While Moses was with God on Mount Sinai, the Israelites grew impatient. They asked Aaron to make them an idol. Aaron complied, creating a golden calf. Here are three lessons we can learn from this troubling story:
Sin degrades us. Some people think that God is a kill-joy. They do not understand why God would prohibit certain acts that seem harmless or even fun. However, God's perspective is much fuller than ours. The Israelites thought making the golden calf was a good idea.In reality, they “corrupted themselves” (Exodus 32:7). Their conduct made them “a derision among their enemies” (Exodus 32:25). Though sin may seem fine in the moment, it ultimately works against our wellbeing.
Do not shift blame. When Moses confronted Aaron about the golden calf, Aaron made excuses. First, he blamed the people. Aaron said that “they are prone to evil,” not acknowledging his own guilt (Exodus 32:22). Then, he claimed that when he melted down Israel’s gold, “out came this calf” (Exodus 32:24).He made it sound as if the idol simply materialized. Aaron was clearly trying to elude responsibility. Sometimes we do the same. Admitting guilt is not easy, and we are often tempted to shift blame to others. Repentance can be difficult, but it paves the way for God’s forgiveness (Isaiah 1:18).
We need a mediator. When God said He might wipe out Israel, Moses interceded for them. God even offered to make Moses himself a great nation (Exodus 32:10). Still, Moses begged God to relent. He even told the Lord that he would rather have his name removed from the book of life than see Israel destroyed (Exodus 32:32). Moses mediated for the Jewish people, seeking God’s forgiveness on their behalf. This sacrificial act should remind us of the Messiah. Yeshua so loved His people that He laid down His life. He ever intercedes for us (Romans 8:34). Yeshua is our mediator who made a way for us to come to God!
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