Old Testament reading: Numbers 17-19
The budding of Aaron’s rod is an intriguing account that must be considered in its context. The rebels had challenged Moses’ leadership and position. For this they paid with their lives (16:31-35). Yet, the people rejected God’s declaration. The rejection of Moses would of necessity included a rejection of Aaron, and this is where this account comes in. In chapter 17, the leaders of each tribe were to get a rod and write the name of their tribe on it, twelve in all. The rods were placed in the tabernacle. Overnight, Aaron’s rod, the rod of Levi, sprouted, budded, produced blossoms and ripe almonds. This miracle not only affirmed the Levitical and Aaronic priesthood in the minds of the people, it also brought paralyzing fear. Numbers 17:12 implies a dread came over the people so that they felt as if they would die. At this point God affirms the rights and responsibilities of the Levites to make intercession for the sins of the people. Aaron’s rod was kept in the Ark as a testimony against the rebels as well as for future generations (17:10, Heb 9:4).
New Testament reading: Acts 20-21
Acts 20:35 contains the well-known text, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.” What I find particularly interesting in this statement attributed to the Lord is this — though it is found nowhere in the sacred text of the life and work of Jesus, Paul encouraged the brethren to remember it, as if they were already familiar with it. This reminds us that the words of Jesus we have recorded in Scripture are only a snapshot of the greatness and magnitude of His teaching. Statements like the one here may stand alone in their truth and eternal value, much like “the golden rule” (Matt 7:12). But what is also sometimes overlooked in this statement is the context in which it is found. After warning of the coming danger of false teachers (vv 29-30), Paul reminds the brethren of his own actions toward them, how he desired no man’s money or clothing (v 33), how he worked to provide for his own needs as well as those of his company (v 34), concluding “I have shown you in every way, by laboring like this, that you must support the weak” (v 35). Paul was a living illustration of the Lord’s words, “It is more blessed to give than to receive.”
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