God, Moses and the Golden Calf

This meditation is based on a passage for April 26, 2010 in the Daily Lectionary Year 2 from the Book of Common Worship for the Presbyterian Church (U.S.A.) (1993).

Text: Exodus 32:1-20

Reflection and Question: The fact is, no matter what, we eventually stray from God’s will. Here the Israelites become impatient with Moses as he communes with God on Mt. Sinai and Aaron leads them in worship of an idol. God’s wrath burns against the people even to the point of wanting to destroy them, but Moses intervenes, changing God’s mind. Then Moses goes to the people and his wrath burns hot against them. He grinds the golden calf to powder, scatters it on the water and makes the people drink. Whose anger do you feel when you stray from God’s will?

Prayer: Eternal God, we give You humble thanks that Your steadfast love for Your creation never changes. Thank You for all the times that have been and will be when Your wrath burns hot, yet You stay Your hand and lift us up to try again. Amen.