When the people saw how long it was taking Moses to come back down the mountain, they gathered around Aaron. “Come on,” they said, “make us some gods who can lead us. We don’t know what happened to this fellow Moses, who brought us here from the land of Egypt.” So Aaron said, “Take the gold rings from the ears of your wives and sons and daughters, and bring them to me.” All the people took the gold rings from their ears and brought them to Aaron. Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, “O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!” [Exodus 32.1-4]
Should we give any thought to the possibility that the gold used to make the 'golden calf' actually came from the Egyptian people? Probably so...
The Israelites took their bread dough before yeast was added. They wrapped their kneading boards in their cloaks and carried them on their shoulders. And the people of Israel did as Moses had instructed; they asked the Egyptians for clothing and articles of silver and gold. The LORD caused the Egyptians to look favorably on the Israelites, and they gave the Israelites whatever they asked for. So they stripped the Egyptians of their wealth! [Exodus 12.34-36]
Although not a rule 'set in stone,' wealth is often associated with idolatry.
Also, if one can see it, the gold obtained from the Egyptians was a sort of 'looking back' to Egypt instead of 'looking forward' to God and the Promised Land - ultimately, for our purposes, Jesus. (on a sidenote I must ask myself if I look back on more prosperous times with an idolatrous heart...)
It is worth considering however that it was God's instruction to take from the Egyptians:
Tell all the Israelite men and women to ask their Egyptian neighbors for articles of silver and gold.” [Exodus 11.2]
This very much confirms that God is not opposed to wealth and prosperity among His people as it has great usefulness in kingdom work on earth ...if it is used properly! But as we see with Israel, they didn't stay true to God with their wealth. Interestingly enough, after this event, they would no longer wear jewelry of fine clothing.
When the people heard these stern words, they went into mourning and stopped wearing their jewelry and fine clothes. For the LORD had told Moses to tell them, “You are a stubborn and rebellious people. If I were to travel with you for even a moment, I would destroy you. Remove your jewelry and fine clothes while I decide what to do with you.” So from the time they left Mount Sinai, the Israelites wore no more jewelry or fine clothes. [Exodus 33.4-6]
Bottom line: God desires His people to have wealth. But God does NOT want wealth to have His people (be an idol to them).
Father, obviously, "this will preach." However, are we really paying attention to it? - For either side of it? Help us - help me - to have a right priority about wealth. Help us to glorify You in all we possess.
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