The Golden WHAT?

Exodus 32, 33, & 34

This will take some time to reflect upon. There is a lot to absorb in these readings today. About relationship and right-living and folly and sin. But still overall there is a pattern of intercession and coming together again. Something for us to learn from-and plenty for us to see and not do.

The people say: "As for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him." What are they crazy? They'd practically just gotten the commandments and the first chance they get they say to Aaron make us a god. Boy I'm thinking perhaps Moses would have done better not to bring his brother along. What does Aaron do? Does he say no don't you remember what God did? No he says bring me your gold and we will make ourselves a god that we can sacrifice to.

Poor Moses, Poor Israel. How like us!

We need to pay attention here to this exchange between God and Moses. There is something for us to learn. God says Go down to YOUR people Moses...and Moses says turn away from this anger against YOUR people...Each reminds the other of their relationship. And Moses intercedes even when he doesn't feel like it. We see that he too is angry and yet he prays for the people. Good to remember it isn't about feeling it is about being in relationship.

Can't you just see this exchange between the two brothers? "What did they do to you...that you would do this terrible thing?" Moses asks Aaron. But I can't quite believe what Aaron responds: 'you know these people...they are evil, they brought their gold and out popped this calf.' WHAT?! I can't quite believe my ears. OUT POPPED this calf? Oh my. *sigh* (Sounds a bit like Eve and her talk of the serpent...)

The remainder of these passages could take days to ponder. Moses says to God don't forget your promises to Israel, and how shall we be set apart if you do not go in the midst of us? Moses asking to see God face to face, and God saying no one can see my face and live, yet I know you by name and you have found favor in my sight, I will be in the midst of you and your people. They will see great miracles. And Moses' face shone with the radiance of God's glory...

I pray I do not forget God's testimonies, or stray from his presence. That I might remember the covenant and be one who knows his presence in the midst of my life, and that his glory might shine from my life.

See you tomorrow,
-maggie