The Chosen One

 Happy Sunday!

"And Moses laid up the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness. And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds."(Numbers 17:7-8, KJV).

Dr. Bill Winston said that not entering into the Promised Land may have not been as devastating as we think for Moses.  Of course, we won't know for sure until we get to Heaven and ask.  But Moses dealt with so much from the people he led.  Murmuring, complaining, and accusing him of attempted murder for simply bringing them out of bondage.  In Numbers 16 they were at it again.  Questioning his motives and his authority.  When God had had enough He told Moses to get away from these evil men, and Moses warned others to do the same.  Then the earth opened up and swallowed the murmuring ringleaders, their families, and all their belongings.  OUCH! 

In our scripture today, there was yet another test to prove who God called to lead in the priesthood.  Each of the 12 tribes brought a rod to Moses.  He placed them in the tabernacle.  Miraculously, overnight Aaron's rod budded, blossomed, and produced almonds.  No doubt about it.  God showed clearly and unequivocally who had been chosen.  In John 15:16, Jesus said, "It is not that you have chosen me; but it is I who have chosen you. I have appointed you to go and bear fruit that will be lasting; so that whatever you ask the Father in my name, he will give it to you."(Phillips).

1 Peter 2:9 says, "But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood, an holy nation, a peculiar people; that ye should shew forth the praises of him who hath called you out of darkness into his marvellous light;"(KJV).  God chose you and called you out of darkness so that you can be visible, undeniable proof of His power.  He has spared your life, He has showered you with his blessings, and He is daily using you to draw others to Himself.  Matthew 5:16 says, "You are like that illuminating light. Let your light shine everywhere you go, that you may illumine creation, so men and women everywhere may see your good actions, may see creation at its fullest, may see your devotion to Me, and may turn and praise your Father in heaven because of it."(Voice).

You are the chosen one.  You are the answer.

Love and prayers, Cynthia