Numbers 17:1-13 And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying,… I. INSTRUCTIVE TO THE ISRAELITES. 1. An end hereby put to murmuring. By an incontrovertible sign they knew who was the true priest. 2. A preventative furnished against future rebellion. Miracles apt to be forgotten; of this the evidence was to be preserved. Kept for a token. II. SUGGESTIVE TO CHRISTIANS. Every man has some rod on which he leans. The Christian's is faith. Like Aaron's rod, faith flourishes — 1. Most in the sanctuary. There are strengthening influences, and a Divine power. It will become a barren stock elsewhere. 2. Under circumstances in which other rods cannot live. The almond flourishes even before the winter is fully past. Faith budding in adversity. 3. Produces fruit and flowers on the bare stock of adversity. 4. Bears fruit speedily when God causes His blessing to rest upon it. "Believe and be saved." 5. Stirs the Christian up to vigilance. Almond-tree a symbol of watchfulness. III. TYPICAL OF CHRIST. 1. For it is perpetual. Aaron's rod laid up as a lasting remembrance. 2. It bore fruit on a barren stock. Jesus, a root out of a dry ground. 3. It was distinguished among the sceptres of the princes. Christ's kingdom and sceptre rule over all. He is a plant of renown. 4. It was the object of special favour. So in Jesus, He "was well pleased." He was "elect and precious." IV. SYMBOLICAL OF A TRUE TEACHER. 1. His home the house of God. 2. Presents himself constantly before the testimony. 3. In himself dry and barren. 4. Relies upon God for fruitfulness. 5. Produces by Divine help not flowers only, but fruit also. 6. As a dry and lifeless stock he receives quickening power from God; so with his flowers and fruit he presents himself before God, and offers all his works to Him.Learn — 1. The wisdom of God in choice of methods. 2. To seek a strong and living and practical faith. 3. To rejoice in and rely upon the perpetual high priesthood of Christ. 4. To endeavour, like the almond-tree, to bring forth fruit early. (J. C. Gray.) Parallel Verses KJV: And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, |
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