In the previous meditation, we considered the occasion when Moses did something that he lived to regret. Today we turn the spotlight on his brother, Aaron. When Moses initially felt his inadequacy to respond positively to God’s call, He turned to Aaron and used him to act as spokesman for Moses. Clearly, God had confidence in him. He also became first in the lengthy list of men to serve in the office of High Priest. A High Priest had to know what it was like to suffer with his people. Aaron experienced this, whereas Moses had grown up in the comfort of Pharaoh’s house. There is no doubt, therefore, that Aaron was a ‘gifted’ man in spiritual matters.

Regretfully, however, Aaron had a serious fault-line in his character, i.e. he allowed himself to be too easily led by others. Firstly, he allowed the children of Israel to persuade him to make them gods to lead them at a time when they thought Moses had deserted them. Aaron succumbed to their pressure and made them a golden calf to worship, Exodus chapter 32 verses 1-4. Secondly, he was led by his sister, Miriam, to rebel against their own brother, Moses, who was God’s chosen leader. Thirdly, he was closely associated with Moses, when the latter disobeyed God by striking the rock twice to bring forth water, instead of simply speaking to the rock, Numbers chapter 20 verses 8.

On each of these occasions, Aaron was weak and gave in easily to pressure from others. He, no doubt, regretted his actions, but only after the damage was done! Like Moses, he suffered the consequences and God did not allow him to lead the people into the Promised Land. He suffered the indignity of being stripped of his priestly robes, Exodus chapter 20 verses 32-39.

May we have the courage always to stick to what we know is right!

Take my life and let it be consecrated Lord, to Thee;
Take my moments and my days, let them flow in ceaseless praise.
(Frances R Havergal)