For 300 years, expedition after expedition searched for El Dorado, the golden city and a lake full of gold, even though they relied on maps that had nothing to do with real geography. This story opens a sermon about the Israelites at the foot of Mount Sinai, who made a golden calf when Moses stayed on the mountain for so long (Exod 32). We lose our way not because we stop believing in God, but because we begin to create a God who is convenient and easy to control, and the law alone will not change a heart that does not trust Him. Listen if you want to check what kind of God you are looking for and whether He is still the One who is leading you.
Discussion questions
For your small group or for personal reflection after the sermon.
- What in Exodus 32:1-6 makes the Israelites ask Aaron for a god they can see? What pushes them to do this?
- Aaron says: "Tomorrow there will be a feast to the Lord." Why is it important that the people did not want to give up Yahweh, but to make Him visible?
- The speaker says that where trust ends, an idol often appears. How do you understand this statement in the example of Israel?
- Which good desires, such as security, family, financial stability, or career, can easily take the place of God in your life?
- What kind of convenient god can you sometimes create for yourself: one who agrees with you, gives comfort, or never says "no"?
- Why was the law alone not enough for Israel, and why is the new heart that Ezekiel speaks about needed? How does this change the way you trust God this week?
