Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Monday January 28, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Exodus. Please read Exodus 32-34. In today's lesson we will read and learn about Moses' delay on Mount Sinai; Aaron's golden calf; its destruction; the death of 3,000 Israelites; a Law renewed; God's Covenant; and three feasts.

Moses was on Mount Sinai when God gave him the two tables of testimony. At the same time, something tragic was taking place at the base of the mountain. When the people saw that Moses was delayed in coming down from the mountian, the people gathered themselves together to Aaron, and said to him, make us gods, which shall go before us, shortly after Aaron made a golden calf. "And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him. And Aaron said unto them, Break off the golden earrings, which are in the ears of your wives, of your sons, and of your daughters, and bring them unto me. And all the people brake off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron. And he received them at their hand, and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, To morrow is a feast to the LORD." (Exodus 32:1-5).

The Lord instucted Moses to get back down to the base of the mountain as they have corrupted themselves, then God withdrew His presence from Israel. "And the LORD said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou broughtest out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves: They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. And the LORD said unto Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people: Now therefore let me alone, that my wrath may wax hot against them, and that I may consume them: and I will make of thee a great nation." (32:7-10).

God withdrew His presence from Israel partly in judgment, but it was also in mercy as we was angry and did not want to destroy them completely. His holy nature cannot remain in the presence of sin no more than a light can remain with darkness. Whenever we violate the will of God, His blessings leave us and we are left wandering in the wilderness until we realize that we need Him, not some foreign object. A true burnt offering was the delight of the Lord since it symbolized full surrender to Him; but these sacrifices were pure idolatry. God forbade anyone to make graven images and yet the first thing they do when they get anxious is think of their own ways to worship. What were they thinking? Did they think that a golden calf, which they could see, was better to worship than the invisible, yet ever present God?

False worship often leads to irresponsible, immoral conduct. Let us compare the Israelites' sins with our own behavior. Most of us would reject man-made idols; but think how easily money, possessions, talents, hobbies, and success become idols for many. The golden calf stands as a symbol of human intellect which devises its own system of devotion.

Upon hearing the judgment of God, Israel with great sorrow, stripped themselves of their ornaments and sought the Lord. In losing God's presence they had lost their greatest treasure and blessing, so putting away their ornaments was fitting evidence of their repentance. "And when the people heard these evil tidings, they mourned: and no man did put on him his ornaments. For the LORD had said unto Moses, Say unto the children of Israel, Ye are a stiffnecked people: I will come up into the midst of thee in a moment, and consume thee: therefore now put off thy ornaments from thee, that I may know what to do unto thee. And the children of Israel stripped themselves of their ornaments by the mount Horeb." (33:4-6). The presence of God was their assurance of victory, and if He did not go up in the midst of them their failure was inevitable. God later assured them that they were forgiven and that He will remian with them. "And he said, My presence shall go with thee, and I will give thee rest." (33:14)

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed as the One Who is ever-present. Jesus said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee. "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." (John 14:27).

Today's Psalm: 16:11
"Thou wilt shew me the path of life: in thy presence is fulness of joy; at thy right hand there are pleasures for evermore."

Today's Prayer:
Dear Lord,
In the maze of life's events where we're often a passenger on the rollercoaster of life's ups and downs, may we never lose sight of You, Jesus. You are the unseen, but ever-present Shepherd who protects, guides and tenderly comforts us in all our trouble. Thank You, Lord, that when change is constantly about us, You remain steadfast, faithful, and dependable.  You are the Anchor that keeps us grounded in the unseen, but eternal truths we build our lives upon. Keep us faithful and help us to always put our trust and faith in you. In Jesus' name, I pray......Amen.

Have a wonderful day/night and week.
God Bless,
Christina

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