Lord of life,
You told Moses to gather the staffs,
dead pieces of wood from each tribe,
symbols of authority,
signs of leadership.
Each man’s name was written,
each rod laid before You
in the tent of testimony.
And there, in the night of Your presence,
the staff of Aaron budded.
Life burst from death.
Blossoms opened,
almonds ripened,
a sign that You had chosen.
O God, bring life from what is dead in me.
Where my heart feels dry,
make it bloom.
Where my faith feels brittle,
make it bear fruit.
Where my obedience feels lifeless,
make it live again.
Do what only You can do
cause resurrection where there is ruin,
cause growth where there is barrenness.
You silenced the grumbling of the people
by showing Your choice.
Lord, silence the doubts in me.
When I wonder if You’ve forgotten me,
remind me of the staff that budded.
When I question Your power,
remind me that You bring life from death.
When I envy another’s calling,
remind me that You alone appoint,
You alone equip,
You alone cause fruit to grow.
Aaron’s staff was placed before the ark
as a perpetual reminder
a testimony to Your power,
a warning against rebellion.
Lord, let my life, too,
be such a testimony.
Not to myself,
but to You.
A witness that says
“God brings life.
God appoints.
God sustains.”
Father, the staff was only wood,
but You filled it with life.
So too am I
ordinary, weak,
without life in myself.
But in Christ,
You make me live.
He is the true chosen Priest,
the branch that blossomed,
the firstfruits from the dead.
Because of Him,
I, too, can bear fruit that lasts.
So here I lay my life before You
my gifts, my name, my calling.
Do with me what You will.
If You choose me,
let it be for Your glory.
If You set me aside,
let me still rejoice in Christ.
All I ask, Lord,
is that my life not remain barren.
Make me fruitful in You.
Make me alive in You.
Make me a sign that points to You.
In the name of Jesus,
the Resurrection and the Life,
Amen.