Read Numbers 17 and answer the following questions

   What was the reason for the test?
  
   The reason for the rebellion was that some doubted the leadership
   of Moses and Aaron. This test was to show that God had specifically
   called Aaron. This was also to end their murmurings and discontent
   about the leader that God had chosen.
  
   How was this test to be a means of preventing further rebellion and the    resulting condemnation?
  
   There was no way for the rod to bud unless God caused it to bud.
   The miracle of Aarons rod budding showed God's divine calling upon
   Aaron. In addition to this Aarons rod was placed in most Holy place
   for a continual remembrance.
  
   How does the reaction of the people reveal that they seem to have finally    gotten the message that only certain people would be allowed to be priests?
  
   They recognized that each time they came near to the tabernacle they'd
   perish. They realized that they must modify their actions unless
   they wanted to continually get the same results.
  
From our perspective, it's so easy to condemn and judge the Hebrews. Yet, what if we look at ourselves, individually (2 Cor. 3:15)? Why is it often so hard for us to learn the lessons that God seeks to teach us? Why, even when we have been given more than enough evidence of God's love and grace, do we fail to trust Him? Why do we make the same mistakes over and over? Even more important, why is it crucial that we not seek to justify our mistakes?
  
   I have realized that this Christian life is a process. Often times
   we get stuck at one step in the process. If we get stuck in the
   process then we just keep going in a loop over and over again.
  
   We need help of our merciful savior in order to move from
   where we are to where he wants us to be. The thing I noticed
   about God is that he kept showing them even tho they did not
   get it the first and second time.
  
   I am thankful that we have a God that works with us . We have
   a God that never gives up on us but keeps pursuing us time
   and time again.
  
Prayer: Father thank your for continually reaching after us and continually revealing yourself to us. I pray that we will not be found in rebellion to your will but we will remember the miracles you have worked in our lives. Thank you Father in Jesus name amen.