Thought for the Week 15 October 2023

Welcome to our services today in which Luke will share his thoughts on the shocking account in Exodus 32 of the golden calf that was made to represent the god who delivered the people from Egypt. This follows on the heels of the 10 commandments which begin with ‘have no other gods before me and do not make an image or idol to represent God. How quickly they reverted to the old ways of worshipping an image!

As I write this there are two significant events about to occur, both of which I do not know the outcome, but by the time you read this I will; one is the General Election for the government, the other is the Rugby World Cup quarter final between the All Blacks and Ireland. I’m sure we all have our preference for each outcome! But the story from Exodus of the golden calf reminds me that we can easily make an idol out of anything- even politics and sport. An idol is something that becomes more important to us than our relationship with God. An idol is also something which offers false hope and empty promises. Political parties do plenty of promising leading into an election but we would be foolish to put our full confidence in the grand claims made by those seeking to govern. And whether the All Blacks win or lose, does that really change anything beyond the temporary joy of winning or the gloom of losing?

It is such a blessing that we can cast our votes and if the government changes this is done peacefully and respectfully. It is also great that we have a national team that do us proud so often. But God alone is the true source of our blessing, provision and purpose. It is to God that we delight to gather and offer our praise.

Nga mihi nui,

Brent Richardson