mercifully relents of his anger. But there is still something to be said of the need for faithful leaders who boldly stand on God’s truth even if it means being the only one standing.
What areas in your life are you prone to grow frustrated with God or forget the faithfulness of God?
Written By: Graham Withers
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