At that time they made a calf, offered a sacrifice to the idol, and reveled in the works of their hands.
Let me place this verse in context. Stephen, a follower of Christ chosen to serve widows in order to free the apostles to focus on their ministries, is speaking to a crowd, and defending the Christian “way” (as it was called then). In doing so, he outlines Jewish history, spotlighting their times of rebellion and straying from God.
What stands out to me is the word “reveled.” Two definitions of this word are relevant here. First, it means to “to take great pleasure or delight.” The second meaning is “to make merry; indulge in boisterous festivities.” Thanks to The Ten Commandments and other renderings of the event, most people think of the second definition when they even read the original passage in Exodus 32.
Perhaps because of our original association, it is difficult for us to see ourselves as complicit in this same sin, much less like those who partied instead of praying when they saw Moses had been gone a long time. In fact, we may so remove ourselves from the picture that we assume the sin is the party instead of making a god out of the elements instead of worshiping the true God.
How often, in fact, do we step back to view something we have done or made, and allowed our pride in the creative act or the job well done to say “I am good” instead of “this is good,” or to acknowledge the One who allowed us to be like Him, with critical and creative minds? So often, like the Israelites, I “forget God,” and make an idol of something, whether it be an object or an idea, and then revel in its dim light.
Creator God, I thank for You for bringing joy in this world and pleasure to catch a reflection of your kindness. Help us, Father, to keep these gifts in perspective, and our spiritual eyes upon You. In Christ, Amen.
