God’s Response to Rebellion: Aaron’s Rod

Published on Apr 18, 2023
Category: Behold! | Devotion

Read: Numbers 17-19

Numbers 17:4-5 – Place them in the tent of meeting in front of the ark of the covenant law, where I meet with you. The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites.”

The God of miracles comes to the rescue of Moses and Aaron. Aaron’s rod buds.

Korah and his friends had rebelled. The consequences were drastic and unbelievable – the earth opened up and swallowed Korah and the 250 men that rose up in rebellion with him. The earth swallowed them up alive, along with their households and all their possessions. Inspite of seeing God’s wrath against these men for their pride and rebellion, the people blame Moses. Have you had times when you are blamed for no fault of yours? God’s anger burned against the people and sent a deadly plague, killing 14,700. It took Aaron and the atonement he offered, to stop the plague.

Now the Lord calls for an interesting task. He asks Moses to bring together twelve staffs representing the twelve tribes, with each name of each man on their staff. On the staff of Levi, Aaron’s name was to be written. These staffs were to be placed in the Tent of Meeting, in front of the covenant law. And God said – “The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites” (Numbers 7:5). The next day, the staff of Aaron, representing the tribe of Levi had not had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and yielded ripe almonds. (Numbers 7:8). The dead wood blossomed!

God did not just do a small miracle, (which would have been convincing enough). He could have just made a small sprout come from Aaron’s rod, but He did much more. He gave multiple irrefutable evidence to confirm and demonstrate His approval of Aaron’s leadership. God confirmed His choice of Aaron. It was a miracle that only God could do. Unfruitful rods went back to their owners. The rod that bore fruit was kept before God, in the ark of the covenant. The rod that budded was to be a reminder of the rebellion of the people.

Bearing fruit for the Lord should give us a sense of authority and humility at the same time. When we bear fruit for the Lord, we are fulfilling our God-given purpose and doing what we were created to do. This can give us a sense of authority because we are walking in the path that God has set for us and using the gifts and talents that He has given us to make an impact in the world.

At the same time, bearing fruit for the Lord should also give us a sense of humility. We recognize that it is not our own strength or ability that allows us to bear fruit, but rather it is the work of the Holy Spirit working through us. We also recognize that any success we have is ultimately because of God’s grace and mercy, and not because of our own merit. As we bear fruit for the Lord, may we do so with a sense of both authority and humility, knowing that we are fulfilling God’s purpose for our lives and doing so only by His grace and power.

Would you ask God to help you always remember it finally All About Him?

Ponder

  1. What has been the impact of times in your life when you have rebelled against God?
  2. When was the last time you experienced a miracle in your life, and how did it impact your faith
  3. How do you balance the sense of authority and humility that comes with bearing fruit for the Lord, and what steps do you take to ensure that your success remains grounded in His grace and mercy?

Scripture Writing: Luke 6:46

Song: Heart of Worship

Bible Verses: Rebellion

For more daily devotions like this – At the Potter’s Wheel (Kindle)

Author

Preethi Alice Jacob

Preethi Jacob is the author of the yearlong devotional At the Potter’s Wheel, Day by Day. Her journey includes teaching a Bible Study Fellowship class, teaching and leading the Sunday School ministry in her church, leading Bible studies, besides counselling young women. She serves on the Global Mission Team of the United Bible Societies and lives in Bangalore, India with her husband and two young adult children.

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