S) "43 Then Moses and Aaron came to the front of the tent of meeting, 44 and the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, 45 'Get away from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly.' Then they fell on their faces. 46 Moses said to Aaron, 'Take your censer and put in it fire from the altar, and lay incense on it; then bring it quickly to the congregation and make atonement for them, for wrath has gone forth from the Lord, the plague has begun!' 47 Then Aaron took it as Moses had spoken, and ran into the midst of the assembly, for behold, the plague had begun among the people. So he put on the incense and made atonement for the people. 48 He took his stand between the dead and the living, so that the plague was checked."
Numbers 16:43-48 (NASB)
O) There are a few principles at work in this story. Another rebellion had sprung up among the people who opposed the leadership God had elected. In response to that rebellion, God was showing Himself to be perfectly just. He was about to execute righteous justice on those who rebelled against His rule and authority. In addition to revealing His justice, He also showed His compassion to Moses and Aaron, in the warning He gave them to protect themselves. Then, we also see the remarkable faithfulness of Moses over his flock. God warned them to separate themselves and Moses' immediate response was worship (falling on his face before God). Then, he quickly took action in sending Aaron as a mediator, to atone for the sins of the people to prevent the plague that had broken out against them (which again, was completely justified). Next, we have a great example of loyal obedience on the part of Aaron. Not only did he react the same way his brother did when he heard the same warning God gave to him, he was also ready to obey in spite of that warning. That is not to say he was disobeying God. Aaron had already learned his own, personal lesson regarding rebellion (when he and his sister opposed Moses in Numbers 12). His own discipline and his experience with his brother's leadership allowed him to trust the leadership his brother was displaying. He knew that God gave an ear to Moses, and that Moses had interceded in the past. He was also moved with a different compassion for this people, having lived through the same misconceptions they were holding at that time; he had true empathy for them. Lastly, we see the mercy of God. When Aaron jumped in front of this spreading plague, he wasn't holding himself hostage against God. He was still following God's precepts for atonement, and was seeking the mercy of God. He wasn't defending the innocent, he was pleading for mercy toward the guilty. God was faithful to respond and relent, despite the fact that His justice was already being executed.
A) There are so many points to draw from this story. I can find myself in any of three people in this story. Like Moses, I need to be ready to respond to calamity very quickly, ready to worship and lead, implementing the ways of God I have learned over the years. Like Aaron, I need to follow the lead of the Godly people before me, especially in worship and action which protects and redeems. Like the rebellious people (and the formerly rebellious Aaron), I need to remember what is at stake in my life on earth. It's easy to become dissatisfied with where I am or what I am doing. Much of the media culture around me encourages discontent. But, remembering that God alone is sovereign, and that He puts authorities over my life, and that I'm ultimately accountable to Him - all of this will keep me grounded and humble. Lastly, this story is a foreshadow of Jesus standing in the gap. Christ took it beyond atonement, though, since He actually bore the punishment of my sins in His eternal redemption, but this story is nevertheless an encouraging story to prompt me to act on a number of levels.
P) Father, the grace and mercy You displayed at this time, along with Your justice, is humbling. I never want to stand in rebellion, against You or the leadership You have placed over me. Help me to be humble and obedient. I will worship You alone, and trust the leadership over me that is calling me to stand in the gap for people. Help me to trust Your ways enough that I serve You regardless of the perceived dangers in obedience. You are merciful and good. So, be gloridied in my obedience, help me to lead others in righteousness, truth, and worship. Let Your will be done. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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