“Nature of God” - Transitions #6

Dr. Troy Doucet and Dr. Larry Baucom delivered a fascinating dialogue that speaks to the heart of human propensity for fashioning substitute gods to help us through transitions in life.

Drawing inspiration from Exodus 32:1-35 the dialogue unfolds in three truths.

Point 1: Often our impatience gets us into trouble.

The Israelites had chosen Moses as a mediator instead of direct communication with God. As a result, Moses ascended Mt. Sinai for an extended period, which caused concern among the people. Fearing abandonment, they turned to Aaron, demanding a new god. This impulsive act contradicted God's intended purpose for Israel to worship the one true God, forsaking any attempt to ensconce his transcendence in sculpted images. The pastors underscored the relevance of this wisdom, illustrating the consequences of impatience when fear and dissatisfaction prompt the substitution of God with unworthy alternatives.

Point 2: People often distort the nature of God.

Addressing a controversial aspect of the Exodus story, the pastors highlighted Moses' plea to a seemingly wrathful God. The tension between God's initial intention to destroy the people and Moses' intervention raises questions about the consistency of God's nature. The pastors suggested that literalist views of the Bible as God’s inerrant word can obscure the more profound wisdom in its stories. For example, the struggle between Moses and God reflected in the story parallels the conflict between justice and mercy within ourselves.

Point 3: Religious beliefs are often behind the damage to faith and community.

The elders of Israel sought comfort in the familiar by crafting a golden calf, reminiscent of idols in Egyptian worship. The pastors questioned whether the calf represented Yahweh or symbolized the desire to replace Moses. Regardless, they emphasized the Bible's wisdom over a literal interpretation. Dr. Baucom's assertion, "I’m not so interested in what the Bible says as I am in what the Bible means," underscores the importance of grasping the deeper significance. The pastors warned against replacing God with idols, such as careers or relationships, as distractions from experiencing God's genuine presence and perfect love during life's transitions.

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