The Power of Association – Exodus 32

It is so hard to believe that in the absence of Moses on Mount Sinai that Aaron and the rest of the Hebrew people could have fallen away so soon, or is it? In the 32^nd chapter of Exodus we find Moses somewhere on a special mountain that is called God’s mountain. We find Joshua and a few more of Moses protégées somewhere between the Hebrews at the foot of the mountain and Moses as he talks with the Almighty God. God has given Moses what is known today as the Law, the guidelines for worship and the manner of life for these Hebrews from now on. This law, as we have since discovered is quite strict and detailed. However, these people had never had such a law. They had been in a land adjoining a group of pagans known as the Egyptians. Let us not forget that these people have never been, as we calling in our churches today, discipled. These people have lived for, with and next to a group of people that worshiped idols and false gods. Really bad influence!

It is so easy to look at someone’s failures and make a clear judgment of, “I can’t believe you did this.” At the same time we totally miss our own failures, fallings and times of slipping away. It is so easy to look at these people with contempt, though truly they were in the wrong and God justly judged them. However, we often hold them to a standard we don’t hold ourselves to. We have so much more that these people did in the way of revelation, example and instruction. Yet we tend to do the same thing. Our gods may not be a golden calf but they do come in other packages, sizes, colors and styles. Actually both groups, the Hebrews and you and I, may have the same problem – us. We tend to do things our way, on our time, to our benefit and in short we make ourselves the gods these people prayed to and worshiped.

I think the power of association has a lot to do with the scenario that we see in both Genesis chapter thirty-two and Christians in the 21^st century. They had spent some four hundred years rubbing shoulders with pagan people. Their ways, traits and lifestyles had made an impact on the Hebrews; it had to, it always does. Where we spend our time, where we allow our eyes and ears to go and how we live day to day has an effect on how we relate to God. Better said how we associate directly effects our holiness. First Thessalonians tells us that God’s will for our lives is to be sanctified, which simply means to be holy or be more like Jesus (I Thess. 4:3).

I think we can learn a lot from the Hebrews in chapter thirty-two. I think their failure can be a warning for us and help us to understand the power of association. Absent from Moses’ leadership and spirituality they done what they had seen in Egypt. First, we need to evaluation where and whom we associate with daily. If you are in a destructive workplace evaluate how to change it or move. If you are spending too much time with the wrong crowd either in person or via the many methods of relating in the 21^st century (internet, email, phone, text, television, etc.) then do something about that. Second, be sure you are spending time with your Moses. This could be a person or various people. For an example your number one Moses needs to be Jesus and though He is always with you; you CAN ignore Him. You may also need other Moses’ like pastors, strong accountability Christian influences and of course the church can be another Moses in your life. Evaluate then pray about your world of association and then ask the Holy Spirit to show you the truth but don’t forget to follow through with the commitment and completion of proper association. If you need to change ask the Holy Spirit to help you. I know one thing for sure, He has never let me down yet.

Lord Jesus please by the power of your precious Holy Spirit help us to know our world of association and help us to make the most of it, to bring about your sanctification in our lives. Amen.