Some have suggested that when the Israelites constructed the Golden Calf . . .

Some have suggested that when the Israelites constructed the Golden Calf, the problem ran deeper than just idolatry.  It also reflects their utter lack of patience.  Even since they hurriedly fled from their homes in Egypt and headed out into the wilderness, the Israelites have been the poster children of impatience.

First, they thought that Pharaoh’s army was going to overtake them on the shores of the Red Sea and slaughter everyone right there on the spot.  And so, they raise their voices in protest to Moses.  “Did you bring us all the way out here to have us killed?”  Then, once they have successfully crossed, they think they are going to starve to death.  And so, they raise their voices in protest again.  In fact, they even start reminiscing about the good old days—“Remember how tasty those cucumbers were back in Egypt?”  Then, after God sends them bread from heaven, they think they’re going to die from thirst.  And so, once more, they raise their voices in protest.  The next thing you know, they want meat.  (After all, there are only so many recipes for manna!)

When they finally reach the foot of Mt. Sinai and Moses goes up into the clouds to meet with God, it isn’t long before the Israelites grow impatient yet again.  “As for this Moses,” they complain to Aaron, “we do not know what has become of him.”  You have to love how they refer to him as “this Moses.”  Never mind that he was the one who led them out of captivity, and parted the Rea Sea, and kept interceding with God on their behalf—now, suddenly, he’s “this Moses.”

Notice that they can’t even take a moment to express gratitude for the fact that they’re no longer making bricks under the lash of Pharaoh’s whip.  No time for that.  Instead, it’s time to make an idol.  I mean, a god in the hand has to be worth two in the bush, right?

But before we go shaking a finger of shame at the Israelites, it might be best to admit that we also have trouble waiting.  Just think of how exasperated you became the last time the internet connection was a little slow, or your cell phone failed to pick up a signal, or you sent out an email—twenty whole minutes ago—and the other person hasn’t responded yet!

Difficult as it may be, I believe there is a spiritual treasure to be found in the practice of patience.  If nothing else, it demonstrates our faith that God is at work, even though we’re not sure exactly how, and everything seems to be moving at glacial speed.  It’s a practice that forces us to place our own needs and desires to one side, so we can focus on what God has in store for us.  Waiting can be frustrating, to be sure.  But there is also great beauty to behold, if we are just patient enough to let it unfold!