Thursday, July 23 Make for us a god who will go ahead of us, because we do not know what has happened to this Moses.​—Ex. 32:1.

[Áine]

Thursday, July 23

Make for us a god who will go ahead of us, because we do not know what has happened to this Moses.—Ex. 32:1.

 

Soon the Israelites were worshipping a golden calf! Despite this obvious act of disobedience, the Israelites somehow fooled themselves into thinking that they were still on Jehovah’s side. Why, Aaron even called their calf worship “a festival to Jehovah”! How did Jehovah react? He felt betrayed. Jehovah told Moses that the people had “corrupted themselves” and had “deviated from the way [He] commanded them to go.” In his “burning anger,” Jehovah even considered wiping out the newly formed nation of Israel. (Ex. 32:5-10) However, Jehovah decided not to eliminate the Israelites. (Ex. 32:14) Although initially involved in setting up the idol, Aaron repented and joined the rest of the Levites who declared themselves to be on Jehovah’s side. While thousands lost their lives because of their idolatry, those who were on Jehovah’s side were promised a blessing.—Ex. 32:26-29. w18.07 20 ¶13-16

[Chris7]

Aaron was subjected to strong peer pressure. The Israelites told him to make a god for them and he did. Aaron previously stood with Moses before Pharaoh, the most powerful man in Egypt. Aaron spoke boldly, declaring God’s message to Pharaoh. But gave in to peer pressure, shows how strong peer pressure is! Aaron found it easier to stand up to the king of Egypt than to stand up to his peers.

How sad, may we never yield to peer pressure to do wrong.