Seventh-Day Adventist Church

March 27, 2021

The tribes of Israel had the patriarchal system of priestly leadership behind them for a long time. But a conspiracy arose against the Aaronic priesthood that was stirred up by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram (Numbers 16). Dathan and Abiram were the first born of Reuben and of all the tribes, and Korah headed the tribe of Levi. If the priesthood was still to be based on birth, one of these men should take Aaron’s place. But the Lord settled this problem simply. He said in effect, “Each of you tribal leaders bring his staff, and inscribe your name on it. Aaron, you write your name on one, and we’ll put all twelve rods before the ark.” (Numbers 17:1-9). In one night that old dead stick of Aaron’s budded, blossomed, and produced almonds! By that miracle, was settled the dispute regarding the divine authorization of the Aaronic priesthood forever. Paul says that Aaron was no longer a priest by any carnal commandment, but his authorization was through the power of the resurrection life (Hebrews 7:16). So, it is with Jesus, His priesthood rests, not on any law of human genealogy, but on the power of His resurrected life. Aaron’s budding, blossoming and fructifying rod was seen as it were in the seven-branched candlestick (Exodus 25:33). Each branch of the candelabra was, as it were, an Aaron’s rod in symbol. It was a type of new life and upheld the lamps in the tabernacle. And so it is with Jesus, the antitype of the candlestick we could say, “In Him was life, and that life was the light of men.” (John 1:4). We will never uphold light until we have that life that first buds and blossoms and bears fruit to God. The Aaronic priesthood rested on the new birth, on a new life, symbolized by the resurrection of a stick! And upon this regenerated life the mediation of the priest was based.