When the people saw that Moses delayed to come down from the mountain, the people gathered around Aaron and said to him, ‘Come, make gods for us, who shall go before us; as for this Moses, the man who brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we do not know what has become of him.’
Exodus 32:1
The scripture above represents a very low point for the people of Israel. Although God had miraculously led His people through the Red Sea on dry ground, defeated Pharaoh and his army, and provided food and water in the desert, the people decide to reject God and worship an idol they create instead.
We may not bow down to a statue, but we are just like them, aren’t we? We make our own idols too.
Many people think that things like money, power, sex, reputation, family, success, entertainment, looks, comfort, and sports are idols, but I’m not so sure. I like these things, but I don’t bow down to them or expect them to hear my prayers, help me in my daily life, or get me into heaven. They might distract me from God, but I don’t worship them.
But there is something I do worship everyday: me.
I treat myself like I’m God. I tend to do what I want, eat what I want, and watch what I want, and I command others to do my bidding. I tell my kids to clean up because their things are in MY way, and I get others to do the work I don’t want to do. I live like I’m in control – as if everything is about me. And if things go wrong, of course,
I’ll try to fix them. I’ll try more, think longer, and work harder. And if I’m good enough, I’ll get into Heaven(!)
All this leads to a lot of stress and broken relationships. But the Gospel reminds us that it’s not about me. My desires aren’t top priority; I can’t fix everything; and I’m not good enough for Heaven. Here the key:
it’s not about me; it’s about God.
He’s the one in control, and we are called simply to trust, obey, and worship Him alone. God delivered Israel out of Egypt, and He delivered us out of the power of sin and death. On top of that, He answers prayers, helps us in our daily lives, and has opened the gates of Heaven through Jesus.
God is God, and realizing that brings tremendous peace, hope, and security... because
He also loves us. Why would we want an idol at all? Idols aren’t God and neither are we. God is God, and He’s pretty good at it – if that isn’t a reason to worship and praise Him, I don’t know what is!
God bless you!
Fr. BJ
