You have committed a great sin. But now I will go up to the Lord; perhaps I can make atonement for your sin. (Ex. 32:30)
As a fifteen-year-old girl at youth camp, I found myself in a predicament. I was seated for the morning service next to one guy when another young man whom I had been getting to know long distance suddenly entered the tabernacle looking for me. At this point, I loved neither of them. But I had to make a choice since I didn’t feel they would want to flank me for the service. That, as the teens say today, would have been awkward. I chose the newcomer since I felt I owed him that much for coming to see me. And a few years later, I married him. It worked out well.
The Bible likens idolatry to spiritual adultery—giving love that belongs to one to another. As a teen girl, I had some things to learn, but the Hebrews who had seen God deliver them from Egypt and provide for them in the wilderness were rebellious and wayward. They yearned for another god and gave their adoration to a statue, a thing that would let them do whatever they wanted, not a Being who would hold them responsible and require their commitment.
If we turn from the true God, the only way back is the route Moses took: atonement. And Jesus paid the price for that. He can redeem, and he is ever ready to enfold us in his love again.
Remember that no one will love you like God will.
Valorie Quesenberry is a pastor’s wife and mom who lives in Indiana and likes to recharge with coffee and time with friends.
© 2020 Wesleyan Publishing House. Reprinted from Light from the Word. Used by permission.
Scriptures taken from the Holy Bible, New International Version®, NIV®.