They have made themselves a calf of molten metal and have worshipped it and offered it sacrifice.
Exodus 32:7-14
What do I worship? Do I even stop to think about all the
‘stuff’ that has become so important in my life, in my thoughts, my
words or my deeds? Gold or life? More employment, more wealth, or the protection of our beautiful world and the environment which brings life?
This was the struggle in El Salvador where those who want to profit from the industry can offer a convincing argument for mining; that is of course if human life itself is considered less important than the generation of wealth.
The destitution of the land when resources are exhausted has been overlooked. The destroyed and polluted environment would not be conducive to human, animal or plant life.
Moses must have been exhausted, defending his people who gave up on God and turned to idols. God who is mercy listened to him and they were saved. We pray for the governments of countries exhausted and overwhelmed by the pressures of those who unscrupulously wish to exploit God’s beautiful creation.
When the going gets tough who or what idol do we turn to? Do we seek to understand the Lord more fully, perhaps taking time to read the Bible?