How can I possibly explain such a rapid turn of events in the making of the Golden Calf? This happened when Moses went up on the mountain top to receive the tablets of stone with the law and the commandments. As he head up into the mountain of God, Moses tells the elders to wait for him and that they should consult Aaron and Hur if there is a dispute. For forty days and nights, Moses remaind on the mountain. He was receiving instructions from God about the construction of the tabernacle, as well the clothing for the priest and procedures for the ordination. God and Moses are deep into the conversation and details, then the scene shifts away from the mountaintop. The people has become anxious about Moses being gone so long. They asked Aaron to come make gods for us, who shall go before us. The people looked to Moses instead of God. They put more importance on the gift than the Gift-giver. The idol they requested was meant to replace Moses. However, they challenged God's sovereignty as well. After casting an image of a calf, the people say, "These are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out of the land of Egypt". These people sure do know how to push the divine buttons.
God's reaction showed that the people have committed more than a minor infraction. These people wanted tangible images of God, who were more accessible. As leaders, we should never have a leadership style where we are willing to compromise on the word in order to appease the people. Aaron makes them a calf and lets the people think what they want about it. Then he tries to make himself look good by putting God in the picture saying, this is about Yahweh by calling it a feast in honor of Yahweh. Aaron did not teach or tell the people of their theological misconceptions, he did not see any harm done. He just thought, at least they are not griping at me. Once the party began, things got out of hand. Sin will take you farther than you are willing to go and keep you longer than you are willing to stay. Moses implores God to change his mind and not bring disaster upon the people, lest they become a laughing stock amongst the surrounding nations. This shows that God allows human dialogue and input. God changed his heart regarding the people to destroy them. The intercessory prayer uttered by Moses worked! Moses prayed and a nation was spared!
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We see God providing the people with more meaningful ways to access God. He gives the people the Ten Commandments and the Book of the Covenant- a book of God's words they can learn and consult when they are uncertain about how to proceed. He also gives them the tabernacle, along with the cloud of God's presence that rests there and the priesthood to accompany it. At the tabernacle the people were not so terrified by the direct, powerful presence of God as they were on Mt. Sinai. A major crisis threatened the relationship between God and the people, but ultimately, God refuses to give up on these sometimes-stiff-necked, former slaves. God is loving and forgiving, but he is also a just God. He will not always chide with man. Remember, we reap what we sow. Let's sow unto the Spirit and reap a bountiful harvest with overflowing blessings. The teaching is from Exodus chapter 32:1-35.