He sounded just like a preschooler. "I didn't do it. Those people got upset 'cause you were gone so long. They thought you died or abandoned them or something. And since they're an evil people anyway they wanted me to make them gods to follow. So I had them bring me their gold earrings. I put them in the fire and out came a gold calf." How miraculous. He put the gold earrings in the fire and magically a gold calf appeared.
Do you think Moses really believed that story? I would have loved to have heard that discussion between Moses and Aaron. Aaron is the spokesperson for Moses. He's the guy that's supposed to be making all the sacrifices for the children of Israel. He's the one that's supposed to be making atonement for sin not leading people into sin. I'm sure Moe had a thing or two to say to his older brother Aaron.
It's amazing how easy Aaron gave in. He not only forged the gold calf, he made an altar for people to sacrifice to it. He led the ceremony. What caused Aaron to abandoned God, his principles and lead the children of Israel away from God? Was it the pressure of the people? Was it the desire to remain in power? Was it his own doubt?
Before we condemn Aaron for his behavior, we should take a quick review of our own lives. How often have we caved to the crowds pressure and walked away from God's principles? How often have we found ourselves in a compromising situation and given in to our human desires? How often have we questioned our faith? In Aaron's place, how would have we responded? God seemed so silent for a period of time and Aaron seemed all alone. We have to asked ourselves the question, why didn't God at least strip Aaron of his priestly position after his behavior? Why wasn't he severely punished or worse?
God, I know that sometimes I'm quick to give an excuse for my behavior. I can rationalize almost anything. Thanks for your forgiveness. Forgive my doubt. Allow me to know you, sense your presence even in times when you seem so far from me.
No comments:
Post a Comment