life-transforming change

Numbers 17: 6-8, NIV
So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and their leaders gave him twelve staffs, one for the leader of each of their ancestral tribes, and Aaron’s staff was among them. Moses placed the staffs before the Lord in the tent of the covenant law. The next day Moses entered the tent and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the tribe of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.

Aaron’s rod - and only Aaron’s rod - sprouted. Not only did it sprout, it developed buds. Not only did it develop buds, it produced blossom. Not only did it produce blossom, it yielded fruit in the form of almonds. Not only did it yield almonds, it yielded ripe almonds! God proved his approval of Aaron’s leadership through this understated but beautiful miracle. And through it the Father suggests two things that are important to us.

First, he suggests Aaron is not the finished article, fruit from his leadership will develop in stages. This should encourage us. We can be confident we are equipped to minister as we are. Not only so, but the Holy Spirit is at work in us to help us grow. Part of that growth will come through simply getting on with what he has called us to do; we don't have to wait or be perfect.

Second, we have been given authority so God can use us to bring dead things to life. Just think about the implications of that! A dead piece of wood went into the tabernacle and a living, fruit-producing one came out. God in us gives us the power to initiate life-transforming change. And, in this season, we need to be certain he will bring forth fruit ever time we speak life and blessing.

Let's pray
Thank you, Holy Spirit, that I can be confident you have begun a good work in me and will carry it on to completion. Help me to say 'yes' to your leading even in those times I feel ill-equipped or lacking in experience. Remind me I have authority and use me to bring dead things to life. In Jesus' name. Amen.