Idol–“a representation or symbol of an object of worship”; “an object of extreme devotion.” (Merriam Webster’s Dictionary)

In our world, there are many things that can so easily be turned into idols. Often times the American flag and our patriotic colors of red, white, and blue turn from simple devotion to extreme devotion. It is as if we turn these items into our own idols. Now don’t get me wrong, I think the flag is an important symbol in our history. But too often we forget the history of others around us.

In our story from Exodus, Moses’ people have turned the calf into their own idol. They are no longer worshiping God but are worshiping this golden calf. God calls us, like he called Moses’ people, to not worship idols but to worship him. When we worship God, we are reminded of the promise that God made to Abraham, Isaac, and even Moses. “I will multiply your descendants like the stars of the heaven, and all this land that I have promised I will give to your descendants, and they shall inherit it forever.”–Exodus 32: 13

God calls us to trust fully in God’s love for God’s people. In the midst of our pain, suffering and joy, God reminds us that God sent God’s son as Immanuel “God with us.” God with us in our pain. God with us in our joy. God with us in our sorrow. God with us in our grieving. God with us….at all times and in all places.

During these final days and weeks of Lent as we journey to the cross, let us not turn to idols, but rather trust in the one who came as the light in the midst of the darkness, the joy in the midst of the sorrow and as the one who redeems life over death.