“Moses saw that Aaron had let the people get completely out of control, much to the amusement of their enemies. So he stood at the entrance to the camp and shouted, ‘All of you who are on the LORD’s side, come here and join me.’ And all the Levites gathered around him.”

Exodus 32:25–26 (NLT)

As Moses came down Mount Sinai, he was righteously indignant. The people had corrupted themselves, and it happened on his brother Aaron’s watch. Figuratively speaking, Moses drew a line in the sand. The people’s sin called for judgment. By their idolatry, they had separated themselves from the LORD. So Moses called them to separate themselves from the idolaters. The Levites responded by coming near to Moses. Then Moses told them to go through the camp and slay the idolaters. This was in accordance with the Law, for worshiping other gods was a capital offense. They obeyed Moses and about 3,000 souls died that day.

We do not live in a theocracy, and we will not likely be called upon to slay idolaters. But we will be tested and required to make choices about whose side we are on. Are we on the side of Jesus or the side of the world? Will we hold fast to the truth when it attracts persecution? Are we willing to stand alone for righteousness even against our friends and family?

“If anyone comes to Me and does not hate his father and mother, wife and children, brothers and sisters, yes, and his own life also, he cannot be My disciple.”

Luke 14:26 (NKJV)

The cost of discipleship is severe. The LORD will not permit us to have any gods or idols before Him. Is there anything that stands between us and our worship of God? Then we must slay it with the sword of the Spirit, which is the Word of God. This requires faith, separation and obedience, but it is the only way to enjoy unbroken fellowship with God.

Jesus never requires us to do anything that He was unwilling to do Himself. He laid down His life to save us. What are we willing to do to follow Him?

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