February 10, 2024 - Numbers 17-20

The selection of Aaron and God’s provisions for him and his fellow priests is our story, this morning.  From the tithes and offerings brought to the tabernacle, certain portions were not burnt but, rather, given to Aaron.  In the midst of the giving of these instructions, a most interesting promise is given to Aaron:  “And the Lord said to Aaron, ‘You shall have no inheritance in their land, neither shall you have any portion among them.  I am your portion and your inheritance among the people of Israel’” (18:20).  The land would be divided among the other families but Aaron’s would receive no portion of land.  However, that given to them was even better than land with boundaries; the Lord himself would be their portion and would provide for them.

Now, I know the situation is very different; however, the idea of God’s provision is overwhelmingly present.  Teaching us to pray, Jesus tells us we should pray, “Give us this day our daily bread” (Matthew 6:11).  Praying thusly, we then expect God to do so; after all, he is faithful, and he is our portion.  How sweet to trust in Jesus and to know he is our provision!  I think it’s time we, once again, sing:

Be Thou my Vision, O Lord of my heart;

be all else but naught to me, save that Thou art;

be Thou my best thought in the day and the night,

both waking and sleeping, Thy presence my light.

Be Thou my Wisdom, be Thou my true Word;

be Thou ever with me and I with Thee, Lord;

be Thou my great Father, and I Thy true son,

be Thou in me dwelling, and I with Thee one.  

–Old Irish hymn translated by Mary E. Byrne (1905)