God Bless!

Love, GinniePark

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Memory Verse of the Week [new!]:

"Bring the best of the firstfruits of your soil to the house of the LORD your God." - Exodus 34:26a

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Held to Account - Exodus 32:21-29

The Responsibility of Leadership

21: "He said to Aaron, 'What did these people do to you, that you led them into such great sin?'"

22: "'Do not be angry, my lord,' Aaron answered. 'You know how prone these people are to evil.'"

23: "They said to me, 'Make us gods who will go before us. As for this fellow Moses who brought us up out of Egypt, we don't know what has happened to him.'"

24: "So I told them, 'Whoever has any gold jewelry, take it off.' Then they gave me the gold, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf!'"

 

Getting Rid of Sin

25: "Moses saw that the people were running wild and that Aaron had let them get out of control and so become a laughingstock to their enemies."

26: "So he stood at the entrance of the camp and said, 'Whoever is for the LORD, come to me.' And all the Levites rallied to him."

27: "Then he said to them, 'This is what the LORD, the God of Israel, says: 'Each man strap a sword to his side. Go back and forth through the camp from one end to the other, each killing his brother and friend and neighbor.'"

28: "The Levites did as Moses commanded, and that day about three thousand of the people died."

29: "Then Moses said, 'You have been set apart to the LORD today, for you were against your own sons and brothers, and he has blessed you this day."

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Reflection

The Responsibility of Leadership (32:21-24)

When Moses questions Aaron as to what happened while he was gone, Aaron replies with a feeble excuse. He says the people were demanding gods since Moses was gone, and therefore, he felt he had no choice but to give in. In every leadership position, there are moments when it is wise to comprise and even give in. However, in spiritual leadership, giving in to people who are demanding to sin is never an option. Aaron shold have held his ground. It may be difficult for spiritual leaders to stand alone, but if it means choosing God or choosing sin, God must always undoubtedly be our choice. This does not mean that the decision will be easy, just that the choice must be clear. The pressure of circumstances, charged emotions, and close relationships can all get in the way of sound judgment; therefore, you would do well to know what you believe and what pleases God.

 

Getting Rid of Sin (32:25-29)

As the Israelites run amuck making a mockery of God's name, Moses calls to arms those who have remained faithful. It is time to get rid of the sin among God's people before things get out of hand. The Levites rally around Moses and kill three thousand Israelites that day. When it comes down to choosing God or family, the Levites chose God. We have to remember that the Levites are not bloodthirsty soldiers but family men who are forced to choose because of the sin that they too have allowed into their community. They may not be guilty, but they are responsible. Therefore, with their own hands, they have to purge the sin from amongst the people. It is a hard lesson to learn, but one that reminds us of how serious sin is. Do not let sin fester.

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Application

-Do not wait until the difficult moments to figure out what your standards are. Decide today what your life principles are and whom you will serve, and make decisions according to that biblical standard.

-Sometimes, all we can do is damage control. It is hard when we let things get this far, but there comes a time when enough is enough. Let us learn to hate sin and be holy just as God is holy.

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A Letter to God

Heavenly Father, give me Your heart of holiness.

Give me Your zeal for purity.

Give me wisdom as I repent and forgive.

Thank You for the cross and the victory over sin.

Help me to live in that victory every day, keeping in step with the Spirit.

In Your Son's name. Amen.