In Exodus Chapter 24, we're told that Moses told the people ALL THE WORDS of the Lord and all the judgments. Moses not only tells them, but writes them down. The people say, "All that the Lord has said we will do." (Verse 7) Aaron, Nadab, and Abihu and the 70 elders "saw the God of Israel..." (Verses 9-10).
Moses and Joshua then depart for the top of the mountain. The glory of the Lord rests on the mountain in the sight of all Israel (Vs. 16-17).
Now the people have been in slavery for all their lives. They work hard with no vacation, no sick time, and little food. Moses and Joshua are up in the mountain, and they begin to get restless and discontent. They go to Aaron and demand that he make them gods to go before them because they don't know what's become of Moses.
They may not be switching Gods, but they at least want an image they can control instead of a cloud and pillar of fire they cannot. This practice wasn't okay with God. No matter how the people viewed the golden calf, God saw it as something separate from Himself.
What was their motivation? In their own words, "We didn't know what happened to Moses." Now, that he's back, Moses challenges them and asks, "Whoever is on the Lord's side, let him come to me." (Verses 25-26) Only the Levites joined Moses.
What are the similarities between this situation and the one in Ferguson, MO?
1. They refused all restraint. Their actions were based on their feelings rather than on what was right.
2. They refused to hear the Word of God.
3. They refused to alter their behavior, words, or purpose. They did whatever they wanted in spite of the facts.
4. They masked their true motivations. People from Oakland, California and other areas came to Ferguson with the express purpose of creating trouble and polarizing the community. Many people were looting and burning but did not get killed. Witnesses were found to be unreliable that said the young man killed had his hands raised.
Application:
1. Many cast off moral restraints. Do what you want. Do what feels good. Anything goes.
2. They refuse to hear the Word of God and instead follow their feelings.
3. Even after Moses returned, they refused to alter their behavior, words, or purpose. No matter what the decision in Ferguson, the rioters were determined to cause trouble.
4. The leaders kept their true motivations and intentions hidden. They had an agenda and took advantage of a situation.
Will you be among those who resisted or those who go along with the crowd?
To hear the entire message, please visit our website and click on the Listen tab. You can listen online, download the message to your MP3 player, or Podcast FREE.
If you're visiting in the area or looking for a church home, we invite you to Zoe Christian Fellowship. We're located at 1111 Easton Rd. (Route 611), in Warrington, PA. We look forward to meeting you!
No comments:
Post a Comment