Numbers 17

Devotional:
And the Lord said to Moses: “Place Aaron’s staff permanently before the Ark of the Covenant to serve as a warning to rebels. This should put an end to their complaints against me and prevent any further deaths.” So Moses did as the Lord commanded him. (Numbers 17:10-11).

Because the people constantly struggle with accepting the leaders God had put in place, God gives a sign here to show whom He had chosen to serve His people. Moses was instructed to collect the staff of Aaron and each of the leaders of the twelve tribes of Israel. The next day, Aaron’s staff had gone from a dry post of wood to a living branch, sprouting buds, flowers, and even fruit. This miracle was a sign to show that God had chosen Aaron as a priestly representative, and the staff was kept to teach this lesson in the future, lest they be tempted once again to question God’s order and face punishment for it (as we saw in chapter 16). Pray today that God will guide you away from sin rather than punish you for falling into temptation.

Pray it:
Father, thank you for your grace and patience with me in the midst of my continual struggles to accept your will and follow your ways. Lead me through the Spirit out of the temptations I face daily to the praise and honor of your name.

Share it:
Who is someone you can share a verse or thought from this passage with?