Every local church pastor knows...
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Every local church pastor knows there is a radical difference between the seminary classroom and life in the congregational trenches. Seminary professors, and only to a slightly lesser degree, denominational officials, can conduct their ministries in almost pristine laboratory conditions. From their ivory towers they write books and issue directives on how the local church pastor needs to think theologically, act prophetically, and preach biblically. Most pastors will respond, "You should try your high-sounding ideas here in Onion Creek Church. You will find it is not as simple as you claim to be faithful." The pastor finds it convenient, at times, to shortcut the ideal just to get a parishioner off his/her back or to get the job done.
This account of Moses and Aaron demonstrates that practical difference at its worst. While Moses is having a mountaintop experience talking with God, Aaron is left in the valley to deal with the complaining multitudes. The people are not so certain they see the evidence of God's presence in their midst. They want something a bit more tangible than a few rules Moses claims God gave him.
Aaron solves the problem in a rather practical, albeit disastrous, way. "If they want a graven image," he reasons, "let them have one. Maybe then they will quit complaining."
This account of Moses and Aaron demonstrates that practical difference at its worst. While Moses is having a mountaintop experience talking with God, Aaron is left in the valley to deal with the complaining multitudes. The people are not so certain they see the evidence of God's presence in their midst. They want something a bit more tangible than a few rules Moses claims God gave him.
Aaron solves the problem in a rather practical, albeit disastrous, way. "If they want a graven image," he reasons, "let them have one. Maybe then they will quit complaining."
