Readings for today: Numbers 17-20
I am in Orlando this week serving my denomination alongside some wonderful colleagues. These men and women are deeply faithful. They love Jesus. They make so many sacrifices. They give so much of themselves. I am blessed by our conversations and discussions. One of the big topics that always comes up is how we believe the church is doing. Are we heading in a healthy direction? Are we growing in gospel faithfulness? Are we making disciples who make disciples? Are we making an impact for the Kingdom of God in this world? These aren’t easy questions to answer. It’s hard to even quantify the metrics we would use to make our assessments. At the same time, when we look across our denomination, we do see churches that seem to be thriving. They are engaged in all kinds of wonderful, growing ministry. They are bearing all kinds of wonderful gospel fruit. The Spirit is blessing and empowering them for all kinds of sacrificial acts of service. It’s awesome and I love it.
I’ve often wondered why some ministries flourish and others fade. I’ve often wrestled why some pastors seem to be so effective while others struggle. I’ve often questioned why some churches grow and others decline. I’ve read a ton of books on the subject. I’ve listened to all kinds of podcasts. I’ve even engaged different well-known thought leaders on the subject. None of them have given me much of an answer. Then I read a passage like the one we read today. The people of God have barely survived a rebellion. They have no idea how close they came to destruction. All because they questioned the leadership of Moses and Aaron. So God commands each tribe to bring a staff, representing the leader of that tribe, and place it before the ark of the covenant. When they come back the next day, Aaron’s staff has “sprouted, and brought forth buds, and produced blossoms, and yielded almonds!” (Numbers 17:8 NET) What an incredible miracle! And one that had nothing to do with Aaron. Aaron’s staff didn’t bud because of Aaron’s hard work. Aaron’s staff didn’t produce blossoms because of Aaron’s great ideas. Aaron’s staff didn’t yield almonds because of Aaron’s spiritual maturity and faith. Heck, Aaron wasn’t even around when it all happened! No, this is all about the glory and providence and sovereignty of Almighty God.
Like Aaron and the rest of the leaders of the tribes of Israel, we bring what we have to offer to the Lord. We present our “staffs” and lay them before His altar. That’s all we are charged to do. That’s all we can do. It is God who gives the increase. God who grows His church. God who fills His people with His Spirit and empowers them to do mighty things in His name. The call of God is clear from Scripture. Seek Him first. Seek His Kingdom first. Seek His righteousness first. If we do these things, then all the rest will be added to us. Everything we care about will be taken care of. That’s God’s promise. Trust Him. Put your life in His hands and let Him make your life fruitful for His glory.
Readings for tomorrow: Numbers 21-24