Ever hear someone say ‘look at that person, they are out of control’? Everyone has. A byproduct of being is Christian is that we exhibit Christlike character qualities or “fruit”. One such fruit in our lives is self-control. Actually its allowing God’s Spirit to control us. Without Him, we would be our worst selves, devoid of true godliness and always substituting idols and self pleasure for genuine worship. That’s what happened to the children of Israel in the wilderness. Without Moses present, they lost control (the idea is that they became naked) and worshipped the golden calf, danced, and disregarded the living and true God. Oh how we are fickle people. How could Aaron let this happen? Well, in the same way as pastors today, we have let society get ‘out of control’. Oh, we’ve protected our flocks to some degree, but we have not engaged in the culture war and now we’ve completely lost. God judged the unfaithful Levitical priesthood and blessed those who were faithful. I believe He will do the same with us.
Now when Moses saw that the people were out of control—for Aaron had let them get out of control to be a derision among their enemies— then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, “Whoever is for the Lord, come to me!” And all the sons of Levi gathered together to him. He said to them, “Thus says the Lord, the God of Israel, ‘Every man of you put his sword upon his thigh, and go back and forth from gate to gate in the camp, and kill every man his brother, and every man his friend, and every man his neighbor.’” So the sons of Levi did as Moses instructed, and about three thousand men of the people fell that day. Then Moses said, “Dedicate yourselves today to the Lord—for every man has been against his son and against his brother—in order that He may bestow a blessing upon you today.” Exodus 32:25-29 NASB
How have I contributed to the out of control world in which I live? In what ways could God use my life, my words, my example to bring order out of chaos?
God as this day begins- Of course Your love, goodness, mercy, and truth are the answers for our world today. This world is lost. May I be a voice articulating the gospel and love of God in this culture devoid of godliness and genuine love. Please bring order in my life first and foremost. Then, let me extend Your grace and truth to all in my circle of influence. Don’t let us settle for golden calves when You are right here in our presence.
