12When Moses’ hands grew tired, they took a stone and put it under him and he sat on it. Aaron and Hur held his hands up—one on one side, one on the other—so that his hands remained steady till sunset. 13So Joshua overcame the Amalekite army with the sword. (Exodus 17:12,13)
1“Have Aaron your brother brought to you from among the Israelites, along with his sons Nadab and Abihu, Eleazar and Ithamar, so they may serve me as priests. (Exodus 28:1)
8The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds. 9Then Moses brought out all the staffs from the Lord’s presence to all the Israelites. They looked at them, and each of the leaders took his own staff.
10The Lord said to Moses, “Put back Aaron’s staff in front of the ark of the covenant law, to be kept as a sign to the rebellious. This will put an end to their grumbling against me, so that they will not die.” (Numbers 17:8-10)
Thoughts: Aaron is the brother of Moses but is also called the prophet of Moses. He became the head of the priests and priests only came from his line. Aaron was not without his faults. When Moses left to go up on Mt. Sinai the people were put under his care. But when Moses came back they were worshiping the golden calf. Aaron offered excuses and asked for forgiveness. Two of his sons offered unauthorized fire- they did not worship in the prescribed way- and were killed. Later Aaron (spurred on by and with Miriam) contested Moses' leadership. Perhaps these things led Korah and his sons to say that they had just as much right to be priests. In a clear contest the earth opened up and swallowed them. Later Aaron's staff blossomed overnight in a contest in the Tent of Meeting to prove his family was the chosen one. Aaron held up Moses' arms for victory. But Aaron also lifted up the people to God and spoke of God to the people. He sacrificed for them and blessed them too (Aaronic blessing is Numbers 6:22ff). Aaron's witness was steady but sometimes quieter than it should have been (like at the golden calf incident).
Aaron was a willing servant. When he messed up- which he did in major ways- he was quick to repent and ask forgiveness. He had a love for his people that led him to serve them tirelessly for god. We can learn from his devotion and his willingness to ask for forgiveness.
Aaron was a willing servant. When he messed up- which he did in major ways- he was quick to repent and ask forgiveness. He had a love for his people that led him to serve them tirelessly for god. We can learn from his devotion and his willingness to ask for forgiveness.
Prayer: Lord, forgive! Lord have mercy! Lord keep me faithful in my work for you.
No comments:
Post a Comment