I’ve been reading a book by Francine Rivers that eloquently retells the stories of five men in Scripture. The first novella is dedicated to the life of Aaron.
I’ve heard the stories, I’ve been to the ruins. I can tell you the plagues…
But dwelling on the story of Israel’s deliverance from Egypt in a more concentrated dose like this really began to blow my mind. I saw the humanity of those chosen by God to lead. I felt the weight and awe brought on by the wonders God performed.
When you’re learning about the deliverance out of Egypt as a kid, it often turns into mere memorization and quoting of the plagues in rapid succession rather than really realizing how incredible and horrible it must have been, even for the people of God.
Imagine spending your whole life in slavery, only hearing whispers of what it really means to be the Chosen of God. Despair brewed deep within the hearts of the people as day by day they slaved away to make much of a man who mocked their God.
Imagine the sweetness when that day finally came where your God steps forth and shows his power. His plan has been unfolding all this time, but now with your own eyes, you see it put into motion.
My knees quaked with Aaron and Moses as I read about that first time they went before Pharaoh. The story felt even more real to me, realizing I’ve actually walked through Raamses’ palace, mere ruins now, but brimming with ornate decorations, powerful guards, rich feasts, and all the pomp and glory of a prideful royal then.
I felt hope rising as God first displayed his power through Moses and later grieved with the people when time after time, Pharaoh’s heart hardened.
I rejoiced with the people when they finally got to leave this pagan land of captivity to journey to the land God had promised to them. A good land. Their own land. I wanted to join in their tambourine shaking and song making (that’s something we’ve gotten really good at on the World Race).
After the miraculous exit, God continues to display his power amongst his people. In a short span of time he…
1. Parts a SEA and creates dry ground for the people to walk on before swallowing up the best and fiercest of a powerful nation
2. Makes a water source clean by a piece of wood being thrown into it
3. Brings water from a rock
4. Provides food from the sky…fresh every day
5. Speaks out of blazing fire on the mountain
6. Guides the people with a pillar of fire by night and a cloud by day
It’s amazing, right? Does it make your jaw drop and all the little wheels in your head spin like pedals off of their gears? It should!
I became so angry with the dumb people when just days after they walked our of Egypt, they were already complaining, not trusting the Lord to provide for the little things like water. I scoffed at their unbelief, ungratefulness and downright brattyness. And then I felt sharp pangs of conviction.
I’m no better.
How many times has He rescued me. Done great things for me. Provided miraculously for me. Forgiven and loved me.
And still, even now, this week, today! I find myself grumbling about not having enough food or trying to figure out “what I’m going to do with my life” when I get home. I am like the grumbling Israelites. Forgetful, selfish, and full of sin.
Even Aaron is such a paradox. He messes up time after time. He is jealous, untrusting, prideful…he even creates an idol for the people to worship when his faith wanes. But what does God do? He raises him to the position of High Priest and blesses them saying, “you priests will receive no inheritance of land or share of property among the people of Israel. I AM your inheritance and your share.”
Because this is what God does. He demonstrates his grace and mercy and perfect redemption through [very] imperfect people. I may not have made a golden calf, but I’ve been there…those moments you’ve messed up for the hundredth time and you know he couldn’t possibly still use you.
But each time Aaron failed, he felt the weight of God’s love overcoming his sin. It took Aaron realizing his fallibility to see that God’s appointment had nothing to do with inherent righteousness, but rather inherited righteousness from a Spotless Lamb.
After reading this, the song “Be Thou My Vision” took on new meaning for me. I don’t think it was sculpted around the story of Israel, but it fit so well. So this is my prayer. For myself. For you. In order that we may carry out this task he has called each of us to, we need some new eyes. May Christ and the constant reminder of what he has done for each soul on earth be the perspective through which you see failures, successes, dreams and surroundings.
Be thou my vision
O Lord of my heart
Naught be all else to me save that thou art
Thou my best thought by day or by night
Waking or sleeping
Thy presence my light
Be thou my wisdom
Thou my true word
And I ever with thee
And thou with me Lord
Thou my great Father
And I thy true son
Thou in me dwelling
And I with thee, one
Riches I heed not
Nor man’s empty praise
Thou my inheritance
Now and always
Thou and thou only
But first in my heart
High King of Heaven, my treasure thou art
O God be my everything
Be my delight
Be Jesus my glory
My soul satisfied
My Jesus you satisfy
High King of Heaven
My victory won
May I reach heaven’s shores
Bright heaven’s sun
Heart of my own heart
Whatever befall
Still be my vision
O Ruler of all
