The Gold Calf
Open Your Bible
Exodus 32:1-35, 1 Kings 12:26-28, 1 Corinthians 10:6-7
BY Scarlet Hiltibidal
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.
55 thoughts on "The Gold Calf"
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Amen!
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Praying for you Stacey…relief from pain and sweet peaceful time with Jesus
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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”.
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Thank you. Love this.
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Thank you for another great word.
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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!
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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.
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