Exodus 32:21 He said to Aaron, “What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?”
Way back in Exodus 3, God called Moses to deliver His people from exile. Moses came up with a bevy of excuses (“Who am I to do this?” “What am I supposed to tell them?” “What if they don’t believe me?” “I’m not a very good speaker.” “Please send someone else.” Exodus 3-4). Because Moses was so reluctant, so hesitant to accept God’s call, God suggested Moses take Aaron with him. And look how that turned out for Moses.
Exodus 32:22 “Do not be angry, my lord,” Aaron answered. “You know how prone these people are to evil.
I wonder how this scene would have turned out had Moses, back in Exodus 3, said immediately, “I’ll go, Lord. I know You are with me. I know You will guide me.” But he didn’t. He doubted and whined and made excuses. And God still used him, but Aaron led the whole golden calf debacle. I wonder how many times in my own hemming and hawing and floundering I’ve caused similar issues, similar grief and discord, when, if I had trusted and obeyed, things could have gone relatively smoothly. I’m sure I’ll never know.
Exodus 32:23 They said to me, ‘Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don’t know what has happened to him.’
Lord, You don’t want automatons who mindlessly obey. You want people who love You, who follow You, who listen to You with open hearts and minds. Thank You for the ability to seek and question, even when it doesn’t turn out as I hoped. Thank You for using all of life to draw me closer to You. Help me not to be afraid, even when I can’t see what’s ahead. Amen.
Exodus 32:24 So I told them, ‘Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.’ Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!”
Have a blessed day.