Let's hear it for the Aarons!

Like many of us, I’m sure, I have been grieving Bella’s death over the last month. Her celebration service on Friday was an amazing reminder of the woman of faith that she was, and of her influential role in Jubilee for many years.

On a personal note, my lasting memory of Bella was a significant prophetic word she gave me almost 10 years ago as I was stepping into leadership in Jubilee. She prayed for me and prophesied that I would be like Moses, a leader of people, called by God. Such was Bella’s strong prophetic gifting, it felt very significant. As someone in my early twenties, this was hugely encouraging and something that has stayed with me ever since.

Fast forward almost a decade, and last week at the Devoted conference I was doing my duty stewarding in one of the main meetings (in case you’re wondering, stewarding for me involved lots and lots of laps of the main venue!) when someone stopped me in my tracks. They asked if they could have a quick word, and told me that throughout the week they had been watching me serving as a steward and felt God was saying I was an Aaron-type character, and that he wanted to encourage me with that.

Of course, this caught my attention… Aaron?! Everyone wants to be a Moses, but no one wants to be an Aaron, right?

We first meet Aaron in Exodus. He was Moses’ older brother and worked alongside him in leading the Israelites out of Egypt. Aaron was the person Moses relied on, the “spokesman,” speaking to Pharaoh on Moses’ behalf. He was the very first high priest, playing an influential part in God’s plan for His people.

Whilst he wasn’t perfect (let’s not talk about golden calves), Aaron was used by God. He was significant.

What strikes me most about Aaron is that throughout the Bible he’s in the background. He wasn’t the man in the spotlight. He was the second violinist, the first substitute, the second name on the team sheet. He wasn’t the name you’d want on the back of your Israelite FC football shirt! Maybe that’s why we’d often rather be compared to Moses than Aaron.

But although Aaron was in the background, he seemed content with his role. He was no less called by God. In fact, we read that he was specifically called by God, just as Moses was. While Moses was encountering God at the burning bush, God was also speaking to his brother Aaron. He was the ultimate team player. His skills complemented Moses, where Moses lacked, Aaron excelled.

This theme runs right through the Bible: the so-called “second” player who may be less prominent but is just as important. Think of Barnabas and Paul, or Jonathan and David. The Bible isn’t afraid to celebrate those who aren’t in the spotlight, and maybe we shouldn’t be either.

In Exodus 17, the Israelites are battling the Amalekites in the wilderness. Moses climbs a hill and holds out the staff of God. As long as the staff is raised, the Israelites win. But when Moses’ arms grow tired and drop, the Amalekites begin to win.

What will he do?

In steps Aaron. It’s only a single line in the Bible, but it carries a huge lesson. Aaron holds up Moses’ arms, keeping the staff raised so that the Israelites win the battle. As a team player, he supports Moses, standing alongside him, and together they achieve the victory.

It’s a powerful story of teamwork, friendship, and servant leadership. And it makes me grateful to be compared to Aaron.

This Sunday marks the start of our split services as we work around the building renovations at the Jubilee Centre. Although temporary, this is a big change for us. I know it will be a sacrifice for many. For some it will mean getting up earlier, for others having a later lunch. More than that, lots of people will be serving at both meetings, putting in extra time and energy, much of it unseen.

I see the people setting up PA equipment, moving chairs, preparing refreshments, sorting children’s registers, leading worship, preaching, welcoming, and clearing up afterwards. These roles, many unseen, are vital. If the next few months are to run smoothly, it will take a whole-team effort. It’s going to take a lot of Aarons, people who may not be in the spotlight, but whose contribution is absolutely essential.

Remember: God makes teams. He gives us all different strengths for a reason. Our skills complement one another - we all have a part to play (think of the Apostle Paul’s analogy of the body in 1 Corinthians 12).

So I want to encourage you and thank you in advance. What you are doing is vital. It’s leadership. It’s biblical. As we step into this busy period, let’s hear it for the Aarons!

Be encouraged, be bold, and recognise your contribution. Together, let’s step forward in faith for all that God has for Jubilee in this season