Growing almonds on a dead stick was a less frightening way for God to demonstrate his choice of Aaron, but the people still got the message. They understood it was not their place to approach God. They recognized the distance between themselves and God that only Aaron could bridge.
We live in a similar situation today, but no longer rely on Aaron to give us access to God. In 1 Timothy 2:5 it says, “For there is only one God and one Mediator who can reconcile God and humanity—the man Christ Jesus.” Aaron made sacrifices on behalf of the people so God would overlook their sin. Jesus sacrificed himself on a cross so God would forever forgive our sins. We don’t have access to God, except through Jesus. Korah tried to bypass Aaron and demanded direct access to God. He died as a result. We can’t bypass Jesus; we need him!