Now is time for churches and leaders to really lead

They went backward.

The ancient Israelites. They’d been freed from generations of horrid slavery in Egypt. They made it through the Red Sea. They directly experienced God’s very mountain-top presence and God’s unfolding promise. Carved in stone were community building rules for living and for life. They were “called” and they were “chosen.” They — almost — had it all. They were on the way to a land called “promised!”

They got scared. Too many changes and choices. They wanted a familiar, nearby, manageable li’l god. They were impatient. The God of Mount Sinai was too big, too mysterious, demanding too much trust. “I want a god that’ll fit in my pocket,” they seemed to say, “that I can own, control. A little god that affirms my old me-first, backwards-looking, values.”

And, so, they … went backward. While Moses was on the mountain, Aaron, in the valley, easily crafted a little golden bull. No, it wasn’t a calf: they’re weak, vulnerable and dependent. It was a golden bull: the symbol of virility and strength! Golden bull — their new-found pride and joy — for them to own, to worship and idolize.

We’ve gone backwards. We’ve gone through Red Sea-like obstacles, too. We’d caught a glimpse of a world where all are equal, and all are equally empowered: to vote, to get health care, to live and love as we choose. And, some got scared. Some saw their status being threatened, diminished. They had the power and the ability to take us backwards. And so they did. And still are. New-found comfort, for a few. Golden bull, for all the rest!