The Golden Calf: Idolatry at the Foot of the Mountain. While Moses received God’s law on Mount Sinai, Israel grew impatient. In a shocking turn, they crafted a golden calf and worshiped it—only days after vowing loyalty to the Lord. This episode exposes the human heart’s pull toward visible idols and the deadly seriousness of covenant betrayal. It also points to Christ, who conquers idolatry and restores true worship.

Idolatry is not ancient history. Though few today bow to carved statues, the human heart remains no less prone to misplaced worship. In fact, idolatry may be the single most common theme in Scripture—and the most underestimated sin in the modern church.