We are beings of worship. When we each were created, we were given a desire to worship. Someone said that we are either worshipping the Creator or His created things. The Lord said from the very beginning that we are to worship the Lord God and to worship Him only. It was important enough to make it on the top 10 list called the 10 commandments that were handed down to Moses to lead the people of Israel out of Egypt and bring order to their new life of freedom in the Promised Land.
One time the Israelites were waiting for Moses to come down from the mountain where he would speak directly to God. They were tempted to set up an idol made of gold. They got impatient and distracted and this led to idolatry – the worship of idols. It was a trap set up by the enemy and they fell for it. Read the story found in Exodus 32. The Lord knew what was happening and He told Moses that the Israelites have corrupted themselves by forming a golden calf to worship and make sacrifices to. The Lord’s anger burned against the people. What happens next is astounding. Moses knew that someone must die for these sins and must become a substitute for their sin in order for God’s forgiveness to fall on the people. Does that sound familiar? It is exactly what Jesus has done for us. He became sin, who knew no sin, that we should be called righteous. How could a people who had so recently been the recipient of the might and power of God decide to do such a thing? To think, they would turn their back on God and worship an idol in place of the one true God. God’s grace comes shining through again. He forgave Israel and was faithful to his covenant with them. Moses realized a price had to be paid and he could offered to be the substitute but he was not an unblemished sacrifice. What they needed was a perfect Lamb that would come in the form of Jesus. That is what we have been given by a gracious and loving God. Let’s don’t ever forget what we have been rescued from. This summer when the routine changes, don’t be guilty of allowing any golden calf to take the place of your worship. The enemy is all too quick to distract us from putting God first before all things. Ask the Lord to point out the golden calves in your life that like to take the place of your worship of the one true God. Before you know it, they can creep into your life and draw you away from the best thing He has for you. It is good to come together and worship the Lord and fellowship with other people on the same journey. I love to worship with my church family. I can’t think of anywhere else I would like to be. Tonight a dear friend of our church passed away – Dave White. Dave is worshipping like he never has before. His faith has become sight. Please be in prayer for Mark and Jan Powell, Thomas & Erika Naylor, Lyndsie Smith, Jeremiah & Kayla Magee, Kevin & Debbie Aukerman, Drew & Christina Aukerman, the grandchildren, great-grandchildren, and the extended family and friends. Dave was 91 ½ years old and lived a good, full life. He will be greatly missed in our services. I am looking forward to graduation Sunday as we celebrate our graduates. May God bless you and keep you as we anticipate worshipping the Lord together. Joy in Jesus! Pastor Mike
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Rev. Mike McClurgSenior Pastor, Findlay First Church of the Nazarene Archives
March 2020
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