Week 44, Day 3: The golden calf

Today’s Reading:  Exodus 32:1-35

Some thoughts from the reading..

When Moses did not come back down from the mountain right away, the people decide that they want Aaron to make them a god.  What stands out to me is the thought that Aaron went along with making this idol.  Aaron had been with Moses when all the plagues were brought upon Egypt and would later serve as the high priest in presenting the sacrifices.  He is the one who directs the people to give their gold over and fashions this calf.  I think Moses’ question in verse 21 is rightly asked, “What did this people do to you, that you have brought such great sin upon them?”  Aaron had the opportunity to try and restrain the people, to make a stand for what is right, and to remind the people of what they have pledged to do.  What happened?  It just amazes me to think about how things turned so quickly from a good situation to being so out of control that Moses sends the Levites through to kill some of the people to restore order.

Question:  What lessons can we learn about peer pressure from what Aaron did?