Did you know that TikTok tracks how many videos you’ve watched on the app? I regret to inform you that I discovered this in the settings. It is with deep sadness that I also regret to inform you that every one of those dumb videos you watch is tallied up, even if your username is “User8723098439823094802348” and your picture is a gray circle.
In today’s reading, we read about God’s people worshiping idols while Moses had his ten commandment tablet moment with God. I remember being a kid, hearing this story in Sunday School, and wondering how the Israelites could be so stupid. Like, don’t you guys know that God’s finger is writing on a rock your friend, Moses, is holding right now? Why are you obsessed with a statue?
It can seem absurd to read some of the sins recorded in these ancient cultures, but man—how similarly strange are the things we value through our countless tally of views each day?
I’m not anti-video-clip. I’m not boycotting Netflix. But, if the best part of my day is watching a girl get her hair highlighted with some synth behind it in my headphones…that sounds almost as absurd as exalting a gold calf.
In 1 Corinthians 10:6–7, Paul warns the people of Corinth not to be idolaters. And then, it reads, the people ate, drank, and partied. It seems we never learn.
Worshiping power or money or comfort or cows made out of melted jewelry leads to discontentment, increased exhaustion, and heartache. But, the beautiful thing is, we have Someone better to give our attention to. Jesus can captivate us. Jesus has erased our offenses. He can heal us, lead us, and comfort us when life hurts too much. When spending time with Jesus is the best part of my day, I feel rested, whole and purposeful, and content.
Tonight, when you’re winding down with that Texan beekeeper who shares videos of bees being transported to new hives (I have found myself in some strange rabbit holes), take a break and return to God’s Word. Even if you already have that morning. See what He reveals to you and puts in your heart. Jesus is the One worthy of our worship, attention, and affection. Let’s give it to Him.
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55 thoughts on "The Gold Calf"
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So, from Chapters 20-31 in Exodus, was God just speaking to Moses on the mountain, while the people waited down below? Could they see God? Could they hear what God was saying during this time? How long was Moses up there (a couple days, a couple weeks, a couple months, a couple years)? If they were waiting, what were they supposed to be doing during that time? Were they idle & then got bored? It reminds me of the quote that says ‘idle brains and/or hands are the devil’s playground.’
I love in Exodus 32 v 10-13 – we see that Moses cares more about his people than himself.
And his words exchanged with God are of one who has intimacy with God. He knew Gods promises and His words and spoke to him like a friend would. But that is built on a closeness. Moses knew that God keeps his promises. “Remember God”. The Lord loves when we “remind” Him of His words.
This little passage encourages me to grow my intimacy and friendship with God.
I love in Exodus 32 v 10-13 – we see that Moses cares more about his people than himself. And his words exchanged with God are of one who has intimacy with God. He knew Gods promises and His words and spoke to him like a friend would. But that is built on a closeness. Moses knew that God keeps his promises. “Remember God”. The Lord loves when we “remind” Him of His words.
This little passage encourages me to grow my intimacy and friendship with God.
I love in Exodus 32 v 10-13 – we see that Moses cares more about his people than himself. And his words exchanged with God are of one who has intimacy with God. He knew Gods promises and His words and spoke to him like a friend would. But that is built on a closeness. Moses knew that God keeps his promises. “Remember God”. The Lord loves when we “remind” Him of His words. This little passage encourages me to grow my intimacy and friendship with God.
That prayer Dorothy! Thank you for taking the time to leave it here. It blessed me.
Thank you.
Amen!
Praying for you Stacey…relief from pain and sweet peaceful time with Jesus
Rebekah, in my Bible notes, it says that “3000 were executed for instigating an immoral orgy at Sinai. They apparently killed those who persisted in idolatry and immorality (Numbers 25:6-9)”. I also saw in the notes that the word “ play refers to a euphemism for the gross sexual relations which followed the excessive feasting”.
Thank you. Love this.
Thank you for another great word.
RE: Exodus 32:26-28, 35
Why?
