Numbers 20:28

New International Version (NIV)

Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain

For meditation

One of the most difficult moments in life, I believe, is standing by the bedside of a dying loved one. I cannot imagine the pain and agony those who have experienced it may have felt. That is why I have always wondered how Moses, Aaron, and Eleazar felt on Mount Hor, where Aaron died, every time I read the story (Nu. 20:22-29).

First, imagine the time the Lord said to Moses, “Get Aaron and his son Eleazar and take them up Mount Hor. Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar, for Aaron will be gathered to his people; he will die there” (25-26). I don’t know about you, but that certainly was one tough assignment I would have struggled to undertake. Thank God He said this in the presence of Aaron. Moses did not have to tell it to Aaron; but how about Eleazar? How did they feel telling him that his father was going to die and the manner things would happen? How did Eleazar feel at the news?

I have tried to follow the three men setting out from the camp in the sight of the whole community and trekking to the mountain top. Did they talk going up or was it one of those thick silent periods one could cut through with a knife? But then came the hour of truth when they reached the summit. Read the text carefully:  “Moses removed Aaron’s garments and put them on his son Eleazar. And Aaron died there on top of the mountain. Then Moses and Eleazar came down from the mountain” (28). Set your eyes on the three men. See Moses removing Aaron’s priestly garments. Can you see the trembling body of Aaron, the shaking hands of Moses, and the flowing tears from the three men? Now check the moment Moses turned and dressed Eleazar in his father’s garments while Aaron watched.

Maybe you have experienced such a moment before under different circumstances. Your experience is not less painful than that of Moses, Aaron, and Eleazar or any other person who has experienced it before. The agony is real and the feeling, sharp and chilling. But God has been your comfort and support.

Maybe you are going through your experience as you read this message. We stand with you in prayer and ask that God would strengthen you to the end. So, be strong and courageous.

May our Lord Jesus uphold you in His comforting hands and give you the boldness He gave to Moses to go through his chilling moment with Aaron; and may you be encouraged by the reality of 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 and the assurance it gives us that you and your loved one will meet again when Christ comes for both the living and dead in Him.

The hour may be dark and heavy for you now, but God’s light and joy awaits you when Christ comes.

Shalom