When God Says So...

I'm letting you know now, I'm developing this thought process as I type and literally have no idea, where God will take this. I simply know what stood out to me, as I read from Numbers 20 yesterday afternoon.

It's the passing of Aaron, for the disobedience of he and his brother Moses, regarding God's instruction of speaking to the rock after Israel's complaining of the wilderness.  Of course, Moses still has a few more years, before his passing, as he too, obviously is not allowed to enter the Promised Land, for the same point of disobedience.

So often we look at the failures and fall-outs of church leadership and think it's all on the Pastors. But it's not. Aaron's story reminds us that advisors and counselors to the leadership are just as much held accountable.

Miriam's death, Aaron's death and ultimately Moses' death was a signal to Israel. God was and remains serious about His instructions and the follow-through, thereof.

I read an interesting blog post that explains this passage. Among the things that it points out, was Moses couldn't lead them into the land, as a representation of the Law. Miriam couldn't, as a representation of the prophets. And Aaron could not do so either, as the priest. Furthermore, the ceremony at the end of that passage, where the priesthood is transferred from Aaron to Eleazar, shows us that our relationship with God is not dependent upon the person. The office of the priest is higher than the flawed person who holds it.

Thus, it really is a pretty incredible concept that Jesus Christ is our High Priest, as well as the fulfillment of the Law.

That said... flawed people remain leading the people of God. And we too, are often as discontented and difficult as the Nation was for Moses and Aaron.

And on that note... let's pray this #deaconThursday for our flawed leadership. Pray that they would be men and woman who would not only hear from the Lord, but do and be as He directs and speaks into their lives. Pray that God would help them to seek and give wise counsel, rather than be persuaded by a frustrated and discontented people. Pray for a healthy respect and understanding of the office of authority that God has established, even when the people who hold the office miss the mark, even on a grand scale.

That we would not only hear the voice of God,
But follow it as well.
Our relationship with God forever strengthened.
For the plans and purposes of God.

- PNC