SCRIPTURE: Numbers 17
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
“Remain in me, and I will remain in you. No branch can bear fruit by itself; it must remain in the vine. Neither can you bear fruit unless you remain in me.” [John 15:4]
No matter what our status may be, no matter how many gifts or skills or how many people vote for us, our leadership authority is nothing unless the Lord is with us.
If God was democratic, Jesus would have lost, for there were more against Him than for Him.
The same for Moses, the same for the early church.
But when the Lord stands behind someone, watch out.

Aaron’s staff not only sprouted, it budded, blossomed and produced almonds.
He was the one the Lord chose, the one He supported.
The budding of the staff is a miraculous confirmation that He is on the Lord’s side, and the Lord is on his side.
The same could be said for Jesus.
The resurrection of Jesus is like the budding of a staff, a dead piece of wood coming to life, a vindication of His claims, despite the opposition He endured.
The resurrection is a sign to the rebellious, like the staff was.
When the Lord stands behind someone, watch out.

The people are right to fear the Lord’s anger, they have been defying this awesome, wonder-working God.
“Are we all going to die?”
Yes, if we keep on resisting and rejecting the Lord.
He is patient, He is merciful, He is good, He is loving.
But eventually He will punish those who refuse to honour Him.

As a leader, I need to remember that I am nothing but a dead hunk of wood – no matter how well-carved – and that I can do nothing apart from Him.
My first priority is to stay as close to the Lord and His will as I can.
I need the Lord. I need to talk with Him, walk with Him, follow Him, imitate Him.
His priorities need to be mine; His values mine; His agenda mine.
This is the only hope for a fruitful ministry.

When I put the Lord first, then He is able to do immeasurably more than all I ask or imagine.
He can produce miraculous results through me.
When I dwell in His presence (i.e. spend intentional time with the Lord), He causes me to blossom and produce – good fruit, good results!

PRAYER:
Lord, once again I am reminded of how I can do nothing without You, but with You, I can do anything You can do through me!