The Brinkley argus., 1913-09-19
LESSON FOR SEPTEMBER 21
rHE GOLDEN CALF.

LESSON TExT-Ex. 32:15-2o. 30-s5
 GOLDEN TExT-"My little children guard yourself from idols. "-I John 5:2l,
 It is incredible that these Israelitei should turn aside after gods made with mans hands in the very mids of such a demonstration of the holi ness. majesty and glory of Jehovah Yet in life 1t Is always b't step from glory to degradation, and one of the easiest moments in which to trip uI the saint is at the time of his great est ecstacies. The human heart is absolutely unreliable, unstable, nay 1t is wicked and is desperately de ceitful, Jer. 17:9. Following the giv' ing of the decalogue God gave Moses . series of laws and ordinances which are an application of that fundamental law and which form "the book of the covenant" Then the elders of Israel are called up into the mountain given . vision of Gcd. and given to eat and drink in his presence, symbol ising communion (Ex. 24). After this Moses and his servant Joshua leave Aaron and Hur in charge of the peo- pie and g up again into the mountain. On the seventh Jay Moses entered the cloud and remained for period of 40 days during which time he received the pattern of the tabernacle and the order of worship. It was during this period of time that the people sinned. kA Awo ant <f ha rfo al q us the fact of the casting of the calf, w. 1-6. Gods righteous anger and Noses prayer of intercession, w 7:14. Israel's boast. 1928, 24.3, ', Is now re- vealed as being but utter weakness and illustrates the worthlessness and unreliability of human nature. The drunkard's promised sobriety. the un- clean mans promised purity, alike melt in the fierce heat of temptation. Their sin was a direct, positive vio- lation of the first commandment, and In 1t they also broke the second. They did not want to substitute but rather sought a similitude of God. Aaron hero appears in poor light; he did not like their proposition (vv. ', g., but did not have strength of character sufficient to stand against 1t. Aaron h Ike those in the church and out of 1t who prefer to control movement which is bad rather than to combat the movement in it's entirety
 Human FiekIeness.
 Notice Aarons attempt to link old ideas with this new-fangled religion, this modern expression" tomorrow is the feast of Jehovah" V. 5. Men and women are today attempting to gloss evil teaching anG open sin by associating with it the name of Christ. To call such an association scientific ts . travesty. The fact ,rhowever, that Aaron gave the lsraelites what they asked for, shows that he had some idsa at least of Gods attitude towards his people. We have here presented also the flckleness of human gratitude, Moses is with God on their behalf (Heb. 7:25). yet they forget him and God who had performed such mighty signs on their behalf, and demand new new leadership (v. 1 and Ps. 106:2D. Art has . place in religious life. but . spiritual worship alone is acceptable t0 God. John 4:24.
 It was . sacrifice (vv. 2, 3 of gold to make possible this calf which was doubtless a representation of the Egyptian god Apis and may or may not have been life-size, and may have been solid or only veneer. but neith- ar such earnastness nor sacrifice saved them.
 0od's Word Immutable.
 Moses prayer of intercession. w. ll-14, is wonderful It centers about the idea that Israel is Thy people, (v. III, and that Gods word Is im- mutable. Remember" etc. tv. 13). Moses was moved with pity and had a passion for the honor of Gods name. An MDses and Joshua approached the camp they heard music, V. 17. What . commentary upon the debasing use of one of Gods noblest gifts to man. the gift of music. Reaching the camp, they beheld the fullness of iniquity and depravity which was the develop. msnt of this disobedience. v. 25. See also Rom. l 21-26. Rom. 6 g. Jas. l: 15 Moses passion also manifested itself against their sin by breaking the ta- bles. grinding the calf to powder and compelled them to drink the water into which 1t was flung. A
 In order to complete this story we should call attention (vv. 30-35) how Moses returned into Gods presence made . confession for the people, truly tAking the place of intercession when he desired to be plotted out rather than have their sin go unforgiven. Gc oa into the next chapter. w. i3. IA and reed his great heart cry and Gods aaswer of grace.
 The Teaehlne. We have here a story of tho frailty of human nature and tho feebleness of human resolutions We see in Aaron the weakness of 2 religious leader who attempts to com promiae or to yield to the clamor oi . mistaken people. There is also pres ent in this lesson the possibility oi prostituting right things The Israel itss made proper request in their de sire to go forward. They lacked pa usuce. and made the mistake of de sirfng something that appealed tc their senses. We thus see the dlsas ter of disobedience. even though ths end desired be good one
 
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