The Not-So-Great Exchange!

Check this out.  Psalm 106:19-20 says,

19 At Horeb they made a calf and worshiped an idol cast from metal. 20 They exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass.

Now, I just have to tell you that when I read this chapter in Psalms recently, I had to re-read these two verses several times.   When you read verse 19 you might almost let it go by because of the familiarity of the story, but then if you're paying attention when verse 20 rolls around.... WHAM!  They exchanged their WHAT?  For WHAT?  

"They exchanged their Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass."

Let me just say this; although I was stunned as I read those words, I can too easily relate.  No, I haven't recently exchanged my Glory for an image of a bull, which eats grass.  But, I have exchanged my Glory for many other lesser things.   Well, all things are lesser when compared to the Glory referred to in this verse.


Have you been exchanging your Glory for lesser things?  It is certainly something to pause and consider.  I'm sure with very little effort we could come up with an extensive list of other things that we settle for or look to:  food, shopping, hobbies, ministry, alcohol, sleep, friends, spouse, comfort, pets, money, reputation, power, religion... the list goes on and on.  One last question.  Why did they do this?  Why do we do this?


Check out verse 21:

21 They forgot the God who saved them, who had done great things in Egypt,

They forgot.  We forget.  (See James 1:23-24)   


Let us be thoughtful and remember;  there is nothing worth the exchange of our Glory.  Nothing.


"And we, who with unveiled faces all reflect the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his likeness with ever-increasing glory, which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit."    2 Corinthians 3:18