Numbers 20:14-20 GRUDGES AND GRACE There are some times when we have to live with the bad decisions and sins of those who lived long before we did. Such was the case with the children of Israel and the kingdom of Edom. Many generations before, Isaac's second son, Jacob, stole the birthright from Esau, the firstborn. Esau was an unruly and belligerent man and Jacob was deceitful and wily. Both were ancestors of two nations by the time the Israelites were going to enter the promised land. Esau was the father of Edom, and Jacob the father of Israel. In nations like in families, the character of the first leaders is often felt for many generations. Character isn't some accidental act over which we have no control. What I habitually do, the way I speak, what I read or listen to - every thing that takes my attention enters my mind and from that, human character is formed. The seeds of character are genetic but what I feed my soul with develops my character for good or bad.
Of interest is the fact that Israel did not attempt to enter Canaan from the south. Whether this was the fear of having the same defeat as happened after the spies gave their evil report, of for some other reason, is not recorded. But there is no mention of the Lord's guidance in relation to wanting Israel to pass through Edom. The work of God does not follow the pattern or choices made by the world and its systems. The highway led through Edom but this pathway was closed to Israel. Esau was not allowed to touch Jacob generations before. Now Israel was not allowed to touch Edom. There are consequences to our choices that may not seem serious to us now, but the generations following us may have to bear the negative results of my choices. When grudges are formed against another person or people, they very seldom go away. That is why if I have something against another person, I am to go to him and make it right between the two of us.
There are enough difficulties in life that we will face that it is foolish if we leave something unsettled. That can be dealt with and forsaken so normal relations can be restored and life go on normally. But when there are barriers that are in front of us and we can avoid conflict by going another route, take that way. Some conflicts are unavoidable and some we can deal with ourselves by backing away from them. Open conflict is seldom worth the consequences that come from it. It may seem cowardly to turn and walk away, and it may be even harder to do, but "the servant of the Lord must not strive."
The other two brothers, Moses and Aaron, also were a family unit in which the younger took the lead over the older. At the beginning of the work to which Moses was called, he couldn't do without Aaron. Moses took the lead and made the decisions based on the information God gave him, and Aaron became the spokesman. There were times when Moses could not work with Aaron. Aaron was easily influenced by the pressures put on him by those around. Under pressure he made the gold calf as an idol to be worshiped even when Moses was getting the law from God on Mount Sinai. On another occasion Aaron and Miriam were open in their opposition to Moses leadership. Not all family matters are easy to deal with and there will doubtless be differences of opinions at times. This is inevitable. How we deal with such times calls for grace on our part.
Aaron was a gifted orator who could support Moses with eloquent speech. He was also weaker when it came to opposition, pressure and trouble. There is no way to avoid the necessity of grace in family life. Moses became the intercessor of Aaron on occasions but he never rejected his brother. Aaron seemed to have qualities of grace that God saw and so was appointed by God to be the high priest for the nation. He was the representative of the people to God, and for God to the people. Normally when Moses gave directions to Aaron, he carried them out. One has said, "It takes more grace that I can tell, to play the second fiddle well."
Before Israel entered the promised land, Aaron died, probably because of his sin of rebellion and because he was with Moses when he smote the rock twice. His association with Moses was normally one of honor, but in this case neither honored God before the people. No matter what great things one might do in life, if God is not honored, there are serious consequences. Aaron was a type of grace but when the flesh claims that which belongs to God, grace is not evident. The grace of God is what people should see in those who serve and represent Him.
The public transfer of the high priesthood was seen when Moses took the priestly garments from Aaron and put them on Eleazar. This was likely done on a high place so that all the congregation could see and recognize that Eleazar was the new high priest. It would not have been right to wait until after Aaron died to take the high priestly garments off of him. They would have been defiled and had to be burned. The transfer of leadership is not a hidden matter. Some things need to been made perfectly clear in public so there is no question as to who is leading the Lord's people. After Eleazar was publicly given the robes of the high priest and took that office, Aaron died. It is a hard thing to officiate at the death of one in the family, but it does give honor where honor is due. The passing of one who has led the people of God deserves the respect of the people of God as they commemorating his passing on.
The social structure of a family Began in the mind of God. This unit of related people
Is introduced early in His written Word. It is never something to lightly consider That similar characteristics family members bear. God established this lasting social unit And with Him we His life can share.
Two brothers seemed to be so different; Their life-styles were very diverse. One was unruly and wild - The other one subtle and perverse. Though twins they didn't like each other - Their interests were wide apart. They even divided their father and mother - Conflict was there from the start.
Two other brothers had a different life, They were separated right from their youth. They didn't have the problem of strife, It was more in their commitment to truth. God in His grace used each one in the way He chose to fulfill His divine plan. Each did a work for God in their day - And each one was an honored man.
We all are different though our family is the same - God takes what is able to be used for His glory. Some of us have different interests but have the same name. Each one's life is a very different story. But if we commit ourselves to the Lord - To faithfully do the best in what He does choose, We will use what He gives us and never hoard These abilities and gifts - for His glory we will them use.
"Father, I know there are difficulties in families as to ability, gifts, and personalities. But it seems to me that Thou art able to use whatever a person has or is when we re surrendered to Thee. I yield myself to Thee for whatever will be to Thy greatest glory. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."