February 26, 2020: SOAP #3737:  Numbers 17-18; Psalm 29; Mark 4

Scripture:  Numbers (NIV) 17:5 The staff belonging to the man I choose will sprout, and I will rid myself of this constant grumbling against you by the Israelites.”…
8 The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.

Observation:  To end the grumbling and arguing about who really had God’s blessings to speak on His behalf, God had leaders from each of the tribes bring their staffs to the Tabernacle.  The next morning Aaron’s staff that had been cut off from a tree/bush in the wilderness expressed new life!  Amazingly, it had “sprouted, budded, blossomed and produced almonds!!!”  …and all in one night!  When God wants to show His choice, He does not leave any question!

Application:   God’s greatest mark of approval is the expression of His Life!  If I am looking for leaders, it is not their education, nor their talents, nor their resources for which I should look.  The key question:  Is the Life of God being expressed through them?    If I want to be a leader, I need to value the life of God within me and allow the Holy Spirit to demonstrate that Life through me to those around me.

Prayer:  Holy Spirit, fill me with your presence.  May it not be hard for you to express your life through me.  May expressions of your life be seen in my life every day.  Amen

Pastor Leon
Making friends for time and eternity!