“What was IN the Ark?” Transcript

Most people know a little bit about the beautiful, golden Ark of the Covenant. What was in that Ark? A good number of folks can tell you that inside the Ark was the 2 tables of stone with the 10 commandments. But only a few remember the jar of manna. It was the manna that had sustained the Children of Israel for more than 40 years.

But there is one more thing that was in the Ark, and its significance is vital to your correct spiritual future. Let’s talk about it.

INTRO

The third object in the Ark of the Covenant was Aaron’s rod that budded. Why it was in the Ark points to its significance and your correct spiritual future.

To understand why, you need the backstory.

After leaving Egypt and receiving the law, (Numbers 16) there was a rebellion among the men of Israel led by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, They came to Moses and Aaron complaining and accusing them of being hungry for power. Numbers 16:3 says, “They assembled themselves together against Moses and against Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! For all in the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the LORD is among them. Why then do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”

Korah’s argument was that every person in God’s congregation was holy enough to serve in the Tabernacle. His proof was that God was among them.  Therefore, any of them should be able to enter the Tabernacle to serve God.

Moses was super upset. He had not chosen the role of leader of the people. He was quite contented herding sheep. But (Numbers 16:5-6) he told Korah and the others that tomorrow God would show who he wants to serve him in the Tabernacle. Moses said to be present tomorrow. Each man was to come prepared with his censor for burning incense in God’s tabernacle.

The next morning, God ordered, through Moses, for all the Israelites to get away from these 250 men, their tents, and to touch nothing of theirs.  The ground opened up and swallowed EVERYTHING that was theirs! Tents, wives, children, animals – everything. Then fire came out from the Lord and consumed the 250 men offering the incense. 

God recorded, (Num 16.31-33) “And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart.  (32)  And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods.  (33)  So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly.”

Now, as if that wasn’t emotional or dramatic enough for everyone, more trouble came the next day. (Numbers 16.41) “But on the next day all the congregation of the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and against Aaron, saying, “You have killed the people of the LORD.”

God told Moses to get out way, (Numbers 16.45) “…that I may consume them in a moment.” But Moses told Aaron to get his censor with the correct fire and incense and make atone for all the people. He did, but (Numbers 16:49) not before 14,700 had died by a God-sent plague.

The point of the event was that when God appoints men, like Aaron as High Priest, no one has the right to challenge it. No one.

Next, God (Numbers 17) ordered every family chief to present their staff, or rod, with their name written on it. This included Aaron and his rod. They were to leave it in the tent of meeting overnight. The next day, God would indicate which man and which family was to serve him in the Tabernacle.

The next day, as the rods were examined, all were the same, except for Aaron’s rod which had budded, blossomed, and produced almonds! God told them Aaron’s rod was to be kept in the Ark as a sign to the rebellious people, and put an end to grumbling against God SO THAT THEY WILL NOT DIE.

Here is the significance of Aaron’s rod. When God sets an authority in place, it should not be questioned. To do so is to be rebellious against God, like Korah. Not a good idea.

God has set the authorities for the church.

God designed his church to be led by men. God has commanded them to do so. The same God that swallowed up Korah says, (1 Cor 14.33-34) “For God is not a God of confusion but of peace. As in all the churches of the saints,  (34)  the women should keep silent in the churches. For they are not permitted to speak, but should be in submission, as the Law also says.”

Each independent (See I Timothy 3:1-13)congregation is to be led by elders and deacons.

And what about the ladies? Before we answer that, let’s be more careful than Korah was.

I have heard people argue that women are equal in every way to men in the family and in the church.

Be careful. This is the SAME ARGUMENT that Korah was using. While it may work for American society, God will not tolerate changes to his design. He didn’t in Korah’s day. He still will not today.

What did God say in the New Testament? (1 Tim 2.12) “I do not permit a woman to teach or to exercise authority over a man; rather, she is to remain quiet.”

Women are not to preach or lead the church. In God’s church, there is no lady “Reverand”, or woman “Pastor”.

Women have the same VALUE before God. He loves his daughters as much as he loves his sons. But God has given men and women different jobs to do. Men are given leadership. Women can be devoted to service without becoming preachers or elders.

Aaron’s rod budded, blossomed, and bore almonds. It tells you that following God’s choice of authority is the correct way.  Let’s follow THAT plan.

If you would like to discuss this idea further or have a bible question of any kind, please leave a voice message at the number below. If you are a texter, send your message to the same number. You can also use the contact page.

We are here to serve you because we love you. We want you to have a good, productive life today, and, with your obedience and God’s grace, an eternal life.

Let’s visit again, say tomorrow. Until then, goodbye for now.