The golden calf incident wasn’t just a huge reproach on the people, it was also a testament to surrounding nations that this wasn’t a community that held God with any respect.
Think about what’s happened in the last few months. Egypt let a powerful labor force walk out the front door due to powerful plagues that decimated their land. Then, the Red Sea was parted to let them cross on dry land, only to bring the waters back in time to destroy the Egyptian army.
And who was responsible for all of that? In the eyes of any onlooker who happened to glance down at the revelry at the base of the mountain, the golden calf was the one that “led them out of Egypt.” Was it responsible for all of the miracles?
The situation would be laughable if it wasn’t so tragic. God is so incensed by the idea that He’s been essentially replaced by His own people people that He threatens to destroy all of them. That’s not a statement to be taken lightly.
One thing that God has repeated since the beginning of Exodus—and one He’ll continue to repeat—is that He will be holy among the nations. His name shall be sanctified, and all who come near Him will show proper respect.
By their actions at the base of Mount Sinai, the people have done everything but revere the name of Jehovah.
Not only has the value of God’s name become a derision to nations who are watching this supposed “Holy God,” but His worship is mocked as well. Instead of sacred services that epitomizes reverence by adhering to God’s Word, the people are engaged in a hedonistic display of revelry that only glorifies themselves.
And the worst part? None of them seem to have any issues whatsoever with what has taken place.
Eventually, the land of Israel will become a place of disgrace. After Babylon destroys Judah, people will walk through Jerusalem and ask “Is this the city which they said, ‘The perfection of beauty, a joy to all the earth’?” (Lamentations 2:15). That’s what Jerusalem used to be, but because of their sins, it became nothing more than a pile of rocks.
If God is going to honor us through His sacrifices and promises, we need to show Him respect and honor as well. How we handle ourselves in our service to Him—both in worship and our life—reveals what is truly in our hearts. Our attitude towards God is always on display to others. Make sure it’s a reverent one.
