Atonement

“And he stood between the dead and the living, and the plague was stopped.”
(Numbers 16:48, ESV)

After the Lord brought judgment on Korah and those actively engaged in the rebellion, the people grumbled against Moses and Aaron saying they had “killed the people of the Lord” (v41-42). In making this statement, the people disregarded Moses and Aaron’s actions in interceding for the congregation in this situation (v22). Thus, we see that the people’s hearts were with Korah and the rebellion. As a result, the Lord brought a plague upon the people. In response to this Moses instructs Aaron to make atonement for the people and the plague stops.

This verse (v48) refers to Aaron’s act of making atonement for the people. Here we have a picture of the work of Christ, our great High Priest, who made intercession and atonement for us who have believed. Christ stands between death and us.

How should we respond to such a picture? First, we should respond with thanksgiving and worship. For like the congregation of Israel, we were once just as rebellious being alienated towards God and having no hope. Second, the work of Christ should inspire us to serve Him using the gifts and talents that He has given us in bearing the fruit of righteousness for His glory. Third, we should endeavor to bring the message of hope to others who are without abundant life in Christ. In this way Christ uses His church, the body of Christ, to stand in the gap by displaying His life to others and proclaiming hope to a lost and dying world.