10 Points from this week’s lesson *1.* Last week, we studied how God established His covenant with Israel, which was not just law, but was also a revelation of God’s character. Faithfulness to the covenant was meant to safeguard Israel against apostatizing – a concept we explore this week within the context of intercession done on behalf of Israel by a selfless leader in Moses. *2.* The Israelites mistook Moses’ absence for God’s absence and demanded a visible god to follow(Exod 32:1–2). What made them idolize Moses? In just 40 days, fear, insecurity and impatience caused them to lose direction and backslide, turning from faith and falling into idolatry. How often do we, like them, mistake human leadership or visible symbols for God’s presence in our lives today? *3.* Aaron’s leadership failure led to Israelites’ apostasy. He succumbed to popular pressure and lied about it (Exod 32:24).Scripture notes that *“all the people”* contributed to the making of the golden calf, sacrificing their valuables in a desperate attempt to feel secure (Exod 32:3). What modern securities (e.g. wealth, status, nationalism) tempt Christians to replace God as their ultimate refuge (cf. 1 Tim 6:17)? *4.* The people who once trusted Moses as not only God’s servant but almost as someone to be revered quickly devalued him as *“this Moses”* (Exod 20:19; 32:1) and then irrationally and eagerly exalted a golden idol before their eyes (32:4). Even the form of worship changed. Their irrationality shows that idolatry is driven less by logic and more by a rebellious heart. *5.* Israel created not only their own god but also degraded themselves to their own god and rules of worship, which led to moral corruption (Exod 32:6-7; Rom 1:22–27). True worship liberates, but false worship enslaves, corrupting both body and soul. How do contemporary Christians create a god from modes of worship that deviate from God’s principles (cf. John 4:23–24)? *6.* That Israel *“corrupted themselves”* (Exod 32:7–8) demonstrates that sin is self-destructive and much more than mere external disobedience. Israelites’ deliverance from Egypt was not freedom to pursue every desire (Gal 5:13) but was an invitation to live according to moral values and true worship. If we recognize that sin harms us, why do we still indulge it? *7.* Despite only weeks after the Red Sea miracle, the Israelites forgot God’s mighty acts and went into idolatry (Exod 14:31; 32:1). This selective spiritual amnesia shows the danger of murmuring and ingratitude, which erodes faith (Heb 3:12–13). What practices can help us “remember” God’s works so that we do not exchange gratitude for grumbling? *8.* Moses interceded on behalf of the apostatized Israel, refusing individual promotion in the process (Exod 32:10). He interceded not by pleading against God’s will but by appealing to God’s own promises and character (Exod 32:11–14). His intercession foreshadows Christ’s mediatorial ministry to a merciful Father (Heb 7:25). *9.* Destruction fell upon those who remained hard-hearted, defying Moses intercessory proceedings and God’s mercy. About three thousand people died that day (Exod 32:27-28). Divine wrath here reveals the gravity of idolatry and its covenantal betrayal (Exod 32:9–29 cf. Rom 1:18; 24; 26). What are the dangers of following crowds in doing wrong? *10.* Idolatry can arise when people forget God, even after experiencing His miracles. Today’s idols may be more subtle, but they are equally destructive. The antidote is covenantal faithfulness and reliance on Christ’s intercession, helping us avoid repeating Israel’s apostasy (1 Cor 10:11–12). Next, we study *“Please, Show Me Your Glory”. - @michiekaenock