PASTOR’S NOTES
And the Lord said to Moses, Go, get down! For your people whom you brought out of the Land of Egypt have corrupted themselves.”
Chapter 32 of Exodus is one of the most mind-blowing moments of the entire book! We have seen plagues, the sea split in half, and hundreds of thousands march out of slavery. With all of that, when the people so quickly turn back to the worshipping of false gods, this is far beyond anything that we have seen yet.
How could people fall so easily and quickly after so much had been done for them? It’s easy to forget, but remember that the last 10 chapters have been during the same moment on mount Sinai. God is giving Moses the commandments, the book of the covenant, and the instructions for the tabernacle. God was blessing and preparing His people for faithful prosperity.
However, during that time what were the people up to? The longer Moses was away, the more impatient the people got. They not only got impatient with Moses, but also with God. Once again, the story is that it was easier to get the people out of slavery than it was slavery out of the people. The people of God kept going back to their chains!
The Israelites were living a life of addiction. They kept going back to what was killing them. Not only would they go back to what kills them, they always made excuses and justified the reasons for their addiction to disobedience. God and Moses were just taking too long!
This week in my studies, I cannot quit thinking about how nothing has changed in the world we live in today. When God does not bless in the ways we desire or move at the speed we want, we go straight to other Gods who will. The issue with the people then and the people now is a lack of faith and trust in the path He has laid before to walk faithfully on. If the path doesn’t lead to instant gratification or our personal desires of worldly happiness, most will quickly look for different paths.
I pray that we all see the foolishness of this chapter and the grace we so desperately need. Wherever you are in the journey of faithful obedience, that is exactly where God wants you. If you are being faithful and trusting to God’s word, trust in His timing and way as well. Not only does God have a way and plan, He is faithful in walking with you in it. God is greater than the idol you chase and His love is mightier than any happiness you seek!
Today, we are different as we are filled with His spirit. We are filled with His Spirit that leads and convicts. I plead with the people who read this to follow the Spirit on the path that God sets for you.
SCRIPTURE TO GO ALONG WITH THE MESSAGE
Read Psalm 106:19-22 as the psalmist references this story in Exodus.
HIGHLIGHT IN YOUR BIBLES
This week is a little different concerning the call to focus on certain verses. I found myself highlighting most of the chapter! I want you to read this week’s text and highlight for yourself the verses that powerfully speak out to you. Share what you found with others.
