"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!'" Exodus 32:4 NLT
Rarely are they as good as the real thing. "We have a sub" can spread through a
school like a California wildfire. The statement may be followed by an array of
negative emotions. Others are ecstatic. They can envision free time and an
opportunity to give a difficult time to this person who isn't their teacher.
Being the sub is no easier. Often, the call to fill in comes at the last moment.
Then there's the possibility of being totally unfamiliar with the subject area
you are teaching. For some reason, students don't perceive subs as having
authority over them. The sub is not their teacher or normally an employee of the
school. While I don't get to choose my subs, there are some I would. The ones
who maintain control of the class, know the disciplinary rules, and actually
make the students do the work I've left.
God summoned Moses to the peak of Mount Sinai to receive the Ten Commandments as
well as other ceremonial laws. After a long absence, the people assumed
something had happened to their leader. They beckoned his brother who in turn
made them a gold calf and said, "Here is your God." They chose a substitute-and
it couldn't compare.
All around me, I see people choosing substitutes for God. I even fall into the
trap periodically myself, and I'm one of his followers. My substitutes may be
bad habits, sinful practices, laziness, or busyness. Anything assuming God's
place.
When I chose a substitute, I'll be disappointed. That's what God substitutes do.
They promise happiness and fulfillment but don't deliver. They look good but
taste bad. They prance around under the guise of being God-sent but never are.
God sent Moses not a golden calf.
Choosing substitutes also guarantees God's discipline. The Israelites who
disobeyed paid the price. Every time I've chosen something to replace the real
thing, God has lovingly shown me my error and then convinced me by disciplining
me like a loving father.
Don't let substitutes take God's place of supreme authority in your life.
Prayer: Father, keep our eyes focused on You so we won't choose substitutes to
replace You.
Martin Wiles Hodges, South Carolina, USA
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