Dateline: 2nd Chance (at the very least)
A recent reading of Exodus and Leviticus left me with a sense of encouragement and enlightenment; Aaron built the golden calf in Exodus 32 and he was not ordained as the first high priest until Leviticus 8. This means that Aaron led the people in the most vile act in their history before he led them in the most holy ceremony they would ever see. I know there are many theological insights that can be extracted from this episode (Moses as a type of Christ as he intervenes on behalf of the people, the fact that the will of God "will be done," the planning of the priestly lineage to name a few) but I am simply struck by the lesson that God is a God of second chances. Amen!
I am also amazed to think that the people were well aware of Aaron's legendary failure yet they still trusted him to be their priest. Upon re-reading these wonderful Words of God I have come to the conclusion that this is due to the fact that Aaron lived in such a way that proved/showed/witnessed that God's forgiveness was bigger than his own personal failure... and so should we. Live like God's forgiveness is a bigger deal than our transgressions and see how people respond, see what God can do with you (Aaron's results are recorded for eternity in Leviticus 9)-
22 Aaron lifted up his hands toward the people and blessed them. He came down after sacrificing the sin offering, the burnt offering, and the fellowship offering. 23 Moses and Aaron then entered the tent of meeting. When they came out, they blessed the people, and the glory of the Lord appeared to all the people. 24 Fire came from the Lord and consumed the burnt offering and the fat portions on the altar. And when all the people saw it, they shouted and fell facedown on the ground.
