Read
15-16Moses went back down the mountain with the two flat stones on which God had written all of his laws with his own hand, using both sides of the stones.
17When Joshua heard the noisy shouts of the people, he said to Moses, “A battle must be going on down in the camp.”
18But Moses replied, “It doesn't sound like they are shouting because they have won or lost a battle. It sounds more like a wild party!”
19As Moses got closer to the camp, he saw the idol, and he also saw the people dancing around. This made him so angry that he threw down the stones and broke them to pieces at the foot of the mountain. 20He melted the idol the people had made, and he ground it into powder. He scattered it in their water and made them drink it. 21Moses asked Aaron, “What did these people do to harm you? Why did you make them sin in this terrible way?”
22Aaron answered:
Don't be angry with me. You know as well as I do that they are determined to do evil. 23They even told me, “That man Moses led us out of Egypt, but now we don't know what has happened to him. Make us a god to lead us.” 24Then I asked them to bring me their gold earrings. They took them off and gave them to me. I threw the gold into a fire, and out came this bull.
Reflect
Anger is an unpleasant thing to watch. Seeing displeasure is unnerving. It creates discomfort and makes people feel uneasy. Yet anger is a common reaction. It can follow disappointment. It often accompanies betrayal and is an associate of frustration.
But anger can also be a response of concern. It can be an expression of defence or a result of agitated love. It is not easy watching a loved one harm himself. It can be frustrating to witness a willful neglect of self care. In such times even a deep concern and love can produce anger.
Perhaps this is how to understand the response of Moses. After he had interceded for the people and persuaded God not to destroy them, the sight of joyful disobedience was more than he could bear. Their defiant idolatry made him very angry.
Aaron, on the other hand cooperated with the people’s idolatrous requests.
Each day contains the context for reactions of anger and apathy. We make decisions whether to become involved or walk by. We make choices between saying something or remaining silent.
Like Moses, we may express concern when witnessing things that are contrary to the intent of God or the wellbeing of others. Like Aaron, we may receive requests to accommodate unhealthy practices of other people. If we remain attuned to the redemptive intentions of God it will be easier to discern. Any unhealthy anger on our part will be balanced by the rich mercy of God. Compassionate boldness will challenge apathy.
Respond
Lord, help me meet the requests of this day with a deep understanding and intuitive appreciation of your redemptive intent and activity.
Willard Metzger
Willard Metzger has 18 years experience as a pastor with Mennonite Church Eastern Canada (MCEC) and served as National Director of Church Relations for World Vision Canada. He began his current role as Executive Director with Mennonite Church Canada in 2010. Willard has earned a Bachelor of Theology, Bachelor of Arts, Masters of Theological Studies and a Doctor of Ministry degree. He loves travel and the outdoors. Publications: 2010, Stiller, Karen & Metzger, Willard. Going Missional: Conversations with 13 Canadian churches who have embraced missional life. Word Alive Press