Sin results in death.
Rebekah, I am also confused about why killing the levites, brothers and friend included, was necessary? Anyone have insight into what justifies that ? Some of the violence in the Bible is hard for me but I learn a lot from these Bible studies, thank you!
Such a great reminder Scarlet. My rabbit holes are garden tour videos on YouTube, especially hydrangeas lol. Indeed our God is a jealous God. Anything we love more than Him, we exalt that over Him. And distraction is costly of our limited time. Father teach me to number my days. Amen.
By the way, Stacey, I prayed for you today. I hate what you’re going through. Praying for some light and God’s comfort for you.
If anyone has insight into why the Levites killed 3000 men, please help me understand. If I understood correctly, it sounded like they battled their own families and people and then Moses went to God for atonement. It is difficult for me to grasp God’s goodness in this part.
I DONT KNOW WHY THERE ARE SO MANY REPLIES FROM ME lol. And I can’t delete them. Sorry ladies lol!
This hot home. I’m struggling with enjoying my time in devotion and prayer. I have a chronic illness that leaves me in pain most days and bed ridden some. I struggle with my time with Jesus, with not being consumed with thinking about my disease and begging for the pain to stop. So the whole time with God is not enjoyable like it should be. It just a begging session to stop the disease. I find my self on tik tok like apps escaping the thought of my situation. I want me time with Jesus to be what it should.
This hot home. I’m struggling with enjoying my time in devotion and prayer. I have a chronic illness that leaves me in pain most days and bed ridden some. I struggle with my time with Jesus not being consumed with thinking about me disease and begging for the pain to stop. So the whole time with God is not enjoyable like it should be. I find my self on tik tok liek
This hot home. I’m struggling with enjoying my time in devotion and prayer. I have a chronic illness that leaves me in pain most days and bed ridden some. I struggle with my
I really needed today’s reading and devotional. I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can use my phone time more wisely rather than just for mindless scrolling and whether or not social media/my phone has become an idol.
I have to laugh as I too have caught myself engulfed in those Texas Bee videos. I often find myself not trusting Gods timing in my own life but yet will tell anybody who’s struggling to trust his timing. As I am at a point in my life where I am really over being single I struggle to trust God. I constantly pray to not get so caught up in it that I can’t see important things around me but sometimes it can be hard.
Just wanted to share I haven’t been on the site much these past 10 days but have been at an annual Christian camp meeting in CT. Ten days of fellowship, bible study, music, vespers, missions and so much more. We are multi-denominational. Camp was founded in 1865. Our theme for the week was “Authentic Faith”, which can look a little different for each depending on faith traditions, but central is the Bible. Camp is called Bethel and as you leave the grounds a sign reads, “Mizpah”, May the Lord watch between thee and me while we are absent one from another. Blessings sisters.
Hey Dorothy,
Your question is so cute… Lol!
All she means is that she started watching other people’s videos, and it is sad if that was the highlight of her day.
But you could apply the same philosophy to anything-reading, shopping, discontent, and the list could go on forever. Anything that we put before God becomes an idol.
Hope this helps!
Okay sisters, those of you that are younger or more familiar with the lingo of this generation would you please interrupt this phrase for me, “if the best part of my day is watching a girl get her hair highlighted with some synth behind it in my headphones”. Thanks.
In today’s scripture to scriptures caught my eye that I hadn’t noticed in the past, this is Aaron talking to Moses “When they brought it to me, I simply threw it into the fire—and out came this calf!” (v24). It’s like Aaron is saying it was magic. I never really caught that in the other times I’ve noticed this part of the scripture. (I even had to chuckle a little.) Then verses: “25 Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control, much to the amusement of their enemies. 26 So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, “All of you who are on the Lord’s side, come here and join me.” And all the Levites gathered around him. 27 Moses told them, “This is what the Lord, the God of Israel, says: Each of you, take your swords and go back and forth from one end of the camp to the other. Kill everyone—even your brothers, friends, and neighbors.” 28 The Levites obeyed Moses’ command, and about 3,000 people died that day. 29 Then Moses told the Levites, “Today you have ordained yourselves for the service of the Lord, for you obeyed him even though it meant killing your own sons and brothers. Today you have earned a blessing.”” I just wondered what the rest of the community was thinking at this time.
