This routine is often an odd mix of both chaos and calm.
But it usually works for us.
Houseguests typically provide motivation.
In Exodus the nation of Israel is preparing for company. As we spoke about Sunday, the entirety of chapters 25-40 deal with the nation preparing to host her King. God was actually making plans to move down from Mt. Sinai and take residence among His people.1
Imagine Martha Stewart moving in. Only multiply that by 10,000.
Even still, the diva of decor and fine dining doesn't quite cut it.
God was literally moving into the camp. But there was a slight problem.
The nation grew impatient and did something incredibly shortsighted and reckless. While waiting on Moses to return, Israel created an idol and adopted it as their patron deity. They diverted their worship away from the One who had redeemed them and began to worship a golden calf.
Certainly God's plan was to dwell among His people yet from the very beginning we see the nation wrestling with idolatry. This threat, the danger of worshipping lesser things, was the single greatest challenge to Israel experiencing God's unparalleled blessing. In many ways, our path is no different. If we are to experience the fullness of God's indwelling then we must be attentive to the allure of idols (2 Corinthians 6:15-18).
Along this line, I'd like to make a few observations from Exodus 32.
Certainly God's plan was to dwell among His people yet from the very beginning we see the nation wrestling with idolatry. This threat, the danger of worshipping lesser things, was the single greatest challenge to Israel experiencing God's unparalleled blessing. In many ways, our path is no different. If we are to experience the fullness of God's indwelling then we must be attentive to the allure of idols (2 Corinthians 6:15-18).
Along this line, I'd like to make a few observations from Exodus 32.
Read between the lines of verse 1: He is still on that blasted mountain! When God is not operating according to our agenda or timetable we get antsy. This impatience reveals a syncretic heart: a will desperately attempting to blend the worship of two gods. Timothy Keller talks about our hearts being idol factories, I tend to agree with him.
Of course all of this occurs below the surface, under my Sunday best. It isn't until the supreme God doesn't cooperate with my lesser gods that I react. In my idolatry, I grow demanding.
This demanding spirit is easily detect within Israel. Note 32:1, "Up!" The people come to Aaron and emphatically issue a demand. There was no waiting. No movement to still the heart. Instead of prayer and patience there is the singular drive to secure that which is most desperately craved.
Nothing, save the grace of God, will get between the idol and it's disciple.
Perpetuating this demanding spirit is the underlying issue of twisted thinking. Throughout the narrative of Exodus the people make some of the most ridiculous statements but note 32:4.
"These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt"
Seriously? "These are your gods..."
The calf forged from your nose ring delivered you from slavery?
Vain, sinful imaginings tend to warp our thought process.
We lose sight of God's splendor and majesty.
We mistaken attribute supreme standing to whichever idol we pursue.
"This" is your god. "This" is my god.
We lose sight of God's splendor and majesty.
We mistaken attribute supreme standing to whichever idol we pursue.
"This" is your god. "This" is my god.
"This" has bought your freedom.
"This" is worthy of your sacrifice.
"This" will secure your worth and future status.
"This" will bring deep, lasting meaning and fulfillment.
The more twisted our thinking becomes, the stronger the idols grow and the more susceptible we are to self-deception and ruin. Pay attention to Aaron's general attitude when Moses' confronts him (32:21-24).
Indicative of idolatry is the ingrained ability to blame shift and deceive.
Moses, those people are unbelievable, you know how stubborn they are!
Blame shifting.
I took their gold rings, threw them into the fire, and out came this calf!
Deceit.
Maybe the best question isn't "if" I have idols but what are they? I John concludes with a very brief yet fitting admonition, "Little children, keep yourselves from idols." Be careful of the lesser things, those desires that can creep in and become idolatrous demands.
Invariably God will mess with our idols. When He does, we'll likely grow impatient. Pay attention to these moments, be careful of the twisted thoughts that detract from the truths of God's word. Receive the word that is able to save your soul.
Submit to God and He will lift you up. Continued pursuit of idols will lead to squirming, shifty behavior and thoughts. Blame shifting and deceit happen to be common but there are many ways we deflect and keep from sitting under the light of truth.
Wherever we might be may we embrace God's presence for we are the temple of the living God:
"I will make my dwelling among them and walk among them, and I will be their God, and they shall be my people. Therefore go out from their midst and be separate from them says the Lord...then I will welcome you, and I will be a father to you and you shall be sons and saughters to me, says the Lord Almighty." 2 Corinthians 6:16-18
God Bless!
1. The Plans for God’s Presence (Exodus 24:12-31:18)
The Challenge to God’s Presence (32:1-34:35)
The Gift of God’s Presence (36:1-40:38)
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