Sitting And Rising (Exodus 32:6)

 


Tuesday, May 20, 2025


Psalm 48

Exodus 32:1-14

John 12:34-43


Sitting And Rising (Exodus 32:6)


And they rose up early the next day and offered burnt offerings and brought peace offerings. And the people sat down to eat and drink and rose up to play.


When one reads this story about the golden calf, it is difficult not to see the rebellious Israelites not as apostates or heretics so much as very naughty children. Having done their naughty business of forging the golden calf, they then sat down for breakfast. Afterwards, they got up to play.


I cannot help but contrast this against the Lord’s instructions for the Passover meal. I don’t suppose we should read too much into it, but then again, the Lord did say to eat that meal standing ready to move out, in order that they then be brought to a place of rest.


This dynamic of standing and then sitting (with regards to the Passover meal), or sitting and then standing (before the golden calf), suggests a couple of things. First is that we have a reward to come; a place of rest yet before us. In today’s second lesson Jesus tells us to walk in the light while there is still light, so that we may be called the children of light. Work first, play later is the order of the day.


Keeping to the difference between the Passover meal and the one at the golden calf raises another issue, however. Even though the people had to stand during the Passover meal, they were still sharing a meal. That is to say, while there is still light and we are still working in that light, it is not terribly difficult or laborious work. In fact, it is the most fun work in the world, and we are doing this work with our closest friends and family – the church.


The reward is coming; let us always keep that before us. The rebellious Israelites couldn’t wait for Moses to come back down the mountain before they smelted their jewellery into a statue of a cow. So too will Jesus one day return, and we should always remember that he is the one that brings us peace and life, not our earrings or necklaces.


What distractions do you find calling you away from Jesus and his return? What signs do you see that he is coming back?


Lord of our salvation: keep us attentive to your word and your people, that we may rejoice in the works of light you have given us, and be ready to meet you when you return.

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