The Word
Impatient Idolatry (Ex. 32)
Even though the people had gotten out of Egypt, Egypt hadn’t gotten out of the people. Growing impatient with God’s timing, the people used a gift from God as an idol for God.
This passage focuses on the Israelites’ formation of the golden calf and God’s judgment of their actions.
CONTEXT
- After Joseph died, the size of Israel caused another Pharaoh to feel threatened so much that he decided to enslave them.
- Through God’s power, Moses led the Israelites through an exodus, and God’s renown began to spread throughout the region.
- God didn’t prescribe commandments until after he had provided deliverance.
CONTENT
- Even though the people had gotten out of Egypt, Egypt hadn’t gotten out of the people.
- Growing impatient with God’s timing, the people turned to worshiping the gift instead of the Giver.
- The people didn’t sin by creating a replacement for God but a representation of God.
- Instead of God’s wrath coming against the people, the intercessor pleaded with God to take him in their place.
CONCEPT
- When we don’t get what we want when we want it, we often take matters into our own sinful hands.
- Our impatient idolatry tends to give glory to anyone or anything for what God has clearly done himself.
- When confronted with sin, no amount of justification will ever remove our guilt.
- Our only hope for our idolatrous rebellion is if Jesus takes our place.
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Travis Agnew serves as the Lead Pastor of Rocky Creek Church in Greenville, SC. His most recent book is Just (About) Married.