Summary: <p> June 3, 2012</p> <p> The United States along with the rest of the world is living in an age of anxiety. The events of 9/11 were for us shattering, changing things forever. We now live with a constant sense of terror and terrorism. There are economic shock waves across the globe, threatening our jobs, our finances, our homes and our futures. The speed of change we experience today—socially and technologically—is totally unique to the 21st century and only adds to our anxiety. We are overwhelmed by information and data. We cannot keep up! Nothing feels stable or reliable upon which we can stand. In times of great anxiety, like today, the temptation is to look for easy answers and quick fixes.</p> <p> Aaron was a leader in a time of anxiety and like other weak leaders, he looked for a quick fix to pressures and problems. When the people grew impatient for Moses to return from Mt. Sinai and demanded that Aaron do something, he made them a golden calf. We today are no different. We grow tired of waiting on God to solve our problems. We want a solution and we want it now. We look for quick fixes and as a result, are taken in by “leaders” who promise us fast and easy answers to complex issues. Aaron, like other weak leaders, was more concerned about pleasing the people than pleasing God. We see his focus was always on “the people, the people, the people.” When our primary concern is pleasing people, we most likely will not speak the truth, draw the line and hold others accountable. In contrast to Aaron, Moses was a strong leader with nerve. He was willing to confront the people and destroy their false solution. Finally, weak leaders like Aaron blame other people for the problem. In contrast, Moses didn’t blame the people—in fact Moses prayed for the people. Jesus, who is the greatest Leader of all, surpassed both Aaron and Moses. He is our great High Priest and our perfect Substitute. What is most needed today, in the world and in the church, are leaders with nerve—leaders like Jesus.<br> </p> <p> <a href="/_media/uploads/files/watch_and_listen/Follow-upBibleStudies/2012/Derailed/20120603%20derailed%20by%20a%20failure%20of%20nerve%20lessons%20from%20the%20life%20of%20aaron.pdf" target="_blank">Follow-up Bible Study</a></p> <p> <a href="/_media/uploads/files/watch_and_listen/SmallGroupDiscussionGuides/2012/Derailed/June_3_2012_Derailed_By_a_Failure_of_Nerve.pdf" target="_blank">Sermon Discussion Guide</a></p>
