The Golden Calf

*** Revised Common Lectionary *** Lectionary Reading: 1 Corinthians 10:1-13 CLASSIC POEM: The Golden Calf John Newton When Israel heard the fiery law, From Sinai’s top proclaimed; Their hearts seemed full of holy awe, Their stubborn spirits tamed. Yet, as forgetting all they knew, Ere forty days were past; With blazing Sinai still in view, A molten calf they cast. Yea, Aaron, God’s anointed priest, Who on the mount had been He durst prepare the idol-beast, And lead them on to sin. Lord, what is man! and what are we, To recompense thee thus! In their offence our own we see, Their story points at us. From Sinai we have heard thee speak, And from mount Calv’ry too; And yet to idols oft we seek, While thou art in our view. Some golden calf, or golden dream, Some fancied creature-good, Presumes to share the heart with him, Who bought the whole with blood. Lord, save us from our golden calves, Our sin with grief we own; We would no more be thine by halves, But live to thee alone. *** This poem is in the public domain, and may be read in a live-streamed worship service. CONTEMPORARY POEM: The Golden Calf Jacob Staub SNIPPET: From the valley below, the ebullient notes of celebrants, the beat of tambourines liberated after four hundred years of abuse. Sing unto the One, Who smites the tyrant, Who hears the cries of the oppressed, Who parts the Sea and plants the seeds for generations yet unborn. … [ READ THE FULL POEM ]