In His ImageSample

Day 37: The Pride of Aaron

Discover: Exodus 32 occurs just after Moses ascends Mount Sinai to be with God and return with the Ten Commandments. As it turns out, a lot happened while Moses was gone for those 40 days. In Moses' absence, the Israelites persuade Aaron to create a false God to go before them. Aaron submits to their request and creates a golden calf that the people sinfully worship in many ways. In response, God warns Moses that His wrath is fierce and that He will consume the people because of the egregious sin they commit. Moses pleads with God on their behalf, and God agrees to deal with them later. Moses returns to camp with the tablets and sees what God’s people did. When he sees the golden calf, he shatters the tablets before them. Moses asks the people if they were on the Lord’s side. Those who are not are put to death, while the rest continue with Moses.

Learn: Today, we read another one of the many instances in the Bible where a group of people unites in their own sinful desires. In Exodus 32, God’s people rebelled after Moses had left for just 40 days. This takes us back to the earlier weeks of our study, where we discussed man’s tendency towards sin due to the fall. In this case, God’s people were witnesses to the miracles of God, such as the parting of the Red Sea, the plagues in Egypt, and many others, but they turned against God and convinced Aaron to cast an idol of gold as an object of worship. Here, we see Aaron’s pride as a leader. Now that Moses is not present, the people look to Aaron to help them fulfill their desires. When he does, he is celebrated for it. Even if, in some twisted way of thinking, Aaron convinced himself that the calf was a vessel for worshipping God, he enjoys the power and recognition he receives from the people. He allows his pride to override his discernment in the face of social pressure.

Apply: As important as it is to have godly community, it is just as important to have godly Leaders. Godly Leaders keep us on the right trajectory even when faced with overwhelming pressure to go in a different direction. Aaron succumbs to this pressure by refusing to stand against the evil requests of the people. Each of us could be considered a leader in some aspect of our lives. Even if you do not lead large groups of people, you likely carry influence in some way with your small group, your family, or even a friend. What opportunities have you been given to lead throughout your life? Have you struggled with pride when put in a position of leadership or power? Do you have a leader in your life who is humble yet firm in standing for God’s truth?