Wednesday, January 11, 2006

And the Plague Was Checked

Today, I read this really great verse in Numbers that reminded me of Jesus. It is in chapter 16, where Korah and 250 influential men in Israel rebelled against Aaron and Moses. God called Aaron and Moses to lead the people, which he confirmed many times in miracles and even by the mouths of the people. Yet, some of the men (Ladies, we're in danger, too.) get jealous of these leaders in their exalted position. They rally other "men of renown" from among the camp to rebel with them. As they take their stand before God and in opposition to His chosen leaders, he whispers a little disapproval as the ground opens up and swallows the rebels.

The very next day, the people as a whole gather against Moses and Aaron. God's glory comes again and begins to discipline the people through a plague causing death. Moses and Aaron fall on their face before God, and Aaron runs to offer incense as a pleasing aroma before God. The NASB says that Aaron "took his stand between the living and the dead, and the plaque was checked." Aaron, the high priest, fulfilled his role as mediator between the people and God. He did just as God had commanded in the Law, and God honored Aaron's obedience by checking (ending) the plague.

Doesn't that sound familiar?! Jesus, the high priest who is interceding before God on our behalf, took His stand between the living and the dead to check the sin's plaque of death to eternally save us. I like to think of Jesus standing, a strong and valiant Son of God, who is able to separate the living and the dead. Spiritual death cannot cross His boundary and kingship over those who believe in Him. Death has been checked through the pleasing aroma of death upon the cross.

© 2006 by Kendra Hinkle.

1 comment:

emmsy said...

i really like that picture, of taking a stand between the living and the dead... i guess thats what we are called to do too, take a stand, intercede, for those who don't yet know Jesus.