Wednesday, January 29, 2025

New Testament Reading Plan: John 18

In the biblical story of Exodus, God named Aaron the High Priest to represent his people. And so it was Aaron’s responsibility to step in to lead the Israelites when God called Moses to Mount Sanai.

Unfortunately, in Moses' extended absence, the Israelites questioned if God had abandoned them, too. They were lost both physically in the wilderness, and spiritually. But instead of leading his people back to God, Aaron led them to make a golden calf to worship in God’s place.

Exodus 32:4
Then Aaron took the gold, melted it down, and molded it into the shape of a calf. When the people saw it, they exclaimed, “O Israel, these are the gods who brought you out of the land of Egypt!”

The Israelites got up early the next morning to make their daily sacrifices, but things quickly turned to pagan revelry. They found an earthly solution to a spiritual problem.

Although our lives are quite different in the 21st Century than what the Israelites encountered in biblical times, we still suffer from our own wilderness experiences, and we are just as guilty of worshiping idols. We say similar things, like:

God is not with me.

God can’t get me out of this situation.

God caused this to happen.

Instead of going to God in need, we turn to our idols, just like the Israelites did. An idol is anything we put ahead of God—anything we turn to for our happiness, value, and worth. Today, that can also manifest as false needs, like control, perfectionism, the approval of others, or materialism.

When things don’t happen on our time table, or when we want to force a certain outcome due to underlying anxiety, we are prone to operate under our own power, trying to fill that need with something only God can deliver. And when we do that, we will always struggle. False needs never deliver and can often destroy or distract us from our true purpose and the rich and satisfying life God intends for us (John 10:10).

Do not despair! There is hope!

Be sure to join us tomorrow as we learn how to turn to God instead of idols during those very moments when we need his deliverance.

Questions:
What is an idol/false need you have put before God?

Where can you be vulnerable and ask God and others to provide what you need?

What have you believed that is not from God?

Next Steps:
Authentically share your challenges with a trusted friend, whether you are in a wilderness season or stuck worshipping an idol. Then confess your idols to God, and ask him to help you put him at the forefront of your life.

If you participated in 21 Days of Prayer and Fasting, reflect on your experience and ask God where he is leading you next.

Prayer:
God, you say to be strong and courageous, that you are with us wherever we go. At times I go to idols instead of you when I have needs. I come before you. I need (blank), God. I am sorry that I have been impatient, and that I have not seen the work you are doing. You may not deliver me now, but I trust you will keep your promises. You are with me and will not forsake me. Amen.

Series Theme Verse:

Romans 12:2
Don't copy the behavior and customs of this world, but let God transform you into a new person by changing the way you think. Then you will learn to know God's will for you, which is good and pleasing and perfect.

This post was written by Becca Roberts, a South attendee, and a regular contributor to the LivingItOut Devotional.