Read the Word:
Exodus 32:19-24
Meditate on the Word:
Two things always strike me about this passage. The first is the riches and blessings that the people of Israel had which they gave to make this idol, which are then lost to them. When they were leaving Egypt, we are told in Exodus 12:35-36, they basically looted the Egyptians. They left with gold, jewelry, and clothing. These were well situated financially for the short trip to their new home. Their idolatry had cost them greatly. Their gold was gone; Moses ground it up and made them drink it. They had squandered their sign of the Lord’s favor.
The second thing that always strikes me is Aaron’s childish response to Moses. He puts the blame on the people, when he could have simply refused. He could have reminded the people of the miracles they had already seen. He could have reminded them of who God is, but he didn’t. He made them a golden calf. But when answering Moses, he said, “they gave me the gold, I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.” This is akin to a child telling his mother that the lamp “just fell and broke” on its own. Aaron did not accept responsibility for his part in the people’s sin.
Pray the Word:
Confess to the Lord your responsibility for any sin in your life. Repent of it and be forgiven.
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