Exodus 32:24 “‘I said to them, “Whoever has any gold, let them tear it off.’ So they gave it to me, and I threw it into the fire, and out came this calf.”’”

FEIGNED IGNORANCE

My first thought is, “Come on, Aaron.  Really?”  Why would Aaron say that to Moses?  Do you think Moses believed him?  I bet not.  People make up some pretty silly excuses when they are caught red handed, don’t they?  And Aaron had been caught.  He had just lied to Moses who had just come down from the mountain with the ten commandments. Wow!

I bet you have NEVER done something like that, have you?  My guess is you have.  Most of us have.  We don’t want to face the consequences for our sins, so we try to justify them.  Just like Aaron we make up a story to explain our actions.  The trouble is there is no excuse for disobeying God’s instructions.

TEACHING MOMENT

Your children will do the same thing.  Now listen closely.  Don’t let them get by with this.  Sometimes they can make up some pretty funny excuses like “I accidentally ate the cookie” or “My hand just slipped and punched my brother.”  They can really crack you up with their imagination.

But remember, there are no excuses.  Sin has consequences.  Mercy can be shown, but recognition of sin is so important.  Aaron could have been killed by God for this, but mercy was shown.  Moses begged God to forgive the people and not wipe them out.  And God listened to him.  Grace was given.

What sin are you justifying right now?  How good are you at rationalizing your disobedience?  We get good at it, don’t we?  Stop!  Confess!  Rid yourself of the lies and seek to follow Him.

Grace Giver, thank You for forgiving me of those times when I have lied about my sin. Thank You for convicting me of my disobedience.  Help me point others to You.