Feb. 24, 2021
Do not fear, only believe
The Israelites complain and grumble, forgetting how the Lord led them out of captivity and into freedom. They rebelled against Moses and Aaron, accusing them of abusing their authority when all had access to God. But through a series of signs and judgments, the Lord confirms the priesthood of Moses and Aaron, validating their authority.
When Aaron’s staff buds, the Lord uses a miracle to symbolize a deep spiritual truth. The white blossoms symbolized the purity and holiness of the Lord, and that the office of the high priest is to be respected. The narrative then explains in greater detail the rights and duties of the priests and Levites.
The role of the high priest as the mediator between God and His people is later ultimately fulfilled in Jesus, our "great high priest." (Hebrews 4:14-15)
“Do not fear, only believe.” - Mark 5:36
Jesus shows compassion in his authority in these verses. He goes with Jairus to heal his daughter. Yet, along the way, He knew that power left him when the woman with a discharge of blood touched his cloak.
According to the law, this woman would be ceremonially unclean and anyone who touched her would themselves become unclean (Leviticus 15:19-28). But Jesus’ power and authority reverses the curse and makes her clean, healing her physically and spiritually because of her faith.
Jesus continues his demonstration of authority over death by resurrecting Jairus’s daughter. According to Numbers 19:11, Jesus should have been unclean by touching her dead body. But Jesus overcomes uncleanness, raising the girl to life spiritually and physically.
Make It Personal
- What are you afraid of that God is calling you to believe in Him for?
- Has there been a situation or season in your life when the Lord delivered you, yet you still grumbled and complained against God?
- Where can you take a pause today and just say thank you to God for how He has provided?