Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions

Today’s devotion comes from Numbers 20:23-29.

“Then the LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron at Mount Hor by the border of the land of Edom, saying, “Aaron will be gathered to his people;  for he shall not enter the land which I have given to the sons of Israel, because you rebelled against My command at the waters of Meribah.  Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up to Mount Hor;  and strip Aaron of his garments and put them on his son Eleazar.  So Aaron will be gathered to his people, and will die there.”  So Moses did just as the LORD had commanded, and they went up to Mount Hor in the sight of all the congregation.  After Moses had stripped Aaron of his garments and put them on his son Eleazar, Aaron died there on the mountain top.  Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain.  When all the congregation saw that Aaron had died, all the house of Israel wept for Aaron thirty days.”  Numbers 20:23-29.

—————–

Last night, when I first read this Scripture, I focused primarily on two things.  First, I focused on the LORD not allowing Aaron to enter the the promised land.  Second, I focused on the death of Aaron.  

I was sad.  And I was not only the one.  “When all the congregation saw that Aaron had died, all the house of Israel wept for Aaron thirty days.”  Verse 29. 

What do I write?!

This morning, when I read this Scripture again, I noticed that the LORD first declared Aaron’s glorious hope (and our glorious hope) that Aaron will be gathered to his people, before the LORD stated that Aaron shall not enter the land which He gave to the sons of Israel.  Then, I noticed that the LORD first declared Aaron’s glorious hope (and our glorious hope) that Aaron will be gathered to his people, before the LORD stated that Aaron will die.  

Aaron would not enter the earthly promised land which He gave to the sons of Israel, BUT most importantly, Aaron would be allowed to enter The Promised Land.  

“Abraham breathed his last and died in a ripe old age, an old man and satisfied with life; and he was gathered to his people.”  Genesis 25:8.

“Isaac breathed his last and died and was gathered to his people, an old man of ripe age; and his sons Esau and Jacob buried him.”  Genesis 35:29.

“When Jacob finished charging his sons, he drew his feet into the bed and breathed his last, and was gathered to his people.”  Genesis 45:33.

“We count those blessed who endured.  You have heard of the endurance of Job and have seen the outcome of the Lord’s dealings, that the Lord is full of compassion and is merciful.”  James 5:11.