The rod of Aaron . . . brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.
NUMBERS 17:8
The rebellion of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram was against the divinely instituted priesthood. However, that insurrection was swiftly crushed, and the Lord gave unmistakable proof that the house of Aaron was the only priestly family in Israel. Aaron's rod supernaturally budded, bloomed, and brought forth fruit - a divine testimony to his priesthood.
The gospel type is clear. Just as Aaron's rod was conspicuous among all the other rods, so Christ our great High Priest stands pre-eminently above all pretended mediators between God and men. Aaron's rod became alive after having been a dead, lifeless branch. It is the resurrection of Christ, the Rod out of Jesse's stem, which gives incontrovertible evidence that He alone is the Priest for sinners. Christs rising signifies a finished work, a sufficient sacrifice, a satisfactory atonement. As Aaron's living rod was placed in the Holiest of All, so the risen Christ has entered into the holy place not made with hands, to continue His high-priestly ministry.
What vitality there is in Christ! Aaron's rod showed the signs of life without being part of a tree. Christ had life in Himself and had power to rise again. That supernatural life is what gives vitality to the church. Because He lives, His people live also. What beauty there is in Christ! In the days of His humiliation, there was no beauty in Him that men would desire Him. But He rose with the blossoms of a fragrant beauty about Him, having left the grave clothes behind. What fertility there is in Christ! As Aaron's rod was covered with buds, blossoms, and almonds simultaneously, so the fruit of Christs death never ceases to come forth. It is apparent at different stages in His people. Some are budding. Some are blossoming, giving the promise of greater things to come. Some have reached maturity and are fully ripe for glory. What stage have you attained? May we each bear much of His fruitfulness today.
(Eagles Wings)
