The Staff That Budded
Scripture Reading — Numbers 17
Aaron’s staff . . . had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.
It was a miraculous, incredible sign. God said, “The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout.” A dead stick would come to life!
One staff from each tribe, including Aaron’s staff for the tribe of Levi, was placed before the Lord in the tabernacle. And by the next day, Aaron’s staff had not only sprouted, but it had also budded, blossomed, and grown almonds. It had gone through all the stages of fruitfulness.
Aaron’s staff was a sign that his family was chosen by God to do the work of priests—offering sacrifices and prayers to God for the people. Aaron’s staff also pointed ahead to the coming of our great High Priest, Jesus. Aaron’s staff not only sprouted but also grew almonds. It looked a lot like the lampstand in the tabernacle with its leaves and blossoms (Exodus 25:31-36), and the lampstand was a sign pointing to Jesus as the light of the world (John 8:12). Aaron’s staff was a gracious sign that God was with his people to give them light and life.
Like Aaron’s staff, Jesus grew up “like a tender shoot, like a root out of dry ground” (Isaiah 53:2). He was the ultimate Servant of the Lord, and he became our ultimate High Priest (Hebrews 9-10). Praise God that in Christ our God is with us to save.
Heavenly Father, just as you gave Israel a sign of your saving presence, you have shown us that Jesus saves. Thank you for your grace. Amen.
About the author — Tom Groelsema
Tom Groelsema and his wife, Sheri, have served churches in Minnesota, Michigan, and North Carolina. They have four children and three granddaughters.
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