How Not to Bow. Part [12] 07/19/2025 (Evening thought)

Exodus 32:8 They have turned aside quickly out of the way which I commanded them: they have made them a molten calf, and have worshipped it, and have sacrificed thereunto, and said, These be thy gods, O Israel, which have brought thee up out of the land of Egypt.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 216>217] The tumult increased. A blind, unreasoning frenzy seemed to take possession of the multitude. There were some who remained true to their covenant with God, but the greater part of the people joined in the apostasy. A few who ventured to denounce the proposed image making as idolatry were set upon and roughly treated, and in the confusion and excitement they finally lost their lives.

In this dangerous life-threatening predicament what was Aaron supposed to do? The heat of the furnace has been turned up several notches, persons who dare to stand for the truth are being slain, and that frenzied mob cannot be reasoned with. What was Aaron supposed to do?…. [Patriarchs & Prophets pp 217] Aaron feared for his own safety; and instead of nobly standing up for the honor of God, he yielded to the demands of the multitude.

The Lord would have us understand that there are various kinds of pressure brought against persons to buckle and bow. There is social pressure, and there is peer pressure, there is political pressure and there is religious and financial pressure. Again, there is that type of pressure that emanates from threats against your person, where if you were to refuse to bow, your life can be endangered.

Exodus 32:21 And Moses said unto Aaron, What did this people unto thee, that thou hast brought so great a sin upon them? 22 And Aaron said, Let not the anger of my lord wax hot: thou knowest the people, that they are set on mischief.

May God add His blessing to the study of His word. “Good night” and God bless!

How Not to Bow. Part [11] 07/18/2025 (Morning thought)

Exodus 32:1 And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we know not what is become of him.

This is what took place with Aaron, who was facing the possibility of being stoned if he didn’t acquiesce to the demands of the people. Even though Aaron himself may never have worshipped the golden calf, in the most literal sense, the fact that he succumbed under pressure, means that he bowed….. Exodus 32:3 And all the people broke off the golden earrings which were in their ears, and brought them unto Aaron.

Exodus 32:4 And he received them at their hand and fashioned it with a graving tool, after he had made it a molten calf: and they said, these be thy gods, O Israel, which brought thee up out of the land of Egypt. 5 And when Aaron saw it, he built an altar before it; and Aaron made proclamation, and said, tomorrow is a feast to the Lord. 6 And they rose up early on the morrow, and offered burnt offerings, and brought peace offerings; and the people sat down to eat and to drink, and rose up to play.

[Patriarchs & Prophets pp 316>317] Such a crisis demanded a man of firmness, decision, and unflinching courage; one who held the honor of God above popular favor, personal safety, or life itself. But the present leader of Israel was not of this character. Aaron feebly remonstrated with the people, but his wavering and timidity at the critical moment only rendered them more determined.

 Exodus 32:7 And the Lord said unto Moses, Go, get thee down; for thy people, which thou brought out of the land of Egypt, have corrupted themselves:

May The Lord add His blessing to the study of His word. God bless!