http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2016-17&version=NIV

The Word of God is so much more than a story. It is rich with layers and filled with the purpose of God. It is the story of God’s people, it is an example for us to follow and always points us to Christ and God’s love.

Today I’d like to focus on Numbers 17 where we read about the budding of Aaron’s staff. Let’s review the quick back story from chapter 16. The leadership of Moses and Aaron in being attacked by Korah – a descent of Levi through Kohath. We learned in Numbers 4:1-20 that the Kohathites held high duties in the service of the Lord at the tabernacle. Their role was to care for and carry the holy items of the tabernacle when God commanded the Israelites to move. They could not, however, view or directly touch the holy items – only Aaron and his sons could do that. The items were veiled or wrapped before the Kohathites could carry them.

This duty, it seems, was not a high enough calling in the eyes of Korah. His passion was to claim the role of the priest. And so he insights a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, claiming that they have gone too far in the role of spiritual leadership, and that indeed, all the people where holy – in other words, any one of them could be the priest. And so a trial by fire is set up by Moses. And as expected, God made it quite clear who he accepted as priests in his tabernacle, with sure and sudden punishment – death by fire – to the 250 who dared to present themselves as priests. And then Korah’s men are swallowed up by the earth – another certain display of God’s judgement.

But, as it seems to have become habit, the Israelites begin murmuring again against Moses and Aaron. At this, God decides to make it very clear who HE has appointed to be the priest. This act is seen by many commentators as particularly merciful as God, who can discern the hearts of man, anticipated the people again would challenge Aaron. So he gives them a clear sign that he has appointed Aaron before the people sin again.

So here’s what happened – a staff is brought that represents every tribe with the name of the prince of each tribe written on the staff with Aaron’s name being written on the staff of the Levites. The staffs are then laid before the Lord over night. The next day Moses saw that only Aaron’s staff had budded, blossomed, and produced almonds. He brought out all the staff to the Israelites so they could also see this pain indication that Aaron was the chosen on of God for the priesthood. The Lord then commands Moses to put the staff in front of the Testimony to be kept as sign to the rebellious, to end the grumbling so that the people would not have to experience his wrath again.

So there’s the story – layer one. And even within the story we see the rich mercy of God. But check this out – God was very purposeful in this miracle, because not only does it serve as a sign to the Israelites, but it serves as both an example and points us to Christ.

First, Matthew Henry’s Commentary explains that it provides for us an example or representation of how the ministry of one who is called by God looks – layer two. A ministry that is blessed by God yields increase sometimes even when there is no planting or watering by man’s hands. Indeed, fruitfulness is the best evidence of divine call – and every setting or bough (each person) that is cut and set by this ministry will flourish.
In addition, such a ministry should produce buds and blossoms that promise more hereafter – a seed planted by God should serve him from generation to generation. The fruit should remain (John 15:16).

Next, the miracle points us to Christ – layer three. Check out the parallels: Christ is the man, the branch, that is to be a priest upon his throne (Zec. 6:12). He is to grow up before God like a tender plant, and a root out of dry ground (Is 53:2). In addition, it was a standing miracle in front of the Testimony, so it if probably that the buds, blossoms, and fruit continued fresh as even the leaf of God’s tree do not whither (Psalm 1:3).

Yes, the many layers of God’s Word are rich. His purpose so indescribable and so much higher then ours. His mercy so great. Reminds me one of my favorite Scriptures:

Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond searching out! Who has know the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. to him be the glory forever! Amen.
– Romans 11:33-36

Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels