Old Testament individuals in our Tuesday Bible Study often resonate with current issues – like Aaron and some in leadership today. The book of Exodus tells us Aaron is in charge of the people of Israel while Moses is on the mountain, receiving the 10 Commandments from God. When the people demand an idol, Aaron bows to peer pressure, compromises his integrity and makes them a golden calf to worship. He knows it’s wrong but it’s a practical, quick win – Aaron avoids upsetting people and gets them off his back.

He then fudges his principles in letting them think what they want about the idol while he himself builds an altar and orders a feast to honour God. Aaron may underestimate the harm he’s doing – God does not! The mess gets worse when the revelry gets out of hand – Aaron has to face the consequences.

God confronts him but Aaron is ‘economical’ with the truth. He puts a ‘spin’ on what happened and tries to offload blame. He says he threw the gold in the fire and out came the golden calf! He doesn’t admit responsibility that he personally cast it. Not surprisingly, he doesn’t fool God. Aaron, and who did wrong, are punished.

The Old Testament story reminds us 'truth will out'. Every sin/wrongdoing has consequences for us and others. Every sin/wrongdoing diminishes us - is a denial of what we are meant to be!

with love and prayers,

Jenny