“When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.” 2 So Aaron said, “Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” 3 All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. 4 Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, “O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!”” Exodus 32:1-4 NLT
“When they came near the camp, Moses saw the calf and the dancing, and he burned with anger. He threw the stone tablets to the ground, smashing them at the foot of the mountain. 20 He took the calf they had made and burned it. Then he ground it into powder, threw it into the water, and forced the people to drink it. 21 Finally, he turned to Aaron and demanded, “What did these people do to you to make you bring such terrible sin upon them?” 22 “Don’t get so upset, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know how evil these people are.” Exodus 32:19-22 NLT
God of Israel,
I find it very east to sit on my high horse and see everything in black and white and in some ways it is. They disobey in the worst way possible by breaking the first commandment.
Then I can take the other side and remember Moses went up the mountain of fire for 40 days and nights. Did they think he had died or gone? And Aaron had the opportunity to calm them down lead them in worship of You and assure them Moses and You God had never let them down before! But maybe he was intimidated and feared for his life|? And the children of Israel had shown in past behaviour how short their memory of deliverance was.
But You cannot overlook their revelry and pagan worship. You cannot overlook Aarons planting the blame on others to make himself look ok. You cannot overlook their impatience at being paused for 40 days in a safe place.
Help us be content when nothing seems to be happening. You may be giving us a break. Help us keep our worship fresh when it seems we do not hear new inspiration. Help us wait for You have not left us, abandoned us and are not sleeping! Perhaps You are waiting to see if we will be faithful . . .
In Jesus name we pray, Amen.
Worship Thursday 20th February 2025
Higher than the mountains that I face
Stronger than the power of the grave
Constant through the trial and the change
One thing remains, one thing remains
Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me
Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me
Your love never fails It never gives up It never runs out on me
Your love
On and on, and on, and on it goes
Before it overwhelms and satisfies my soul
And I never, ever, have to be afraid
One thing remains, yes, one thing remains
Chorus
In death, in life
I’m confident and covered by
The power of your great love
My debt is paid
There’s nothing that can separate
My heart from your great love
Your love
Chorus
Lyrics: Brian Johnson, Christa Black Gifford, Jeremy Riddle