janbear
02-03-2007, 11:14 AM
Right God, Wrong Way
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
Exodus 31-33, Matthew 22:1-22
Key Verses: Exodus 32:7-8
When we talk about worship, one phrase that is
not true is, "Anything goes." It is possible to
worship the right God in the wrong way, as
today's reading indicates.
The incident of the golden calf typically is
remembered as a time when the Israelites
worshiped the wrong God. Aaron did say, "These
are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out
of Egypt" (32:4). But what he said could be
translated, "This is a god, O Israel." This verse
at times is translated, "This is thy God, O
Israel, who brought thee out of Egypt."
Notice the next verse carefully. It says,
"Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD."
When the word lord is in capital letters, that
indicates the Hebrew word for "Jehovah."
Put it together. The golden calf represented
Jehovah. The people were worshiping the right
God, but in the wrong way. God had said, "You
shall not make for yourself an idol" (20:4), but
the people did.
Give careful attention to your worship. At times
people worship the right God in the wrong way.
It is tempting to worship in a self-pleasing way.
Ask God if your worship is acceptable to Him.
Author: Woodrow Kroll
Tony Beckett
Exodus 31-33, Matthew 22:1-22
Key Verses: Exodus 32:7-8
When we talk about worship, one phrase that is
not true is, "Anything goes." It is possible to
worship the right God in the wrong way, as
today's reading indicates.
The incident of the golden calf typically is
remembered as a time when the Israelites
worshiped the wrong God. Aaron did say, "These
are your gods, O Israel, who brought you up out
of Egypt" (32:4). But what he said could be
translated, "This is a god, O Israel." This verse
at times is translated, "This is thy God, O
Israel, who brought thee out of Egypt."
Notice the next verse carefully. It says,
"Tomorrow there will be a festival to the LORD."
When the word lord is in capital letters, that
indicates the Hebrew word for "Jehovah."
Put it together. The golden calf represented
Jehovah. The people were worshiping the right
God, but in the wrong way. God had said, "You
shall not make for yourself an idol" (20:4), but
the people did.
Give careful attention to your worship. At times
people worship the right God in the wrong way.
It is tempting to worship in a self-pleasing way.
Ask God if your worship is acceptable to Him.