In last week’s blog, we witnessed the tragic response of the Israelites as they impatiently waited for Moses to return from the mountain. It seems almost unthinkable that after all God had done for them that they would deliberately sin against Him. But they did, committing idolatry, one of the Ten Commandments, they had agreed to live by. You can review what they did at https://www.cosdavis.com/the-what-of-idolatry/ .
As we will see in the third blog on this subject, there will be dire consequences for many who promoted this rebellion against God. However, in today’s blog we will try to understand why the Israelites committed this terrible act of betrayal against God.
Why did the Israelites commit idolatry?
Why did they do such a stupid thing? Do you sometimes ask yourself, “Why did I do such a crazy thing? ” or “Why did I say that?” Jesus’ teaching in the Sermon on the Mount (Matthew 5) tells us that all sin is a matter of the heart. Something deep inside us prompts us to murder, commit adultery, commit idolatry, etc. So, our acts of disobedience are the result of our heart being out of alignment with God’s heart, His will.
So, what was going on with the Israelites that led to their rebellious act of idolatry? Why did they replace God with a gold calf and give it credit for what He had done for them? Let’s see if we can discover what led them to this tragic act. Here are some ideas to consider:
Idolatry, like all sin, is a matter of the heart. The heart, that part that motivates our actions, is not naturally inclined toward loving God and doing His will. Jeremiah 17:9 warns us: “The heart is more deceitful than all else and is desperately sick, who can understand it?” The Bible warns about trusting our hearts, especially if they are not committed to God.
So, the Israelites sinned because their hearts were not aligned with God’s heart. What was going on in their hearts that led them to worship an idol?
God’s first commandment told them they were to have no other gods. I think this prohibited adopting a god from another nation to take His rightful place in their lives. Idolatry is the sin of replacing God. This has to do with choosing to make something or someone other than God your god. That is the essence of idolatry.
So, what would cause them to follow their feelings rather than obey God? The Israelites became worried and doubtful in Moses’ absence, and wanted a physical presnce to calm their fears and doubts. Instead of trusting God and waiting, they decided to make their own god.
We are made to worship the one true God, but we are inclined to replace Him with money, things, activities, and relationships that help us feel in control and safe. When things are tough and God seems far away, we want to ease the pain and fill the sense of emptiness. Our spiritual insecurities tempt us to create our own god. That, to me, is why the Israelites did what they did, and that is the heart and essence of idolatry.
Only God can meet the deepest needs of our souls. To do that, He requires that we trust His heart, to wait when necessary, and to be faithful in our walk with Him.
Although Satan is not mentioned as being involved in Israel’s rebellion against God, we can safely assume that He was orchestrating the whole thing. Although we “do the sin,” it is Satan who encourages and supports it. Satan’s solutions to our fears and disappointments may come in attractive disguises. The suggestion to use the image of a calf was easy enough, something familiar to the Jews who had lived among idols in Egypt. Someone under Satan’s influence made the suggestion, and it was done.
Do you remember how Satan tempted Jesus after He had fasted for forty days and nights? Matthew 4:2 says, “And after He had fasted forty days and nights, He then became hungry.” The tempter (Satan) came to Him with a quick and easy solution to His need, “If you are the Son of God, command that these stones become bread.” Matthew 4:3.
This illustrates a strategy Satan employed with the Israelites. He sought to exploit their vulnerability when they became fearful about their future because of Moses’ absence. Tragically, their faith failed, and they made a golden calf, attempting to assuage their fears and anxiety.
Do you have any idols? To what or to whom are you tempted to use as a substitute for the peace that only God can give you?
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