He was a lesser-known leader compared to his brother Moses. But he was a giant of the faith in his own right. During the confrontation with Pharoah, he was the eloquent speaker on behalf of Moses, and ultimately of Yahweh. Later, he became the father of the priestly caste in the Old Covenant. In fact, they were to be known as the Aaronic priesthood.
Just like other Christian leaders, Aaron had his own flaws. His weakness was brought to the fore in one incident after the people were liberated from Egypt. Moses was up in the mountain receiving instructions from the Lord, notably the tablets of the Ten Commandments. Aaron was left with the rest of the people. It took some time for Moses to come back, and the people became unruly. They demanded that Aaron make them idols who they can worship (Exodus 32:1). After Yahweh delivered them from bondage, it is hard to understand how they quickly returned to idolatry. But even harder to fathom is why Aaron consented to their wicked desires by fashioning a golden calf (Exodus 32:4).
Moses had to return post-haste, having been informed of what was happening to the people. His words to Aaron dripped with anger and disappointment-- “What did this people do to you that you have brought such a great sin upon them?” (Exodus 32:21). Aaron knew what they wanted was wrong, yet he assented to them. Here we see that people are not always right. The most outstanding leaders know that they should not always give in to the desires of the majority. In going against their people, they may incur the anger of many of their followers.
A Christian leader must obey a higher voice, that of God Himself. There will be times when the pressure of those around him may tempt him to violate his principles, even sin against God. In such a furnace, “we must obey God rather than men” (Acts 5:29).
Aaron obtained the favor of God, not because of his merit. He was saved by trusting in the coming Savior, the Lord Jesus Christ.
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