We all get so used to sinning that we forget how bad it is. Sin against a holy God who desires the best for us is rebellion! The children of Israel rebelled while they were waiting for Moses to return from talking to God on the mountain.
After God had miraculously saved his people from Egypt and slavery, they forgot what he had done for them. And worse yet, they forgot God and made a golden calf to worship! They were God’s chosen people, but they chose to sin.
Did you notice what Aaron said after he made the golden calf and built an altar to it? He said, “Tomorrow will be a special festival to honor the Lord.” Just because a spiritual leader says he’s doing a work for God, doesn’t mean he is telling the truth. Even a ministry or a church building program can become an idol if people put it before a relationship with God.
While Moses was on top of the mountain receiving the Ten Commandments, Aaron and the Israelites were breaking at least three of them. They made an idol, committed sexual sins and Aaron misused God’s name.
It’s easy to wonder how people who saw so many miracles could rebel against God. How could they be so silly as to make and worship an idol? Yet, Christians create idols when they make a thing or a person more important than God. Enjoy things and people, but remember who’s really Number One!
God loves his people. He wants to bless them, but he can’t if they rebel against him. Like any good father, God knows how to correct his children.
Think About This: God’s correction is an expression of his love. If he didn’t care, he wouldn’t bother correcting us.
Memorize This Truth: “The Lord disciplines everyone he loves; and he punishes everyone he accepts as a child” (Hebrews 12:6).