In my devotional Bible is a prayer right after verses 9 and 10 that I would like to share. When I read it, it was like God speaking to me because right now I am dealing with a lot with my sister. I’m finding out bits and pieces of information through other people, either other family members or close friends. So after I finish here I’ll be heading out to not only check on her and her cat but talk with her nurses and possibly look at her medical chart. There so many things I want to say to her but I know I need to use the proper wording. Here’s the prayer —- “DEAR GOD, Give Your daughter peace in the waiting and joy in the preparation for everything You have to give her. Give her wisdom to know when to wait and when to take action. In Jesus’ name, Amen.”
Sisters be blessed and know God is there for you every second of the day.
What kind of faith do we/I have?
The Israelites “see it to believe it” faith (v1)?
Or Moses “trusting in everything I know about God and His character” (v11-13)?
I hope that every day I have the courage to do what is right, but not necessarily popular.
What stuck most with me was Aaron in the aftermath of all this. He helped in this big sin against God. Yet he still got to serve in the tabernacle as high priest. Imagine how he felt after this all went down, probably hesitant to enter the tabernacle, feeling unworthy. Maybe wondering if God still loved him the same. Yet, God still meets him, with mercy and love.
When I sin, I often get it wrong, thinking God could possibly not love me after the things I’ve done. Yet time and time again, He shows that He is not a God that is out to get me and only sees my sin. He is a God of love, mercy and only wants His best for me.
Such a powerful reminder to watch where the tallies of my time and energy accrue!
Amen! Always give thanks to our Lord!
As i read this passage for the umpteenth time (i love Exodus) i tripped again on 32:33 – “erase from my book”. I need to chase this rabbit. As i live under the grace of my Lord and Savior i find this hard to understand.
It can be a fine line from enjoying pleasurable things to overindulging. Our God created many wonderful things for us to enjoy and doesn’t want us to feel guilty when we do! But He asks that we put Him first and remember that He is the source of true joy. Help me to keep that perspective when I fall into temptation to just veg out in front of the tv or play games endlessly on my phone! Love and prayers for all on this Tuesday!
This is the quote in my journal today, “If you look at the world, you’ll be distressed. If you look within, you’ll be depressed. But if you look at Christ, you’ll be at rest.“ Corrie Ten Boom
Todays reading was a good reminder for me – idols aren’t just golden calf statues, they can be social media, money, etc. I need to turn to God more than these things.
Do not be too busy to read the Bible. Remember what is most important in your life. Do not substitute money, material things or waste time on nonsense.
What am I idolizing? Myself? Things? My home? Does my life, my things or my home serve the Lord as it should/could??? Lord help me to focus on You and TRUST your waiting. Help me to be patient and avoid sin!!! Amen
I loved today’s message and the reminder that we can turn to Jesus at all times of the day. Isn’t it crazy how (at least for me) we do devotionals in the morning and for some reason feel we are done for the day. But I love the practical advice of “hey, at the end of the day instead of a video, turn to Jesus and see what he is revealing.”
Jesus let my heart always be drawn into You. Amen
How many times in my waiting to hear from God have I soothed my anxiety, or tried to find comfort (because I really love comfort)
It’s so weird how we try to trust ourselves or things other than God. It’s unbelief that he can or will work. It’s easier to make an idol than to have faith that God is who he says he is and can do what he says he does. Lord, forgive me for my unbelief help me trust and have patience in you.
Alfreda, you are not alone in wanting to help family surrender to the Lord. I pray we hold tight to grace and trust God to continue to move in their lives without our constant intervention. This is the season I am in, too.
