EXODUS 32 FAITHLESS WAITING Waiting times that God arranges have a reason. Guidance from God is not an insignificant matter in any part of our lives as the people of God. Lessons should be learned as we read of the worldly response of the children of Israel to the absence of Moses in the mountain. They still were looking to Moses the man they could see rather than to God. Even though they had experienced the presence of the unseen God and had been blessed every day by His provision, they still looked to man as their guide. Even though we may have enjoyed fellowship with God and have had personal dealings with God in the past, there is an enemy nearby who is waiting for an opportune time to subtly cast doubt on our confidence in God. Faithless waiting takes our eyes off the Person in whom we have placed our trust, and focuses our attention on ourselves and the things of the world around us.
The golden calf that was cast and then "fashioned" by Aaron was a return to the thinking, interest in, and worst of all the worship of Egypt. "This Moses" to those people in a short time was no more than a memory in spite of his godly leadership. Aaron was a gifted speaker, but he was a poor and weak leader. It is not always the articulate spokesman of an assembly who is able to lead the Lord's people in ways that please
God. In a very short time and as the result of one man's wavering decision, a whole chain of events began that brought pain and suffering to the people of God. We must always remember God is fully aware of every activity we engage in, every decision we make and the consequences of our choices.
Moses was a quiet man but he was a very committed man. He knew his God and for the second time, refused a kingdom. "He refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter" and the kingdom of Egypt. Now he refused the "nation of Moses" because he knew the promise God had made to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He also knew the value of the testimony of a small weak people among the nations around looking on to see what happens when people follow an unseen God. God's power was not in any way diminished because of Israel's sin. We must remember the purpose for which we have been called. It is not to be another religion and many religions. It is not to be an alternative form of a church to please people and accommodate to their comfort and interests. An assembly is for God and is called "the house of God." We may have to wait a long time to see God work among us in His own time and way, but let us wait in faith.
Loud noise seems to accompany much of what is called "Christians worship" today. Clapping, shouting, drums, cymbals and loud music drown out the quietness of those who one time worshipped "the Lord in the beauty of holiness." The noise is to please the ears of the people. The abandonment of dignity and reverential respect characterizes many great gatherings of people as they come to "praise God." We must remain committed to God by doing what He has commanded in His time and in His way even if there doesn't seem to be great results seen. The evidence of effective worship is known and seen by God. We should be continuing in "well doing, for in due season ye shall reap if ye faint not." The noise and revelry, the nakedness and abandonment of dignity was the cause of Moses' anger. The rejection and turning away of the people from Himself were the cause of the righteous anger of God. Whether it is the righteous anger of God or a righteous man, it is the cause for action to be taken. The spirit of apostasy stops the fellowship between God and His people.
Inappropriate and ineffective leadership cannot continue unchecked. Aaron had to be confronted. He was the one responsible for making the golden calf. He tried to blame the people but leadership has consequences and many are affected by the decisions those in leadership make. Wise leaders will wait to consult with others who share the responsibilities of guidance and "feeding the flock of God." Faithless waiting on the part of a leader is a serious danger to all of God's people. The ultimate result of acting apart from the will of God and not waiting for divine guidance, was that 3000 died and brother was against brother all through the camp. They had to live like that with a degree of separation continually. The tribe of Levi was set apart from then on. They were not rejected because of Aaron's weak leadership. They did step out "on the Lord's side." It would not have been easy for them to go through the camp and slay those who had agitated against Moses and put them to death. Discipline of any kind is hard to carry out especially if you have been guilty of doing the same thing. But genuine repentance is accepted by God and means a renewing of commitment to God and His will.
The broken law didn't change the demands of the law and the reason for it. We must do what God says no matter what others may do of a contrary nature. Moses was willing to be put to death for the people if God would forgive them on that basis. The true leader cares for those who one is called to lead. Yet there is only so far we can go and anything beyond that is in the hands of a Righteous, Holy, Omniscient God. The pressure may be upon us to go back to the ways of the world or to find some way to make sinful people "feel comfortable." But we must remain "steadfast and unmovable" in the work God has called us to, and patiently wait in faith for God to show us His will.
To wait is never easy when so much around us is going on. We may think we've overlooked some act or are doing something wrong The only way we can deal with drought is to wait for refreshing rain And trust in God alone who can renew us to be effective for Him again.
To wait means I must learn to be patient even when I want to act. If I only look at what is missing, I will be unqualified when the facts Of God's Word are revealed and the time comes to be called to labor In a new work that is right, and blesses with divine favor.
To wait in faith, I will have to remember the promises God has made. Instead of making my own plans, my glowing pictures have to fade To where I am ready to do what God wants in His own appointed way, Then the work I have been called to by Him will be one here to stay.
To wait, leaves me with work that seems trivial and I am just passing time. If I am not careful in those waiting day, I will change God's plans for mine. It is important that I watch and pray, and even though daily tasks are mundane; When that time comes for action, I will have authority given in Jesus' name.
To wait can place me in the danger of doubting and complaining. And possibly when in that mind-set, I may question myself about remaining Where I am because the inactivity seems to go on forever - And I think I could do more and better if the ties to this place I sever.
To wait in faith means I can trust God to always do what's right And I know in whom I have believed so I live by faith not sight. In God's good time I do believe His will for me He will show, And I can they apply myself to it, because His plans I then will know.
"Father God, with patience and a sort of anticipation, I am waiting to see what Thou art going to do here. There is joy in this camp and faithful people, but we are so limited by our age and health issues that we wonder what will happen next. So we watch and wait and hope - first and foremost for the Lord to come. And if that is awhile in the future, to see what Thou wilt for us and among us by Thy grace. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."