48. The Sin of the Golden Calf (Ex 32:1-14)

In chapters 25-31, on the mountain, the Lord instructed Moses on how to build the tabernacle. But the people could not wait for Moses to come down and made a golden calf.

 Read Exodus 32:1-14

Israelites wanted gods for their purpose and said, “come, make (        ) gods who will (         ) before us.”



They said the golden calf had brought them out of (              ).

What was God’s response to their sin?

What were the two rationales for forgiving their sins in Moses' plea? (v12, v13)

 

Answers and Meditation

us, go

In the beginning, we seek God for our needs. However, once we experience God's power and recognize His will, we must put down our agenda and seek God only. There should be no other reason other than God Himself that we seek Him.

They came out of the land of Egypt and were given the law of God. Now, they were supposed to follow God's words. But, they did not put down their worry about survival in the wilderness. They wanted any god who could lead their ways. 

After you believe in Jesus and hear about God's plan for your life, you should put down your thoughts and desires. Otherwise, you would distort the message of God. Once the need has led you to Jesus, you should let Jesus lead you to the vision. Let the vision, not the need, lead you. If you are led by the need, you are a slave of it. If you are led by the vision, you are a leader of others.

 

Egypt

They didn’t introduce a whole new god, but the god of Exodus. They claimed this golden calf led them from Egypt. Idolatry doesn't come from some other place but inside of us. It is very close to us. When our desires and needs distort the truth of God, it generates an idol. 

In Egyptian theology, the goddess Hathor had an image of a cow. 

 

The Lord planned to destroy all Israelites.

The Lord said He would make a greater nation through Moses. God got angry at their intentional rebellion. 


God’s glory, Covenantal promises

God's glory and His faithfulness are two things we can claim in our prayer. From God's standpoint, His mercy and faithfulness motivate His salvation works.

There is nothing for the people of Israel to claim as their credit. There is nothing for us to bring before God except the blood of Jesus and His promise in Christ.

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