August 19, 2026
Wednesday, August 19
Have you ever wondered why, in Exodus 32, the rebellious Israelites chose to worship a golden calf? Why not something more noble or fierce? A lion. A bear. A majestic eagle. Even a hippo is more intimidating than a baby bovine. But archaeologists have discovered that a calf was a common object of worship in that part of the world. The Israelites had seen other people worshipping golden calves and said, “Let’s get what they have.” Ironically, God had just given His people the Law, a code created to help them live as His treasured possession, His Kingdom of Priests, His Holy Nation. They weren’t supposed be like other nations. They were meant to be set apart.
They were meant to show the world that strength was found in taking care of orphans, widows, and immigrants. They would be the first country that required men to be faithful to their wives. They would take off work one day a week in honor of their God, and somehow be even more productive than those who worked non-stop. Best of all, they would worship one God, a God who was loving and righteous, instead of living in constant fear of capricious, immoral gods. As they lived out this Law, other nations would see the joy of the Lord, and would come to them for salvation. But the moment Israel cast that golden calf, they chose to forfeit their purpose. They chose to be like everyone else.
And that’s one of the terrible fruits of idolatry, then and now. Our idols lead us away from our purpose. We look at our neighbors and say, “I want what they have.” We act as though it’s God’s job to get those things for us. We get mad at Him if He doesn’t. Then we wonder why people have stopped coming to our churches. Why would our neighbors be drawn to what we have, when we see us selling our souls to gods that can’t save? Just like them, we prioritize wealth, power, comfort, and success over genuinely walking like Jesus. The fact that we put a “Christian” veneer on our idolatry doesn’t make it any more attractive. I believe the day American Christians confess our idols and come back to worshipping God alone is the day revival truly begins in this country. That’s the day we start fulfilling our purpose again.
“Lord, as Augustine said, you have made us for yourself, and our hearts are restless until they find their rest in you. Please remind us of who we are, and who you redeemed us to be. In your holy name, amen.”
Senior Pastor
First Baptist Conroe
More from Pastor Jeff at his website: jeffbergerwriting.com
