Aaron the Worshiper

I came across this tonight in my files and liked what it said. I wish I could take credit for writing it but who are we kidding. Enjoy!

Aaron The Worshiper

Some people have greatness thrust upon them, as William Shakespeare once reminded us. This might have been the case with Aaron, MosesÂ’ older brother. When we consider the responsibility that was placed upon Aaron, it is easy to imagine that he felt singled out for a task that was beyond his abilities. God chose Aaron to address Pharaoh, since Moses felt incapable of speaking publicly. Despite the difficulty of the task, however, Aaron obeyed God. After the Israelites left Egypt, God chose Aaron again for the immense responsibility of mediator and worship leader of the Israelite community. Aaron fulfilled this role faithfully until his death.


AARON THE WORSHIPER
AaronÂ’s divine calling did not prevent him from committing serious errors. He led Israel in its first act of idolatry, making a gold calf for the Israelites to worship. Later he joined his sister, Miriam, in a serious challenge to MosesÂ’ authority. Eventually Aaron recognized his sin, however, and repented, and God showed him forgiveness.
Once each year on the Day of Atonement, Aaron was appointed to enter the Most Holy Place—into the very presence of God—and make atonement for the sins of all the people. He represented the Israelites in a sacred meeting with God.


LEARNING FROM AARON
Worship that is done according to the Lord’s design is pleasing to him. Regarding the sacrifices offered by Aaron and the priests, there are at least seventeen instances in the book of Leviticus where an offering is described as “pleasing to the LORD.” In the same way, our acts of obedience and service today are acceptable sacrifices to God (Philippians 4:18).
As mediator between God and his people, Aaron was the forerunner of a greater High Priest, the Lord Jesus Christ. Jesus, our High Priest and Mediator, is the perfect representative of humanity in the presence of God. We may now come before God because of ChristÂ’s atoning work.


FOLLOWING THE EXAMPLE
When we worship, we should recognize, as Aaron did, that we do not come before God on our own merits, for we are completely unworthy to do so. Yet at the same time we should worship with complete confidence that God has called us to be there and that he has made us holy by the blood of his Son, Jesus Christ. Since God has so graciously made it possible for us to come before him, we should consciously strive to offer worship that is pleasing to God.