Epic FailsSample

Aaron and Miriam were the siblings of Moses and played a significant part in Israel's journey out of Egypt. Aaron was appointed a prophet and Miriam a prophetess in the nation of Israel, leaders chosen purely out of God's grace.

Their first major mistake--and it's a big one--comes to play in Exodus 32 while Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the 10 Commandments from God. While Moses is up there Aaron was left to oversee the nation. It's really quite sad what happens next. Moses had been up on the mountain for a while and the people began to worry. So Aaron proposes they make a golden calf to worship. Moses is literally hearing from God about the sin of idolatry and the people are below doing this very thing.

The people form a golden calf and begin making offerings and worshiping it, which led to sin and immorality. God informs Moses of what's happening and he is very angry, understandably. In fact, we learn in Deuteronomy 9:20 that God was so angry with Aaron He wanted to kill him until Moses interceded. But then Moses sees it all for himself and is angry as well, confronting Aaron. It gets worse here as Aaron blames the people and lies to say the calf appeared on its own in the fire (which Aaron had fashioned with his own hands).

I really want to shake my head at Aaron in disappointment and admonish his mistake because it's so obvious what he did was wrong. But then I take a look at my own life and I can't say I'm any better. Chances are you can't either if you're honest. I know I've had a time or two I lost sight of God--felt like He was distant--and out of fear or discouragement I turned to something unhealthy in this world.

Moving on, there is a moment in Numbers 12 when both Aaron and Miriam undermine and disrespect their brother Moses, who is the appointed leader over the people of Israel. I'm truly intrigued by this story because there are so many layers to it. On the surface they seem to be opposing Moses for marrying a Cushite; someone outside of their community. Perhaps they looked down upon Moses for marrying her? Another suggestion is that Miriam (who led the charge against Moses) was jealous her position as a female leader in the community would be threatened by his wife. Maybe it was an excuse for other ill feelings they had against Moses. Perhaps the best answer lies in their own envy of Moses' leadership as stated in verse 2.

The Lord hears this conversation and immediately calls them and Moses together to address the situation and take up defense for Moses (a subtle reminder God takes up our cause!). At that God addresses their envy. Yes, they are prophets and He speaks to prophets through dreams and visions, but Moses is more than a prophet. With Moses alone does He talk with face to face. God makes it clear there is a distinct difference in His relationship with Moses. He then brings leprosy upon Miriam and she is cast out of the community for seven days.

Again, I can't help but see Miriam and Aaron's sin in my own past. Comparison, which leads to envy, inflicts us all at one point or another. May we be reminded to check our own comparison of others lest we become envious and sin in our heart, against others, and against God.

Aaron and Miriam made mistakes--idolatry, lying, envy--but God was still gracious, loving, and forgiving towards them and used them to be leaders in the nation of Israel in a very pivotal time in history.