Read Numbers 17
Questions from the Scripture text: Who spoke to whom in Numbers 17:1? To whom was he to speak (Numbers 17:2)? What was he to collect from them? How many, therefore? And write what upon them? And what name on the rod of Levi (Numbers 17:3)? Where would Moses put them (Numbers 17:4)? Before what? What does the Lord do there? Whose rod will blossom (Numbers 17:5)? Of what does the Lord say He will thus rid Himself? Against whom do they make their complaints? To whom does Moses speak in Numbers 17:6? What do the leaders do? What does Moses do with the rods (Numbers 17:7)? When does Moses go back in (Numbers 17:8)? What does he find? What has happened to Aaron’s rod? What does Moses do with the rods (Numbers 17:9)? What does each man do? What does YHWH tell Moses to do with Aaron’s rod (Numbers 17:10)? What would be put away by doing this? And what would this keep from happening? What does Moses do (Numbers 17:11)? Who speak to Moses in Numbers 17:12? What do they say? Why do they think they will all die (Numbers 17:13)?
Who can come near the Lord? Numbers 17 prepares us for the evening sermon on the Lord’s Day. In these thirteen verses of Holy Scripture, the Holy Spirit teaches us that the Lord alone chooses who may come near Him.
Great mercy. Though Israel draws a different conclusion (Numbers 17:12–13), the reader of Numbers can see how amazing the mercy of this episode is. The Lord has showed them several times that Aaron is the one He has chosen to come near. They are not deserving of another chance, let alone of God performing such a miracle for them. And yet the Lord shows the greatness of His mercy and patience in doing this for them.
Even the sign that He uses shows not only His patience toward them but His power. He is the God Who brings life to the dead. And this life was even great enough to produce ripe fruit overnight. The spiritual fruit in His people does not ordinarily come this way (until death!). But even His ability reminds us that if fruit comes more slowly, it is according to His wisdom and mercy. It is not for lack of power!
The Lord causes Aaron’s rod to be put back in the tabernacle, as a sign “for the rebels” (Numbers 17:10, NKJ “against”). It is a witness in front of the Lord. He does not need reminding, but He gives for them to know and remember that His purposes and promises concerning them are always before Him. This is the only thing that stands between them and death (Numbers 17:10).
Great misery. Sadly, however, this is not what Israel sees. The Lord has said “lest they die” (Numbers 17:10), but their conclusion is that dying, they die, and perishing they perish (Numbers 17:12-13). Worst of all, whereas they had been rebelling against Aaron’s house alone being permitted to enter the tabernacle, thy are now unwilling even to draw near to the tabernacle (Numbers 17:13).
God had made a way for them to draw near, but their rejection of His worship in His way has now made it appear closed to their own wicked minds and hearts. If they would just realize and remember the atonement that He has made! But here, too, they exalt their own wisdom even in their despair.
What (Who!) is the great way by which God has given to you to draw near to Himself? How has He been patient with your own coming in the wrong way or with the wrong attitude? Why has He been patient? What is He able to do in you?
Sample prayer: Lord, thank You for atoning for us by Christ, and for choosing Him to be the Great High Priest Who brings us near to You. And thank You for giving us the proper worship actions on earth by which He fulfills this ministry from heaven. Please forgive us for the rebellion and wickedness of trying to come in some other way. But please also apply His atoning sacrifice to our conscience that we may draw near to You in Him with clean consciences and bold hearts. Even this, we ask in His Name, AMEN!
Suggested songs: ARP51B “From My Sins, O Hide Your Face” or TPH274 “Jesus, My Great High Priest”
No comments:
Post a Comment