Being gathered to your people is not exactly words that you want to hear. It means, gulp, you are about to die! 

Those of you who are familiar with Old Testament stories are aware that Moses was not going to be allowed to enter the land of Canaan; the land flowing with milk and honey. Before reading this passage today, did you remember that Aaron was not going to join his countryman in this momentous event either? Numbers 20:24b tells us why, “…both of you rebelled against my command at the waters of Meribah.” When Israel was in need of water God told them to speak to the rock and instead, the rock was struck (Sometime go back and read Numbers 20:1–13). 

God allowed Aaron to pass his garment, his role, on to his son Eleazer. But because of a foolish action, he missed out on a great blessing. It leads me to ask a soul-searching difficult question, but one that must be asked. Will you miss out on blessings that God so desires for you to share in because of your foolish actions? What causes this? Pride? Inattention? Rebellion?

It leads me to challenge you to want to — finish well. In Jesus’ prayer in John 17, there is something Jesus prayed I think about from time to time. Jesus said in John 17:4, “I have brought you glory on earth by finishing the work you gave me to do.” 

Not only finish the tasks that God has given you to do but do them right, do them humbly, do them joyously, do them well.

Steve Spearing

Extended Scripture: Numbers 20–23