At first glance, we may wonder how the story of the golden calf from Exodus 32 applies to our lives today. Yet, as we look more closely, we find that this passage reveals to us a stark spiritual truth: If we aren’t killing our idols, they will be killing us.  

Idolatry is not just an external action, but it is driven by idolatrous motivations in the heart. Israel was panicked over the long absence of Moses (v. 1) and followed the passions of their flesh (v. 6). Rather than trust the Lord, they created idols to give them “security” and “satisfaction.” We may not make golden calves, but we certainly look to other persons, places, dreams, etc. to fulfill our deepest needs and longings. At the root of sin is the human tendency to make idols of created things – money, sex, career, family, persons—rather than worshiping God alone and finding our satisfaction in him (Rom 1:25).

Tragically, idolatry always leads to devastation and death. Idols never deliver on what they promise. Rather, they always take more than they give. Israel gave up their gold to make the idol and was left poorer (v. 2, 20). They began fearful that Moses and the LORD had abandoned them, but now something worse became clear: the covenant was broken and God’s wrath was provoked against them (v. 10). Now there would be a punishment of death for many who participated in this spiritual adultery.

Apart from Christ every person is a covenant breaker—we don’t give God the honor, worship, and love he deserves. But God loves us so much that he sent Jesus to be the mediator we need. Only he could pay for sin and bring us back into relationship with the Father. This is good news!

How does the knowledge that God loves you-despite your tendency to idolatry-strengthen and empower you to resist worshiping other things?