ESOCS Devotional 12 July 2022
TEXT: EXODUS 32:1-14
MEMORY VERSE: “They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt:” Exodus 32:8 KJV
0 And the apostles, when they had returned, told Him all that they had done. Then He took them and went aside privately into a deserted place belonging to the city called Bethsaida. 11 But when the multitudes knew it, they followed Him; and He received them and spoke to them about the kingdom of God, and healed those who had need of healing. 12 When the day began to wear away, the twelve came and said to Him, “Send the multitude away, that they may go into the surrounding towns and country, and lodge and get provisions; for we are in a deserted lace ”
The ancient Israelites, who after being delivered from their bondage in Egypt, fashioned an idol of gold made in the image of a calf. They then proceeded to bow down and worship it, even claiming that it was the god that brought them out of Egypt. On the surface, it feels like the people had given up on the God who liberated them. They seemed to be done with Him. The powerful, providing, abiding God is too much.
Modern humanity is no different. While it is true that most do not make graven images to bow down to, nevertheless they fashion idols out of money, cars, houses, and pleasure. They worship their own humanity and greatness.
The consequences for rejecting the true and living God and worshipping idols in His place are most severe. Scripture tells of the great day of wrath that will pour out on all who reject the true God and do not believe in the gospel of Jesus Christ.
There is no escaping this judgment, for God has commanded that He alone be worshipped and praised. But God has provided a means of salvation and freedom from sin and idolatry. He has sent His only Son into the world to save all who believe and repent. Jesus Christ died upon the cross and rose from the grave so that all may know and worship God as He is. God is not to be worshiped with images because any image we make will draw more attention to the work of our hands than the God who made all things. Also, there is no way we can ever fully represent the holiness and awesomeness of God through an image. To attempt to do so will always fall short. On top of this, God is a spirit (John 4:24), and we cannot form an image of a spirit. We worship God by believing His Word, obeying it, and declaring His greatness to others.
- True faith in action, in the test and triumphant is when one can rely upon his God even in the face of death and disaster and tragedy.
- Lord, never allow me to exalt anything far more important than you in my life.
Read Other ESOCS Devotional here
FURTHER READING: 2 Kings 24:18–20; John 11:17–57; Philippians 4:10–20
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ESOCS Devotional 12 July 2022
