Reflection on Exodus32:1–6
While
Moses was on Mount Sinai communing with God, the people of Israel were
fashioning an idol to worship in the Lord’s place. Fueled by ignorance,
shamelessness, a short memory and old religious assumptions from the place of
their former captivity, the Israelites rushed headlong into one of the most
remarkable displays of indiscretion in the Bible.
It’s
easy to criticize the Israelites, but we also tend to worship what we can touch
and easily manage. Even while we are basking in the light of revelation from
God, we can be drawn back into the familiar and the comfortable. We need to be
vigilant against subtle idolatries and human religious instincts. God has
called us into an entirely new way of life.
ACTIVE FAITH
You have faith, and I have works; show me your faith
without the works, and I will show you my faith by my works
When
my son Karl was just a toddler, I would stand him up on the table and call for
him to jump from the table into my arms. Did Karl believe I would catch him?
Yes. How did I know he believed? Because he jumped. Suppose he wouldn't jump.
"Do you believe I will catch you, Karl?" I might coax, and he may nod
yes. But if he never jumps, does he really believe I will catch him? No. Faith
is active, not passive. Faith takes a stand. Faith makes a move. Faith speaks
up.
There
are a lot of Christians who claim to have great faith in God but are
spiritually lethargic and don't do anything. Faith without action is not faith;
it's dead, meaningless (James 2:17, 18)! If it isn't expressed, it isn't faith.
In order to believe God and His Word, we must do what He says. If you don't do
what He says, you don't really believe Him. Faith and action are inseparable.
Sadly,
one of the common pictures of the church today is of a group of people with an
assumed faith but little action. We're thankful that our sins are forgiven and
that Jesus is preparing a place in heaven for us, but we're basically cowering
in fear and defeat in the world, just hanging on until the rapture. We treat
the church as if it's a hospital. We get together to compare wounds and hold
each other's hands, yearning for Jesus to come take us away.
The
church is not a hospital; it's a military outpost under orders to storm the
gates of hell. Every believer is on active duty, called to take part in
fulfilling the Great Commission (Matthew 28:19, 20). Thankfully the church has
an infirmary where we can minister to the weak and wounded, and that ministry
is necessary. But our real purpose is to be change agents in the world, taking
a stand, living by faith, and accomplishing something for God. You can say you
believe God and His Word. But if you are not actively involved in His plan, are
you really a mature believer?
Prayer: Lord, if I'm not
moving forward by faith and taking ground today, I'm only treading water or slipping
backward. Nudge me forward today, Lord.
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