Worthy of Death (Number 15)

Numbers 15:36 36 And all the congregation brought him without the camp, and stoned him with stones, and he died; as the Lord commanded Moses.

The man who was stoned was found gathering sticks on the Sabbath day. In context (cf. Num. 15:30-31), it seems that this was not an accidental sin but a deliberate transgression of God’s commands. As a result, God commanded the people to stone him, which they did. This incident makes personal and clear the full ramifications of sin and God’s law.

When I think of this man, I think of myself. Because I know that I have on many occasions broken God’s laws much more serious than gathering sticks on the Sabbath. I know that I was guilty and deserved death. How wonderful and incredible, that not only should I be forgiven but that I should be justified in God’s sight. Thank You, Father, for Your grace that comes not through the law but through the sacrifice of Your Son, Jesus.