Responsibility

Number 18:1 The LORD said to Aaron, “You, your sons and your family are to bear the responsibility for offenses connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons alone are to bear the responsibility for offenses connected with the priesthood. 

     Responsibility has become a dirty word these days. Everyone seems to point outward when blame is assigned. Most of us get very uncomfortable when we are in the hot seat. 

     This blame shifting began at the beginning of human interactions. We read about it in the first three chapters of the Scriptures. "The woman you gave me." "The snake." Each character in the narrative seems to shift blame. The LORD will have none of it. He assigns responsibility right away and carries out protective justice on the spot. He saves humans from the worst consequences by banishing them from the Garden and allowing them to die.

     In Numbers 18 the LORD assigns responsibility to Aaron for what happens with his remaining two sons in connection to their official capacity duties. Aaron bears responsibility. He has already lost two sons because they did what they weren't supposed to do. The LORD protected the whole community from the results of their rebellion by taking their lives. If their rebellion had been allowed to continue, the consequences would have been even more catastrophic than their deaths were. Death was a protection. Death was a grace to the whole community.

     Consequences, punishments, judgements, discipline, or whatever other term we might place on these things is God's grace. We might not see it in the moment, but it is grace at work. 

     Some might argue that the LORD is unfair in judging in this way. But His kindness in protecting the community shines forth as an extension of His character. He gives us authority as image-bearers to act on His behalf in this world. When we take our responsibilities seriously, and act faithfully to reflect Him well in this world, blessing follows. And when we don't, the LORD is able to honor us with discipline. Discipline isn't pleasant in the moment, but it can bring gracious fruit in our lives and in the world.