The Israelites were anxious. They didn’t know their future and wanted some security.
Sure, God had just delivered them from Egypt with a Mighty Hand and miraculous signs, but they had been in the desert for months and now their leader, Moses, had gone up mountain and hadn’t returned yet. They became impatient and worried. Maybe God wouldn’t really be their protector and guide.
So they looked for a new god. They wanted something tangible to trust in. Aaron listened, melted their jewelry down and created a gold calf for them to worship.
The people said, “This, Israel, is your god who brought you out of the land of Egypt.” Exodus 32:4
They had been slaves with barely enough food to survive. Where did that gold jewelry come from? God provided for them from the Egyptians even as He was rescuing them from their bondage. They left with an investment for their future in the new land God was bringing them to.
And they worshipped it.
They took something God gave them and put their confidence in the gift instead of the Giver. An idol doesn’t have to be a statue. It is anything that I put my trust in over God.
A little gold calf seems so foreign to me – who would rely on such a thing? But then I look at all God has given me and see how easy it is to trust in those things. When my future feels secure because of my health, or bank account or relationships – all good things given by God – it is the same form of idolatry that the Israelites expressed.
I am grateful for what God has provided me and I aim to be a good steward of it. But I must be reminded that there is no security in those things, even though they are from Him. My hope and future lie only with One who loves me.
And my God will supply every need of yours according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus. Philippians 4:19
