Continued from yesterday. Then the Lord said to Moses, "Tell the people of Israel that each of their tribal chiefs is to bring you a wooden rod with his name inscribed upon it. Aaron's name is to be on the rod of the tribe of Levi. Put these rods in the inner room of the Tabernacle where I meet with you, in front of the Ark. I will use these rods to identify the man I have chosen: for buds will grow on his rod! Then at last this murmuring and complaining against you will stop!"

   So Moses gave the instructions to the people, and each of the twelve chiefs (including Aaron) brought him a rod. He put them before the Lord in the inner room of the Tabernacle, and when he went in the next day, he found that Aaron's rod, representing the tribe of Levi, had budded and was blossoming, and had ripe almonds hanging from it!

   When Moses brought them out to show the others, they stared in disbelief! Then each man except Aaron claimed his rod. The Lord told Moses to place Aaron's rod permanently beside the Ark as a reminder of this rebellion. He was to [bring it out and show it to the people again] if there were any further complaints about Aaron's authority; this would ward off further catastrophe to the people. So Moses did as the Lord commanded him.

   Anyone who has rejected Moses' law dies without mercy on the testimony of two or three witnesses. Of how much worse punishment, do you suppose, will he be thought worthy who has trampled the Son of God underfoot, counted the blood of the covenant by which he was sanctified a common thing, and insulted the Spirit of grace? For we know Him Who said, " 'Vengeance is Mine; I will repay,' says the Lord." And again, "The Lord will judge His people." It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.

   Never forget your leaders, who first spoke to you the Word of God. Remember the result of their lives, and imitate their faith. Obey those who rule over you, and be submissive, for they watch out for your souls, as those who must give account. Let them do so with joy and not with grief, for that would be unprofitable for you.

Taken from Num. 17, Heb. 10, 13, The Living Bible, The New King James and The
Phillips Translation. For free Lifescope book, write to Box 1575, Carlsbad, NM 88221.
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