The Heifer, the Judgment, the Snakes

Numbers 19-21
 
Numbers 20:12-13 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.” 13 These were the waters of Meribah, where the Israelites quarreled with the Lord and where he showed himself holy among them.
 
YOU thought Numbers was only about numbers. These three chapters, though, give to us an extraordinary view of God’s enduring efforts to transform Israel into an obedient people, blessing the LORD. Let’s look at a teaching from each chapter to learn more of God’s holiness that points to your relationship with him today.
          First, the Red Heifer: This is different than other sin offerings. A bull or lamb was to be unblemished, but color was no concern. Why is this red, female animal required? Common thought is that the red symbolized blood. And the unyoked heifer represented a strong woman as the one who carries life. This unbroken, unblemished animal would be slain and burned. The innocent animal died to cleanse the camp of death’s stain. I think we can see how the red heifer points to the blood-soaked Christ, full of life, being sacrificed to remove death’s stain from our souls.
          Second: The Judgment: Do you think God was too harsh on Aaron and Moses? After all, they had diligently worked nearly 40 years to lead a sometimes rebellious people into God’s specific commands. But then let’s consider the scriptures before and after Numbers 20:12 (and God’s entire Bible). What does God command? It is perfection, isn’t it? Perfection in worshiping, in following his leaders and even in speaking to the rock. God’s specific command to Moses and Aaron was, “Speak.” The Word of the Lord is sufficient to call water from the rock. But Moses spoke and struck twice. The glory went from God to Moses. Moses, for a moment, disdained God’s commands. As a result, even as he did not intend it, Moses put himself above the Lord. The Lord, indeed, was just to judge his disobedient leaders. Jesus is the Word of God made flesh. He repeatedly spoke God’s power into human lives and the natural world. He is our example to trust God’s Word.
          Third The Snakes: Here is another response to disobedience. Again we see Jesus. In Jesus’ powerful declaration on salvation in John 3, he said this: John 3:14 Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the desert, so the Son of Man must be lifted up. The Son of God connects himself with the Holy God of the law. He removes death’s stain. He leads in complete obedience. He is our salvation from judgment. Look to Jesus and be saved.
         
John 3:16 “For God so loved the world that he gave his one and only Son, that whoever believes in him shall not perish but have eternal life.”