Scripture - Num. 17:6 So Moses spoke to the Israelites, and their leaders gave him twelve staffs, one for the leader of each of their ancestral tribes, and Aaron’s staff was among them. 7 Moses placed the staffs before the LORD in the Tent of the Testimony. 8 The next day Moses entered the Tent of the Testimony and saw that Aaron’s staff, which represented the house of Levi, had not only sprouted but had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.
Observation - The Lord had just finished speaking through Moses in regards to the various responsibilities of the Levites and the tabernacle. He also made specific distinction between the Israelites and the priests of God, the descendants of Moses' brother Aaron, who were to operate in the Tent of Meeting. For some reason, Korah and some of his friends/followers, who were responsible for the care of the the equipment belonging to the tabernacle, became upset at the notion that only Aaron's family could serve in the tabernacle. They became disrespectful about the matter. Moses then had the leaders of the tribes present their staffs to be placed in the Holy Place along with Aaron's staff. One night in the Holy Place, and Aaron's staff miraculously budded, showing that God does make distinction. He chooses according to his purposes. Furthermore, it also shows that God has no problem highlighting that distinction when necessary. The showdown of God's choice was completed when the ground swallowed up Korah's family, and the families of those who opposed Moses. They really weren't in opposition to Moses, but to God.
Application - God makes a distinction between things, people, activities, choices, etc. It is important to grasp that. God calls people according to His purposes. It's not a form of random selection or survival of the fittest. God specifically chooses people for specific things. And usually, they are not the most qualified. But he does so so that His power and glory can be manifest through them and He can make His Name famous. It is important to guard against a critical spirit and ego when looking at the things others get to do that deep down in we desire for ourselves. While me might become frustrated that we've been overlooked, our frustration needs to be held in check, because the focus of our frustration really is God. After all, it is God who gives promotion! If He has promoted someone to a position we desire, we tend to become angry and vent that frustration at the physical leaders who made the call, but our frustration at them is unwarranted. God is the one who promotes, by design. We need to be appreciative first and for most for what God has given us, and then be faithful with it. Our appreciation for and our faithfulness with the opportunities that God has given is a smooth path leading to other opportunities of greater magnitude... or not. Regardless, the knowledge and appreciation for the opportunities given by God is "the right place to be" regardless of where you are!
Lord - help me to view my pasture with gratitude and work it to its fullest potential, and not be envious of the pasture next door, nor the man who tills it!
