"Moses or Aaron?" February 8 Readings: Exodus 31-32, Matthew 24:15–35, Psalm 21:1–5, Proverbs 4:23-24

Today's Readings - Exodus 31-32, Matthew 24:15–35, Psalm 21:1–5, Proverbs 4:23-24

Devotional - Moses or Aaron? 

Exodus 32 is one of Scripture's saddest moments. Think of the disciples, just after Jesus washed their feet, arguing over who would be greatest in Christ's kingdom. Think of Israel going through the Red Sea, brought out of slavery by God's Almighty hand of power and promptly beginning to gripe and complain as if God had never done anything for them. Think of Elijah running from Jezebel after Carmel or Jonah pouting about an entire city turning from sin.

A similar moment of shameful irony takes place at the foot of Mt. Sinai. Has God ever done more to win the loyalty of a people than he did Israel? Not only had he accomplished the aforementioned feat of delivery from slavery on behalf of Israel, but now his presence enveloped the mountain. So what happened when Moses and those with him ascended the mountain and are absent? The people joined in the worship of God, right? They gathered and called out in worship to the God of glory whose power delivered them and whose glory surrounds them, right? Uh, no. They built an idol.

Immediately. As soon as Moses was gone the people's hearts turned toward a creation of their own hands - the Golden Calf.

Moses came back down from the mountain and shattered the tablets of stone which held God's commandments against the rocks. Israel had quickly departed from God and broken faith with him. It was not the first time and it would not be the last. But God's faithfulness continued to overcome their unfaithfulness.

Observe the difference between Moses and his brother Aaron. Moses served God and sought his glory. When everyone loved him, he served God. When everyone hated him, he served God. When things were falling apart, he served God. No matter what, the primary purpose of his life was to give glory to the God of Heaven.

Aaron? He was different. When the people approached him about making a golden calf, he gave in immediately. He was seeking the pleasure and approval of others. He did not fight the idolatry, he participated in it. He gathered the gold and cast the idol. (Exodus 32:1-6)

But what happened when Moses came down the mountain is even more amazing, both funny and sad. Aaron, caught red-handed, demonstrated everything a man of God should not be.

22 “Don’t be enraged, my lord,” Aaron replied. “You yourself know that the people are intent on evil. 23 They said to me, ‘Make us a god who will go before us because this Moses, the man who brought us up from the land of Egypt—we don’t know what has happened to him!’ 24 So I said to them, ‘Whoever has gold, take it off,’ and they gave it to me. When I threw it into the fire, out came this calf!”

His main concern was not that God would be glorified, but that Moses would not be angry at him. He passed the buck to others, claiming he was coerced to build the idol when the text gives no such hint. He even hinted that it was Moses' fault - he had been gone so long after all. And in the funniest dodge of all, he claimed it was all a miracle anyway. He took the gold, threw it in the fire and this Golden Calf just jumped right out. 

Moses - man of God who seeks God's glory and desires to serve him in all things. Aaron - a spiritual coward who cares more about what people think than what God desires. Which am I? Which are you? 

Father, may I be a Moses, not an Aaron. Too often, I live for the pleasure and applause of people. I want to be liked, approved of and appreciated. But, Lord, may I truly be like Moses. May I serve your glory alone and devote my life to the service of your kingdom. 

Think and Pray

Which of the readings spoke most powerfully to you today?
Is the Spirit of God moving you to repent of something you are doing, to begin something new, or to change something about your life as a result of your readings? What?

Look at the character qualities of Moses and Aaron. Which do you see demonstrated in your life?
If you see "Aaronism" then repent and ask God to give you spiritual courage and boldness like Moses.