I missed the part where the levites killed 3,000 men in Sunday school (J/K I know they left that out on purpose) but what a clear example of how serious Moses was and acted quickly, do I do the same when I see/hear something that is so clearly against God’s word? Thank you Scarlet for the devotional and how easy I can spot the golden calves in my life, and how true when we skip the videos and spend more time in Gods word the positive impact it makes on our day. Love you my sisters!
Thank you Scarlet. Those are truly well-spoken and timely words “like gold apples in silver settings” (Proverbs 25:11 CSB).
We’ve got to keep holding on to Gods unchanging hand. He will never fail us.
This word this morning hit home for me. My daughter is pregnant and not ready to give her life to God and I got tired of waiting on God and tried make it happen. Idols are anything we put before God. Trusting God to do it takes faith(believing), and then Knowing-no matter how it looks or feels-that Gods promises are a covenant to me. It’s a process, but it’s making me stronger and closer to God.
This is good !! I often times find myself “wasting time” scrolling instead of doing something productive and wonder why I have no time.
Thank you Lord!
I’ve committed to SRT first thing I the morning. And I try not to scroll in the evening until I’ve read some more, or listened to worship music. Also trying to learn to follow the example of the Jewish community and leave phone off for Sabbath. It’s a work in Progress for sure.
When reading this passage, I was struck by the timing of Moses’ intercession. He interceded for God’s people BEFORE he saw what they had done and he made the conscious decision to intercede for them AFTER he saw what they had done. As soon as he saw what they had done, he became enraged just as the Lord had been enraged over the sin of the people. I think it’s important to remember that sometimes we intercede for people before getting all of the facts and after we have received all of the facts. When we are getting all of the facts, we may be facing a lot of emotions and we may be busy doing needed things. We may not have time to intercede for that particular situation.
I was also reminded of two quotes from a book I’m reading (Suffering by Paul David Tripp)
•”God remains faithful to us no matter what, not because of what is in us, but because of what’s in Him.”
•”…it is so important to remember that God is faithful to us, not because we are righteous, but because He is. He continues to love us, not because we perfectly love him, but because His love for us remains perfect. He remains near, not because we’ve never thought of running away, but because He would never turn His back on the promises He’s made to us. You didn’t earn His faithful presence by your obedience, and your disobedience won’t take it away. The central message of Scripture is that God is with us forever because of one thing and one thing alone: His grace!”
Do my videos outnumber my Bible pages? I am convicted today!
It’s amazing how quickly sin emerged out of impatience. How often do I try and take things into my own hands when things aren’t happening fast enough or in the way I want them to? These are usually the situations that keep getting more complicated and keep
Hmmmm…I am wondering how many times during each day I do enjoyable, but mindless, things (music, videos, snacking, reading novels). Do I use these to avoid reading scripture and prayer and communing with God? It would be amazing if I looked to Christ during those down times instead of personal gratification (a god?).
Father help me to understand what you want me to do to spend more time with You. Amen.
I KNOW those “rabbit holes” too well. Thank you for shining a bright light and revealing what they really are…. Pits!
Moses had been gone over a month. Wasn’t the cloud, smoke, and fire still over the mountian while Moses was up there? Did God’s presence become mundane? Did this pause in His interaction and signs of power cause them to seek a “thrill” from another god?
God had brought Israel out of Egypt, however getting Egypt out of the hearts and minds of Israel would be the larger task.
And then there was Aaron. His fear of the people was greater than his fear of God. Then he lied to Moses about how the calf came into existence.
Lord thank You for Your mercy for only by Your grace do I worship You and You alone.
It is just so bizarre. The people think they just can make a new god. Aaron doesn’t protest at all but just gets to work. And the elders, they had seen the footstool of God, but you don’t hear them saying that a calf, even when made of gold, can in no way compare to God. Still, after this gigantic mess, God is willing to grant them mercy on Moses’s request. Even after this, Aaron still got to be the high priest, the one to serve in the presence of God. Even when we are unfaithful, He is faithful. Mercifully without end.