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Daily Devotions

Exodus

Exodus 
Day 
Day 311

"Give me understanding, and I shall keep Your law; Indeed, I shall observe it with my whole heart." Psalm 119:34

Text: Exodus 32 : 25-26a

DISMISSING AARON’S EXCUSE

Moses did not dignify Aaron’s excuse with an answer! His silence meant that he did not accept Aaron’s word on the matter.

“Now when Moses saw that the people were unrestrained
(for Aaron had not restrained them, to their shame among
their enemies), then Moses stood in the entrance of the camp,
and said, ‘Whoever is on the Lord’s side- come to me!'”
EXODUS 32:25-26a

1. “Moses saw that the people were unrestrained”

This statement suggests that those who were bought into the worship of the golden calf also engaged in sexual immorality (as part of the so-called worship)!

2. “Aaron had not restrained them”

Aaron’s excuse for the making of the golden calf was only part of the problem! What about the fact that he did not restrain the people from being promiscuous and licentious? What excuse could he come up with to explain away this sin problem?

3. “To their shame among the enemies”

If their enemies knew about how degenerate they had become, would it not bring shame and dishonour to the nation and to their God?

A CLEAR-CUT DECISION NEEDED

Instead of remonstrating with Aaron further, Moses walked right out on him! He went to the entrance of the camp of Israel and then gave a stirring challenge:

“Whoever is on the LORD’S side- come to me!”
EXODUS 32:26a

1. The destruction of the golden calf was not sufficient

It was necessary to destroy the golden calf, but it was not sufficient! Some revelers continued to romp around, indifferent to what Moses did!

2. The confrontation with Aaron was not sufficient either

It was necessary to confront Aaron for his part in failing to restrain the people from their sinful ways. But that too was not enough!

3. “Whoever is on the LORD’S side- come to me”

This was a clarion call to all who truly understood what Moses was saying! Explanations and excuses would not turn away God’s wrath!

Moses asked people to dissociate with the cult of the gold calf completely to show that they were on the Lord’s side! Let all who hate the sin of idolatry come to his side!