Exodus 32:7-10

“The Lord said to Moses, “Go down at once! Your people, whom you brought up out of the land of Egypt, have acted perversely; they have been quick to turn aside from the way that I commanded them;” vss. 7-8a

As we read the remembered reports of the defining liberation moment in Israel’s history we can’t help but be astounded at the fickle faith of the people. God had indeed done a marvelous work among them but now God seemed to be absent…and so was their leader. In an instant they moved to worship other gods, funner gods, it seems, and soon it was party time in the wilderness. That’s been a continuing issue for people of faith as we’re confronted with the perceived absence of God. Like the Israelites we look back at a watery deliverance as the beginning of our journey of faith. But the memories of our baptisms can quickly fade as we move through the rough and tumble of our wilderness experiences and God can seem far away. It’s then we begin to wonder why we’re being so disciplined when libertines are having so much fun. It’s at that point that many, convinced that their baptismal faith is impotent, turn away and begin to follow gods of their own making. And there are plenty of golden calves around…the only problem is that they have no power, and they will always let us down!

Thought for the Day: Where do I turn when God seems to be absent?