Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Alan Fong
3 min read
Who is on the Lord's Side?
Today's Verse:
Then Moses stood in the gate of the camp, and said, Who is on the LORD'S side? let him come unto me. And all the sons of Levi gathered themselves together unto him. ~Exodus 32:36
We live in a time when many people find their significance by being a part of something they identify with. Whatever that ideal may be, they generally side with the position and philosophy of that party or group. This morning, we are pondering a question that Moses issued at a critical time in the history of Israel: “Who is on the LORD'S side?” Our sixteenth president of the United States made a very profound statement when he said, “My concern is not whether God is on our side; my greatest concern is to be on God's side, for God is always right.” Are you on the Lord’s side?
We see a sequestered commander.
God called Moses up to Mt. Sinai where he spent forty days in God’s presence. It was an unforgettable time that Moses had with God. There on that holy mountain, God gave him instructions for the establishment of the priesthood and the construction of the Tabernacle. It was there where God gave Moses the Ten Commandments written on two tablets of stone. God called His man to abide in that mountain so that he could be fully prepared and filled up to lead the nation. God’s man must spend time in God’s presence in order to lead God’s people. God’s people must prove themselves to be trustworthy when God’s man is away.
We see a sinning congregation.
As the days passed by and the people were camped below the mountain, they became impatient and upset. Their lack of contact with the leader for forty days made them doubtful of his love for them and forgetful of the bigger goal that they would possess the land of promise. They had too much idle time on their hands, spent too much in gossip and innuendos, and fantasized about an insurrection and rebellion. It is sad to note that while Moses was in the mountain in God’s presence, the people below became increasingly carnal because of their lack of attention to their spiritual needs. When your leader is away, those are times in which God’s people must intensify their efforts in prayer and preparation for when the leader returns.
We see a senseless co-laborer.
Not only did the people sin in their desires, but Aaron, who had oversight over them, was easily carried away with their sinful wishes. The people told him, “Up, make us gods, which shall go before us.” Aaron was weak and senseless and helped lead the way for the people to commit a very gross sin that would be engraven into their history. Aaron and the people made a golden calf similar to what was worshiped in Egypt. They worshiped this golden calf, they danced around it, they became naked before each other, and became very shameful among themselves and the surrounding nations. Aaron could have stopped this from happening, but his own sinful heart proved that he was not trustworthy when needed the most. He broke the trust of leadership that Moses had vested in him.
We see a sanctified confederation.
Moses and Joshua were sent back to the camp to confront the people about their sins. When Moses saw the golden calf, the dancing, frolicking, and nakedness, he became very angry. He was so angry that he threw down the two tablets so hard that they broke. He then issued a command in the camp. He beckoned to those who identified themselves with God and His holiness to take a stand with Him. Immediately, all of the sons of Levi gathered themselves to him. On one hand, I thank the Lord for this group of men who took a stand with Moses. On the other hand, it is very sad that the majority of the people made no motion to stand with Moses. Who is on the Lord’s side? Are you on the Lord’s side? Will you stand for righteousness? Will you stand when you are needed the most? Will you stand even if it might mean the loss of friends? Are you on the Lord’s side?
We see a significant cleansing.
Moses and the sons of the Levi had the task of confronting and taking out 3,000 men who were the sinful and corrupting influence in the camp. Sin must be confronted, and purging must be performed.
Who is on the Lord’s side? To not be on the Lord’s side is dangerous. Be careful of your heart’s tendencies. Love the Lord with all your heart, and make sure you are on His side!
Have a consecrated God Morning!
Bible Reading Schedule: Haggai 1-2
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