Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain. — Numbers 20:28
What defines who you are? Where does your identity come from?
In the previous chapters, entire groups of people died because they grumbled against Aaron and his place of privilege before the Lord. No one else could enter the Holy of Holies. Only Aaron could approach God Himself to bring atonement for all people.
And now, it’s over. Aaron fell. His body returned to dust there at the top of the mountain. Another, Eleazar — a minor character up to this point — takes his place of leadership. The spirit of Aaron who lives on, who goes to spend eternity with God — this Aaron no longer represents the nation to their God. Although he may have privilege in heaven that I know nothing about, as far as we do know, he is simply another son of God.
Though Aaron had one of the most important ministries and responsibilities in all history, this calling did not follow him to heaven. God didn’t call a high priest into heaven. God called a son.
And so it will be with us. We have jobs and ministries and responsibilities — they may be of great importance. But the day arrives when we lay them aside, just like Aaron laid aside his robes of privilege, and we enter God’s presence as a son, as a daughter.
Does that speak to you? Do you know that it is not your accomplishments that God is calling into His eternal presence? Rather, it is you. He desires you. He wants to spend forever with you.
You may or may not do something great in your lifetime. In either case, God’s delight is in you, His eternal child.
Be encouraged!
Dwight
Dwight Clough is the author of four Christian books and is an active member of Lake City Church in Madison. This devotional is also available via email and you may review the archives back to 2002. To contact Dwight or Kim, use their contact form. You may also support their ministry.