A Staff In The Hand Of God
Thursday, April 4
Numbers 17:6-8 (ESV)
““Moses spoke to the people of Israel, and all their chiefs gave him staffs, one for each chief, according to their fathers’ houses, twelve staffs. And the staff of Aaron was among their staffs. And Moses deposited the staffs before the Lord in the tent of the testimony. On the next day Moses went into the tent of the testimony, and behold, the staff of Aaron for the house of Levi had sprouted and put forth buds and produced blossoms, and it bore ripe almonds.”
Devotion
Throughout the Bible, the staff, or rod, is used as a sign of authority. Shepherds used one to guide and correct their sheep to keep them safe. The staff was used by Moses as a shepherd, this same staff turned into a snake and back again, turned the waters of the Nile River to blood, brought plagues over Egypt, parted the Red Sea, brought forth water from a rock, etc.
In the verses above, we see Moses speaking God’s command that each chief bring his staff to him so he could place them before the Lord, in order to show beyond a doubt who would be God’s chosen priestly leader. The next day when Moses checked, the staff of Aaron had sprouted, put forth buds, produced blossoms and yielded ripe almonds. Therefore, Aaron was the chosen priestly leader, and his staff took a place of honor in the sacred Ark of the Covenant, along with a golden jar of manna from the wilderness and the ten commandments.
The articles within the Ark of the Covenant were not just random objects. Each one had a distinct purpose. The Ten commandments represent the Word of God and point to Jesus, being the Word made flesh, to die for our sins since we could not live by the word in our own strength. (John 1:1,14)
Jesus was also the manna that rained down from Heaven. God wants us to consume the Bread of His Word daily. (John 6:32-35)
The new life in the dead wood of Aaron’s staff is representative of Jesus’ new life after he died for our sins. Through the power of the Holy Spirit, he set us free from sin and death, making us a part of God’s royal priesthood. As a part of that priesthood, we receive the power, blessings, and responsibilities of Aaron. (Colossians 2:13-14; 1 Peter 2:5) Is his power in you apparent to those around you?
Today’s Prayer
Dear Heavenly Father,
I offer my greatest praise to You for the sacrifice of Your beloved Son, whom You gave that I, and my household, could be saved from sin and death. I honor You and my Savior, Jesus Christ, for such an extraordinary display. Father, I confess that I have not always followed You in complete obedience. I humbly ask for Your forgiveness and for Your wisdom, and strength to walk in complete obedience to You, even if I must suffer the consequences of going against the sinful nature of this world. Use me as a staff in Your hand to reach others for Your Kingdom. In the Name of Jesus, I pray. Amen.
Apply It Today
Notice that Aaron had to obey and take his staff to Moses in order to be counted worthy of God’s choosing. What is God telling you to do so that He can use you in a mighty way? Is your place of honor awaiting your obedience? Are you a willing staff in the hand of the almighty God? Spend some time in the presence of God today and ask Him what He is expecting from you, then seek His wisdom and boldness in following through so that you may know the joy of obedience.
Resources:
- As you listen to this short excerpt of the message, ”Obedience is Better Than Sacrifice”, be motivated to surrender everything that is within you to God, your Father.
- Make a daily declaration of 2 Corinthians 10:5, you and your household, and stand firm in your decision to walk in total obedience to Christ.