09/04/2013 - CONSENTING MAKES YOU AN ACCOMPLICE

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Then the Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not believe Me, to hallow Me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them.”

Numbers 20.12

Aaron, who was included in God’s work by insistence of Moses, participated actively in all stages that culminated in the delivery of the people of Israel from slavery. Therefore, not only would he receive the same reward as Moses, but also he had the same responsibility. Be careful not to agree with that which is wrong, nor say amen if you do not agree with someone’s prayer, whether a layman or a preacher, because you must not play with God.

Initially, the Lord had not planned for Aaron to be in the front line on delivering his people. But Moses’ hesitation led to the inclusion of Aaron. It is not good for us to plea for the inclusion of another person when we are called to do the work of God, because the Lord has already equipped with what we need. A person who is not in the original plan may influence us to stray from God’s perfect will.

Since the beginning, Aaron was Moses’ strong hand. For sure, as Moses’ spokesman, Aaron participated in all events of the Most High in Egypt. We do not know if Aaron ever served as advisor to Moses, but surely Moses could have done the work on his own. May this be a lesson to those who are individually entrusted with a mission.

He who asks for help will also share the reward; in addition, he who works together with the person entrusted with the mission will also share the responsibility. Moses struck the rock twice while he should have used only words. As a consequence, Moses and Aaron were forbidden to enter the Promised Land, despite their beliefs and hard work.

Always examine what you hear, see and speak, because a simple mistake can lead to punishment. We do not know what was Aaron´s participation in Moses striking the rock twice, but he was the spokesman of his brother, so maybe he called the Israelites rebels (not exactly a lie). But the true rebels were Moses and Aaron, because they did not obey the Lord.

Agreeing with someone whose behavior displeases God makes of you an accomplice. When I was young, every time one of the pastors of the church I attended prayed he would ask God to send trials to the church. Because I already had so many troubles, when I heard him say that, I would never say amen.

If you tend to agree with everything you hear, you will receive what people ask for themselves. Because he was on Moses’ side, Aaron had his entry in the Promised Land denied. Always remember that consenting will lead you to share both the reward and the responsibility.

In Christ, with love,

R. R. Soares