While Moses was on the Mount getting divine
direction as to how man can worship God, the people
devised a “golden calf.” This reveals man’s human nature
and verifies Isaiah 64:6 that “All our righteousnesses
are as filthy rags.”

The golden calf stands as a symbol of human
intellect devising a system of worship apart from God
and His direction. The significance of Aaron’s golden
calf is that man, left to himself, will worship the
works of his own hands. Can was the first example of
such a deceitful heart. Not only did the children of
Israel violate the graven image commandment that had
just been given to them, but actually proclaimed a feast
unto the Lord and offered burnt offerings. All of this
was an abomination unto God.

Today, idolatry is still very prevalent in the
world. Idolatry does not have to be a golden calf; it is
anything we put before God. Many people are slaves to
money, using money as their god; others use houses and
lands; some sports, or even their families. But God’s
Word still resounds down through the years that we
should have no other gods before us. We must obey God
and Him only. It is always better to obey than to
sacrifice. Jesus said, “And why call ye me, Lord, Lord,
and do not the things which I say?” There is no
substitute for obedience, and there is no substitute for
the true and living God.

God-ordained leadership was very essential to
the spiritual life of Israel, but while Moses was on the
Mount, the majority of the people voted to dismiss him
as their pastor. They preferred someone who would go
along with their popular ideas, and Aaron made himself
available and willingly cooperated to satisfy their
lusts.

Today, we should pray for the men of God who
faithfully preach the Word and have the courage to
reprove, rebuke, and exhort (II Timothy 4:1-4).
“Remember them which have the rule over you, who have
spoken unto you the Word of God…submit yourselves: for
they watch for your souls, as they must give account,
that they may do it with joy, and not with grief”
(Hebrews 13:7,17). Your pastor should be upheld in your
daily prayers, that he might have the courage to be the
servant of the Lord, and follow the leadership of God in
every case; never the leadership of man.