THE GOLDEN CALF Exodus 32:1-29

THE GOLDEN CALF

 Exodus 32:1-29

The story of the golden calf is still applicable to our generation.
The purpose of this message is for us to see where we have veered off and to retrace our steps back to the place of divine purpose. Hence, anything that contradicts God’s purpose or takes the place of God in our lives is Idolatry.

Idolatry is simply a shift of our focus from God.

IMPORTANT THINGS WE MUST TAKE NOTE OF (FROM EXODUS 32):

1. The People Had a Change of Mind (called for another god)
When they saw that Moses’ return from the mountain was delayed, they opted for another god. Likewise, when God seems to delay His visitation, we tend to switch to alternative plans...Do you have a backup plan?
Moses had gone for 40 days, and they couldn't wait any longer.
Sometimes, God intentionally allows some delays in our lives. How well can you handle God-ordained delays?
Note: The popular opinion might not necessarily be the will of God.
The kingdom of God is not democratic; it’s all about God and His eternal purposes.
They began to doubt the possibility of Moses’ return. Likewise today, many people already doubt the reality of the second coming of Christ.

2. In Response to The People’s Request, Their Spiritual Leader (Aaron) Facilitated the Crafting of the Golden Calf.
What role is the church (and the spiritual leadership) playing in the prevalence of idolatry in this age? Are we promoting the worship of strange gods?
God told Moses to collect offering of gold and other materials from the people, to build His tabernacle, but Aaron gathered those offering for the wrong purpose – to promote idolatry (Exodus 25:1-7; 32:2-4).
Idolatry is a grave offence in the sight of God, yet it is on the increase. It is even practised stylishly in the church of God nowadays.
‘This is your god, O Israel that brought you out of the land of Egypt!’ God was very angry with Aaron and wanted to destroy him, but Moses interceded for him (Deuteronomy 9:20).
Does your dressing/lifestyle promote God or idolatry?

3. God Was Much Displeased With This Act. He Resolved In His Heart To Destroy The People And Make Moses A Great Nation, Moses However Interceded On Their Behalf.
This is a foreshadow of Christ’s intercession for us on the cross of Calvary (Luke 23:34). Also, the parable of the barren fig tree (Luke 13:6-9)

4. When Moses Came Down From The Mountain, He Broke The Tablets Of Commandments Before The Children Of Israel. Furthermore, He Burnt the Golden Calf in the Fire, Ground It to Powder, Scattered It on the Water and Made The Israelites Drink It.
The breaking of the tablets was an illustration which he used to show the people, how grave their offence was and to show them how far they had drifted away from the presence of God. He also did that to show them that they had lost the divine favour of the Almighty God. The golden calf today represents strange gods (other gods – power, money, family, fame, self, etc) that contend with the Excellency of Christ in our lives. (Casting down every imagination....)

                   
5. Moses made an open call for whoever was on the Lord’s side
Moses who had earlier stood in the place of an intercessor now stood as a judge.
(Just like Christ who previously came as a Saviour and is coming back as the righteous Judge)
There was lack of restraint (Judges 17:6; Proverbs 29:18)
‘Where there is no revelation, people cast off restraint......’  In the absence of the Word of God, people become ungovernable and destruction is inevitable.
The Levites stood for God.
Likewise, there is an open call from the throne to grace today, saying ‘Whoever is on the Lord’s side—come to me!’
Are you on the Lord’s side?
Are you willing to take a stand for God’s kingdom?
Are you ready to put away every idol from your domain?
How are we serving God? Are we serving Him in spirit and in truth?
Do we glorify God in the way we dress, live and relate with others?

Idolatry is an obstruction to the eternal blessings that God has promised.
What must I do?

1. Consecrate yourself to the Lord
We must forsake father and mother, and prefer the service of Christ and His interest far above our nearest and dearest relations. If we love our relations better than Christ we are not worthy of Him (Matthew 10:37)
It requires determination and appropriate action (Acts 1:8)

2. Daily encounter with the Cross
Through the cross, your interest in this world is crucified, and the world's interest in you, also dies (Galatians 6:14; Galatians 2:20).
Matthew 16:24; Luke 9:23

PST. NATHANIEL SADELA

      Resident  Pastor

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