Idolatry

When the people saw that Moses was so long in coming down from the mountain, they gathered around Aaron and said, “Come, make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.”

2 Aaron answered them, “Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.” 3 So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. 4 He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf, fashioning it with a tool. Then they said, “These are your gods, Israel, who brought you up out of Egypt.”

5 When Aaron saw this, he built an altar in front of the calf and announced, “Tomorrow there will be a festival to the Lord.” 6 So the next day the people rose early and sacrificed burnt offerings and presented fellowship offerings. Afterward they sat down to eat and drink and got up to indulge in revelry.

Exodus 32:1-6


I want you to notice a few things in today’s passage.

Firstly, why does Israel turn to idolatry? It’s fear in the face of danger. They are isolated in the wilderness. Rescued from slavery yes, but also adrift from everything they know. It’s no doubt a scary moment. But… instead of turning to the Lord who rescued them - they take matters into their own hands.

This is the second thing we need to see. Idolatry is a desire for control. It is at the heart of sin. Instead of trusting in God as God, we try to make ourselves like God and create an image. Israel thinks they are making a representation of Yahweh, but really, they are making something in their own image.

This is what idolatry is. It’s turning to something that isn’t God - for the things God designed us to receive from Him. In this case, Israel wants safety. So they make a young bull - representing power and vigour. But as is the case with all idols - this calf has no capacity to provide.

One final reflection. Notice the shape of the worship of this idol. The peace of the camp turns to revelry. And this isn’t God-shaped enjoyment. It’s chaos. Communities that turn to idolatry become destructive. This is a fast-forward version of something we are seeing.

God-shaped worship is all about Him and living His way - which is ultimately other-centred. Love God and love neighbours. But idolatry puts ourselves at the centre. Love thy self. And this leads to chaos as society breaks down under the self-centeredness of its people.

For Today:
  • Why do you think people turn to idols?
  • What are the common idols of our community do you think?
  • What idolatry are you drawn to?

Pray:
  • Praise God that He is better than any idol of our fashioning.
  • Give thanks that Jesus gives us everything we need for true life.
  • Ask God for His Holy Spirit to help you and others live with God at the centre.
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