Daily Reading: Numbers 17
Scripture Focus: The staff of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds (Numbers 17.8)
Devotional Thought: In Numbers 16, we read about how Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and On "took men, and they rose up before Moses, with a number of the people of Israel, 250 chiefs of the congregation, chosen from the assembly, well-known men. They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron" (Numbers 16.1-3). Rebellion was afoot! These four men said, in essence, "Everyone is holy! Who do you think you are?"
God knew who Moses and Aaron were - his chosen leaders. God also knew that - although everyone is holy, everyone is loved by God - progress demanded leaders and leadership. He didn't love Moses and Aaron more than the others. He simply chose them to accomplish his plans. As a matter of fact, it was God's love for everybody that caused him to choose a few to lead them.
Moses and Aaron - though not without fault - proved themselves worthy of the call of God when they selflessly intervened to stop the plague of judgment. God recognized the good hearts of these two men, and he wanted the children of Israel to know that they could trust them. Instead of them being jealous and suspicious, God wanted the Israelites to follow these leaders with joy and confidence. God affirmed his call when Aaron's staff "sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and ... bore ripe almonds."
God did the same thing when he chose to send his Son. Jesus did not come to be served, but to serve. He did not come to bring glory to himself, but to bring children to God. So, when he died on the cross, God caused his staff to sprout and put forth buds. When Jesus rose from the dead, new life was made possible for you and me.
Prayer: Thank you, Jesus, that you came to earth to show us the way to God and to be the way. Thank you that your resurrection empowers new life to come forth! Help me, O Lord, to follow your lead and share your love. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 113 I hate the double-minded, but I love your law. 114 You are my hiding place and my shield; I hope in your word. 115 Depart from me, you evildoers, that I may keep the commandments of my God. 116 Uphold me according to your promise, that I may live, and let me not be put to shame in my hope! 117 Hold me up, that I may be safe and have regard for your statutes continually! 118 You spurn all who go astray from your statutes, for their cunning is in vain. 119 All the wicked of the earth you discard like dross, therefore I love your testimonies. 120 My flesh trembles for fear of you, and I am afraid of your judgments. (Psalms 119:113-120)
Σχόλια