Happy Saturday. Today we will read Numbers, chapters 17-20. That might seem like a lot after so many days, with only two chapters, but the first chapter is very short.
Repeating mistakes
What I find most hilarious about the people in the Bible is I watch them repeat the same mistakes. My first response is to mock them. Then I realized I do the same things.
Therefore, it is no surprise that the people I train at work, or the children I teach in Awana, do the same thing. Even the adults I have shared well researched and thought out sermons with, those who came up to me after the message and thanked me for sharing such a deep truth. We all share the same burden of guilt.
This opening chapter again depicts the people grumbling about leadership. They are sure they should replace Moses and Aaron. So God does this test with the staffs with all their leaders’ names written on it.
Not only does nothing happen to any of the other staffs, but because the Lord is tired of the pattern, He goes way beyond and has Aaron’s staff sprout, bud, blossom and produced almonds.
After their latest defeat, they lament their lost state. They are sure they will die.
Newsflash, we are all lost and all will die. But, those who trust in Jesus, though they die, yet will live. (See John 11:25)
Responsibility is a gift
The Lord clarifies that each man has a responsibility. Our communities require effort and commitment for all of us. When we don’t carry our load, it places a burden on everyone else.
The recent call to preach humbled me upon seeing the wording in 18:7. The Lord said, “I am giving you the service of the priesthood as a gift.” (NIV). It is a gift to feel the power of God working through you. To know He is guiding my very thoughts and controlling my mouth as I speak.
I am not a priest, but I am a preacher and I believe this too is a gift. But, we are all called to share the Gospel and when we do, especially when the Lord allows us to lead someone to Salvation, we soon realize what a gift that is.
But, with much power comes much responsibility, and God declares that he will put to death anyone else who approaches the sanctuary.
God always exceeds
Just as God did not stop with having Aaron’s staff sprout. He doesn’t stop at giving the gift of the priesthood. He adds to it that Levites get all the tithes and the meat from the offerings.
I do not serve the Lord because of what He will give me. He has already given me more than I could ever deserve or ask for. The privilege of serving Him is far beyond what I deserve. But I would have to admit, He has never stopped blessing me beyond all of that.
While always grateful for all He provides, I know it comes with that responsibility.
Even Aaron and Moses suffered for failing the commands of the Lord. When God tells them to tell the rock to give water, they decide in anger at the people to strike the rock with their staff. God still provides the water, but because of this inability to follow His commands, Aaron will soon die, and, spoiler alert, Moses will never enter the promised land.
It would be easy enough to blame the people who were grumbling, but as I stated, we all do the same thing. We forget all that God has done for us. It becomes what have you done for me lately.
God is holy, we all must honor Him. I know I fail to do that daily. Let us all show the God the gratitude He deserves.
