Only one day after watching the earth swallow up Korah and his company, the rest of Israel still grumbled against Moses and Aaron, thinking that they could approach the LORD apart from His chosen mediators. When the LORD began to send a plague against Israel, Moses interceded for the people by sending Aaron with burning incense to stand between the dead and the living. The LORD graciously stopped the plague against His people due to Aaron’s ministry, and the LORD confirmed Aaron as His chosen high priest by causing the staff of Aaron to sprout with almond blossoms. This served as an ongoing testimony for the people of Israel as Aaron’s staff was placed in the ark of the covenant.

Rev. Brian Flamme, pastor at Immanuel Lutheran Church in Roswell, NM, joins host Rev. Timothy Appel to study Numbers 16:41-17:13.

"Wilderness Wanderings” is a series on Sharper Iron that goes through the book of Numbers. After the LORD delivers His people from slavery in Egypt, He leads them toward the Promised Land. Although the first generation of Israelites proves faithless, the LORD remains faithful to His people and brings a new generation of Israelites to the plains of Moab. This strengthens us to listen to God’s promises today and stay faithful to Him as He guides us toward resurrection life.