Bible Pathways 01/28/2002
January 28
Read Exodus 32 -- 34
In Today's Reading:
The bull was the principal god of Egypt, and later became god of the Ten Tribes (I King 12:28). This pitiful apostasy -- a molten calf -- so soon after the marvelous miracles in Egypt, reveals how disgusting "worship" can become when left to human reasoning. It was a crisis, calling for immediate discipline, which was swift and severe as there fell . . . three thousand men (Exodus 32:28). In sharp contrast, it was later revealed that Moses had been with God -- his face shone (34:30).
Verse for Today:
The Lord said to Moses, I have seen this people, and, behold, it is a stiffnecked people (Exodus 32:9).
Highlights:
Moses delayed on Mount Sinai; Aaron's golden calf; its destruction; death of 3,000 Israelites; glory of God seen by Moses; God's Covenant renewed; details for the three mandatory feasts.
While Moses was on Mount Sinai waiting for the Lord's direction as to how they were to live and worship the Holy God, the Israelites were at the foot of the mountain proclaiming a feast to the Lord that was not according to His Word. They made a golden calf as an object of worship and offered burnt offerings. This was a carryover of Egyptian worship to false gods (Exodus 32:5-10). Even today, many think that it doesn't make any difference what god you worship as long as you are sincere. But, there is no substitute for obedience (1 Samuel 15:22)!
The golden calf stands as a symbol of human effort to devise a system of worship that is not according to divine direction. It demonstrates the fact that when people ignore His Word, they worship the works of their own hands (Acts 7:41; compare Romans 1:21).
Acceptable worship of the One True God (God the Father, God the Son, and God the Holy Spirit) can only take place when we are living and worshiping in obedience to His Word, the Bible.
Jesus said: Why call me, Lord, Lord, and do not (practice) the things that I say? (Luke 6:46).
A Thought from Proverbs: All the words of My mouth are in righteousness; there is nothing froward or perverse in them. They are all plain to him that understands, and right to them that find knowledge (8:8-9).
Christ Revealed:
As the One Who is ever-present. My presence shall go with you, and I will give you rest (Exodus 33:14; compare Matthew 11:28; 28:20).
Word Studies:
32:9 stiffnecked = stubborn; 32:12 mischief = evil intent; 32:20 strawed = scattered; 32:25 made them naked = let them get out of control; 33:22 clift = hollow opening; 34:10 terrible = marvelous, awesome; 34:15 go a whoring after their gods = go astray after their gods.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Gov. Jeanne Shaheen (NH) and Rep. Bennie Thompson (MS) · Pray for the President · Country: Taiwan, Republic of China (22 million) 77 islands off the southeastern coast of Red China · Major language: Mandarin Chinese · Religious freedom · 70% Chinese folk-religions/Buddhism; 3% Protestant; 1.5% Roman Catholic · Prayer Suggestion: Sing praises to the Lord (Psalms 30:4).
Optional Reading: Matthew 28
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:6
