Impatient Idolatry

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.