The term “mediator” occurs frequently in the Bible, though more often in the New Testament than in the Old Testament. The idea of the mediator permeates Scripture with human mediation being common in the OT, while the mediation of Christ is one of the key themes of the new covenant 13.
Thus, priests and prophets are the mediators between God and people in the Old Testament (Deuteronomy 18:18-22); and kings are as well to a lesser degree. But before the initiation of the sacrificial system, fathers (heads of families) served the role of mediators for their families (note Genesis 8:20, 12:7-8, 15:9-11).
However, the new covenant brought an end to the old system of mediators between God and people. Through the perfect sacrifice of the Son of God, the pure and righteous man in all His ways, the Lord Jesus Christ (Hebrews 10:14-24). He is our ultimate Mediator and Intercessor before the Father our God.
Weekly Insight
In this weekly insight, we will learn about Rebellion against Mediators of God and Confirmation of the Divinely chosen Mediator. Therefore, I would love you to read Numbers 16 & 17. Please, take your time to study these verses by yourself, with your family or study group.
Also, you might be interested in what was last week. Please, check our previous weekly insight – The First Census Of Israel And The Twelve Disciples.
Rebellion against Mediators of God – Numbers 16
In Numbers 16, Korah (lineage of Levi), Dathan and Abiram (lineage of Reuben) rebelled against mediators of God, Moses and Aaron. They came to Moses with charge: Ye take too much upon you (Numbers 16:1-3). Thus, rebellion against high priests equals disobedience to God and His will.
But God has already shown His will regarding the mediator between Him and the children of Israel. The Lord God has appointed Moses to be the leader and spokesman of Israelites. Also, He has chosen Aaron to be the high priest and has delegated his sons to his office.
Further in chapter 16, we see that any rebellion against divinely chosen mediators is fatal. Korah, with the help of others, attempted to usurp the divinely appointed priesthood. So, the consequence of such an attempt is God’s holy wrath (Numbers 16:35).
Nevertheless, after the judgement over Korah and other rebels with him, the children of Israel complained against God yet again (Numbers 16:41). And as a judgement, the Lord brought upon them the plague (Numbers 16). But Aaron made atonement and stood between dead and living so the plague will not kill those who still alive (Numbers 16:46-48).
What does the rebellion against mediator of God teaches us?
Hence, here are the lessons from Numbers 16: (1) God will not tolerate any rebellion against Him and His will; (2) the Lord God is great and rich in mercy, and His wrath is righteous and no more but equivalent to our transgressions (3) man cannot approach God on his own because his sin is too great to a holy and perfect God; (4) finally, The fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom – Proverbs 9:10
Q: What other reasons do we have to fear the Lord (e.g. Matthew 10:28)? Do you trust in yourself or the only Mediator and High Priest Jesus Christ?
Confirmation of the Divinely chosen Mediator – Numbers 17
Even though God has already punished those who rebelled against His chosen mediators and killed those who questioned God’s judgement over rebels, He still makes an effort to confirm His divine will.
Thus, at the beginning of chapter 17, the Lord spoke to Moses and commanded him to take from each of the twelve tribes a rod, write the name of each prince of the family and place it in the tabernacle of the congregation before the testimony (Numbers 17:1-5). And Aaron’s rod for the family of Levi was among the others.
So, on the next day, Aaron’s rod budded and bloomed proving him as divinely chosen mediator. Further, it confirmed God’s choice of Aaron and his line to be the priestly line in the old covenant. This all points up towards Christ Jesus, the eternal priest (Psalm 110:4, Hebrews 5). Moreover, it emphasizes the essential truth that Christ is the only Mediator and Intercessor between God and men (1 Timothy 2:5), and the only way by which perpetually sinful man can be saved (John 14:6).
Q: In the light of Numbers 17 and John 14:6, how do all these come together into the person of Christ? How does the union with Jesus Christ assure you to have the relationship with the Father?
Insights
- The mediator of God is an embodiment of His will. Thus, any rebellion against divinely chosen mediator will not be tolerated, and God’s wrath will be executed against transgressors (Proverbs 17:11, Numbers 16:35).
- Every trespass against God’s law has its price. And expecting that God will not punish the offender is to accuse God of being incompetent. Thus, God punishes the wicked and protects the righteous (Romans 6:23, Proverbs 11:21, James 4:6)
- Because man is sinful and wicked in its fallen nature, the only way to God is through the Mediator. The latter has to be sinless, pure, holy and acceptable to God. And, there is none that seeketh after God (Romans 3:10-17).
- But here is the Good News, Jesus said I am the way, and the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me (John 14:6). Jesus Christ is the only Mediator and Intercessor between men and God the Father.
If you have not yet accepted Jesus as your Lord and Savior, why not now!? Please, do not wait until it is too late! Embrace God’s Grace, Mercy and Love now – Accept Jesus Now!
Related Posts
- Jesus Christ: The Perfect Intercessor And High Priest
- Who is your intercessor?
- For We Have Seen a Great Light
- Feeling Empty?
Prayer
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name.
Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done in earth, as it is in heaven.
Give us this day our daily bread.
And forgive us our debts, as we forgive our debtors.
And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil: For thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, for ever. Amen.
The Lord’s Prayer: Matthew 6:9-13
Study Materials:
- The Henry Morris Study Bible – KJV
- The Matthew Henry Study Bible – KJV
- The MacArthur Study Bible – ESV
- ESV Study Bible
- Hebrew-Greek Key Word Study Bible KJV
- The Complete Bible Commentary – George Williams
- The Moody Bible Commentary – a one-volume commentary
- Studies in the Sermon on the Mount by D. Martyn Lloyd-Jones
- NASB Zondervan Study Bible
- Chronological Life Application Study Bible – NLT
- Rose Book of Bible Charts, Maps, and Time Lines
- The Reformation Heritage KJV Study Bible
- Holman Illustrated Bible Dictionary
