TODAY’S BIBLE READING CHALLENGE:
Numbers 16:41-18:32
Mark 16:1-20
Psalm 55:1-23
Proverbs 11:7
Numbers 16:41 — Another day, another rebellion. Good thing that today we never grumble, murmur, rebel, or disobey the Lord! Right? Oh, wait … It’s interesting that Aaron, who had built the golden calf and was jealous of Moses, has now been on the right side in three of the last four rebellions (Aaron is absent from Numbers 14:44). If you want a fun research project, see where Aaron landed in the different rebellions we showed yesterday.
Numbers 17:8 — Aaron had sinned grievously against Moses and the LORD, leading two rebellions against God. Lucifer was irrevocably punished for leading just one, but Aaron repented and demonstrated his repentance by choosing the right side in the time of mutiny again and again. The LORD chose to publicly honor Aaron with a miracle and permanently preserve it in the Ark of the Covenant (Numbers 17:10), to be stored with the manna and with the Ten Commandments. The only names found within the Ark of the Covenant are the LORD’s and Aaron’s. Aren’t God’s mercies amazing?
Numbers 18:1 — Not only did the LORD preserve Aaron’s name, but He spoke to Aaron again. Moses was able to speak with the LORD mouth to mouth (Numbers 12:8). Aaron was allowed to tag along with Moses on multiple occasions hearing from the LORD (Exodus 6:13, 12:1, 12:43; Leviticus 11:1, 13:1, 14:33, 15:1; Numbers 2:1, 4:1, 4:17, 14:26, 16:20, 19:1, 20:12, 20:23). Sometimes God told Moses to speak to Aaron His words (Leviticus 6:25, 16:2, 17:2, 21:17, 22:2, 22:18; Numbers 6:23, 8:2), but on a few occasions, Aaron heard from God alone (Exodus 4:27; Leviticus 10:8; Numbers 18:1, 8, 20). This communication from God is the first private communication since the rebellion that ended up with Miriam contracting leprosy. Sometimes when you’ve sinned against someone, you’re afraid to see them because you’re afraid they will give you the “silent treatment.” Following Aaron’s repentance, God restored fellowship with him, even in spite of his grievous sins! He tells Aaron that He Himself will be Aaron’s inheritance (vs. 20).
Numbers 18:19 — A covenant of salt? John MacArthur has some insight:
Numbers 18:19 a covenant of salt forever. Salt, which does not burn, was a metaphor to speak of durability. As salt keeps its flavor, so the Lord’s covenant with the priesthood was durable. The Lord would provide through the offerings of His people for His priests forever.
Mark 16:4 — Not only was the gravestone rolled away, but every burden of my heart was rolled away. All my sin had to go, ‘neath the crimson flow!
Mark 16:15 — From Earl Martin:
Psalm 55:12 — A foreshadowing of Judas betraying his friend, Jesus.
Psalm 55:17 — How often do you pray?
Psalm 55:22 — Interesting that this Old Testament theme is repeated in I Peter 5:7.
Proverbs 11:7 — Wicked men have only decades left to accomplish their desires. Are you living for this century or the next million years?
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