Read Numbers 20:22-29
We will all pass from this world, and this was Aaron’s time to be called to rest. The first high priest himself could not escape God’s wrath. He, too, would not personally see the Promised Land. Aaron’s death sentence for the spectacle involving the water at Meribah has now been accomplished. Earlier in the chapter we learned that Moses’ other sibling, Miriam had also died in the wilderness.
God commanded that Aaron’s death be preceded by a ceremony passing the priestly garments to Aaron’s son, Eleazar. The people were able to witness this transfer of power, yet the details of how Aaron joined his ancestors in death is not revealed here. It was important that the people understand what happened so they would give Eleazar the same respect they had had for Aaron.
We’re not told much about what happened during this scene. We can only imagine the extreme emotions that must have been flowing between those family members as they solemnly followed God’s command. I can’t fathom what that walk up the mountain would have been like. Had the guilt over displeasing God been hard for Aaron to handle up to this moment, or was he surprised by his fate? Did Moses weep for his brother? Did Aaron fear death?
Thanks to Jesus, death for us is our step toward eternal life. It is nothing to be feared. Our sadness about leaving this world behind will quickly be snatched away and replaced with sweet peace and tranquility. Aaron wouldn’t have known to look forward to such things. For Aaron, his understanding about death was limited. Yet he knew he’d be joining his ancestors, which had its own sweetness.
Moses lost his last remaining sibling that day, and Eleazar lost his father. Do you think Eleazar felt ready to take on all the responsibility Aaron had been given as high priest? Those would be very big shoes to fill, but Eleazar had been watching. God would not abandon Eleazar but would help him through the transition of power.
God is in the business of preparing and equipping his people. We have all been called to serve God in some capacity. How has God gifted you to help? 1 Peter 4:10 says, “God has given each of you a gift from his great variety of spiritual gifts. Use them well to serve one another.” How are you being equipped by God?
The priesthood would continue in the line of Aaron until fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Hebrews 4:14-16 speaks of Jesus as our High Priest saying, “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.” We can approach God with boldness. How are you going to respond to his working in your life today?
Let’s pray. Lord, thank you for your promise of eternal life with you. I don’t fear death anymore because of his promise. Help me to not fall into bad habits that would disappoint and anger you. Help me to serve you by serving others in a way that draws us all closer to you. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
