A Golden Calf
Silence and stillness before God (2 minutes)
Scripture reading
Scripture reading:
Exodus 32:1-6
Aaron answered them, ‘Take off the gold earrings that your wives, your sons and your daughters are wearing, and bring them to me.’ So all the people took off their earrings and brought them to Aaron. He took what they handed him and made it into an idol cast in the shape of a calf…
Devotional
While Moses met with God on the mountain, Israel grew impatient. Instead of waiting, they took their gold and fashioned it into an idol. Wealth became their god. The golden calf represented security, beauty, and power, everything materialism still promises today.
What is striking is that the people gave their treasures to make a god. Materialism always asks us to hand over what we value most, only to enslave us in return. The calf could not save them, guide them, or love them. It was a lifeless idol made from their own possessions.
Modern golden calves may not be statues, but they are no less demanding. Money, possessions, and status promise life but leave us empty. The gospel calls us to worship the living God, not what our hands can buy. Breaking free means recognising when our gold has become our god and surrendering it back to Him.
Question to consider
What “golden calves” do people in our culture worship today, and how can you keep your heart free from them?
Prayer
Lord, keep me from making idols out of wealth or possessions. Teach me to worship you alone and to treasure you above all else.
Conclude with silence (2 minutes)
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