17 SEPTEMBER

THE GOLDEN CALF

“Now when the people saw that Moses delayed coming down from the mountain, the people gathered together to Aaron, and said to him, “Come, make us gods that shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.” (Exodus 32:1, KJV)

In their preparation to leave Egypt, the Lord had given the children of Israel favour in the sight of the Egyptians. According to the word of Moses, the Egyptians gave them what they requested: articles of silver, gold and clothing. Unfortunately, some of these blessings from God were used for the wrong purpose; they were fashioned into a golden calf, as a god to worship in impatience and immorality.

The Israelites wanted a god they could see and control. They made “God” in the image that man desired–convenient to obey or ignore. Are we different? In spite of the great wonders and miracles that the invisible God worked in their lives and still works in our lives, we take His mercies for granted.

What are we elevating in our lives to a position more important than God? How do we try to turn God, whom we should obey into a dog that we desire to obey us? How do we use the precious and costly time, talent and treasures that God has given us to fulfil His purpose and build His kingdom here on earth?

And are we a leader like Aaron, a pliable personality; or one like Moses, a strong personality, who knew His God and did exploits for Him?

ACTION: Choose to use your gifts for God, not as gods!

PRAYER: Thank you, Lord, for the manifold blessings you have given me. Help me to use these blessings for your glory always.