Am trying out my new Blog page…wonder which is easier or better…ideas, thoughts?
http://multiplydisciples.us/index.php/2017/02/17/keeping-ourselves-sacred/
The Ripple Effect Of One Sin
How often do we fail to realize that it only takes one sin to affect others? We read about the anointing and consecrating of Aaron to the Priesthood. What an honor! What a position! Did Aaron realize what God had just given him? With great ceremony, Aaron had received the blessing of God. You, like Aaron, may have been anointed or called to a position of leadership. How do you handle this coveted position? With honor; with humility; or with pride? When God called Moses to the mountain for more instructions he left newly anointed Aaron and a compatriot Hur in charge and did so before the elders:
“Here are Aaron and Hur with you. Whoever has any matters of dispute can approach them.” [Ex 24]
Yet just 8 chapters later we find Aaron, ALONE! as one of two “men in charge,” compromising and failing in his God anointed responsibility. This leaves us wondering: Where was Hur all this time? Why did Aaron yield to the people to make the golden calf? And lastly and more importantly, why did he lie to Moses when he returned from the mountain? When Moses asked him why he made the golden calf he answered “They, that is the children of Israel, said to me,” (sounds like Adam in the Garden) and then (note rolling eyes here as Aaron notes the miracle): “I threw it [the gold that is] into the fire, and this calf came out.” Ah yes, from the miraculous to the ridiculous! Reading this we say “really?” But, when caught in sin we often do much the same thing if we are honest.
Could it have been that Aaron’s pride in his position overshadowed his responsibility and relationship to Hur, the people, his sons—but more importantly to God? Or was it the fear of men that caused him to yield? Or could it have been a combination of both? It appears that Aaron had not only forgotten his mandate from Moses to consult with his co-leader and the elders; but more importantly, had not quite grasped what it meant to be the spiritual leader who must give an account of his leadership! Hebrews reminds us that our “leaders…[are to] keep watch over [our] souls and will give an account for their work.” [Heb 13:17]
Point to Remember: For Aaron, it was a combination of fear of men and pride of others following him that was greater than he following God.
Learn from Aaron: The fear of man is a snare [Prov 29:25] and one sin affects or ripples out to affect the whole community. In this event, three thousand are killed and later his own sons used strange fire and God takes them out.
Are You Murmuring?
Exodus 13 to 15 remind us of the old western movies. First, we have the villains who wake up to their loss and ask themselves: “What in the world have we done?” Mounting their horses (ok chariots) they take off after them. Were 10 plagues not enough? Guess again. So, God sends them another taste of His power and majesty. End of story; Israel is victorious walking on dry ground and the Egyptians are defeated as the dry ground becomes quicksand.
While this is happening, what do we hear? Murmuring and grumbling to Moses as they see the approaching Egyptians. “Isn’t this what we told you in Egypt, Leave us alone?” What is wrong with these Israelites we say and yet how like them we are. Victories are momentary to reveal where we really put our trust. Fast forward to just a short three days later and we hear murmuring—again! Finding only a well of bitter water they begin to grumble: “What can we drink?” They had seen ten plagues and vanquished enemies before their eyes and they murmur because they are thirsty! How like them we are. We fail to trust that if God could vanquish our enemy in the past he can provide sweet water in our present circumstance.
Matthew Henry writes “Miracles do not result in great faith. Great faith comes from a settled conviction that God is trustworthy.”
Beloved are you murmuring or trusting?
Thanks to addcovers.com for our photo today.