http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2021-22&version=NIV
21 Balaam got up in the morning, saddled his donkey and went with the princes of Moab. 22 But God was very angry when he went, and the angel of the LORD stood in the road to oppose him. Balaam was riding on his donkey, and his two servants were with him. 23 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with a drawn sword in his hand, she turned off the road into a field. Balaam beat her to get her back on the road.
24 Then the angel of the LORD stood in a narrow path between two vineyards, with walls on both sides. 25 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she pressed close to the wall, crushing Balaam's foot against it. So he beat her again.
26 Then the angel of the LORD moved on ahead and stood in a narrow place where there was no room to turn, either to the right or to the left. 27 When the donkey saw the angel of the LORD, she lay down under Balaam, and he was angry and beat her with his staff. 28 Then the LORD opened the donkey's mouth, and she said to Balaam, "What have I done to you to make you beat me these three times?"
29 Balaam answered the donkey, "You have made a fool of me! If I had a sword in my hand, I would kill you right now."
30 The donkey said to Balaam, "Am I not your own donkey, which you have always ridden, to this day? Have I been in the habit of doing this to you?" "No," he said.
31 Then the LORD opened Balaam's eyes, and he saw the angel of the LORD standing in the road with his sword drawn. So he bowed low and fell facedown.
32 The angel of the LORD asked him, "Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me. [h] 33 The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her."
So apparently Shrek isn’t the only one who had a talking donkey! Seriously – I love this story. I think it is proof that God has a sense of humor. But while it’s amusing, I think there’s definitely am important lesson here. Read again the words in verse 32 – “I have come here to oppose you because your path is a reckless one before me.”
Balaam was walking on a reckless path, and God put an angel in his path with his sword drawn, yet is was the donkey, not Balaam, that saw the angel. God opened the mouth of the donkey to get his attention. My study Bible says that ‘his dumb beast saw what Balaam was blind to observe.’
I’d say that’s proof of how far Balaam was from God. When one gets far enough from God, he tends to use various things to get our attention. Unfortunately, like Balaam, we are often so far from God that we don’t see or heed his warnings. So I guess the question for you today is this – has God been trying to get your attention? If he’s been tugging on your heart about something, you may want to heed the warning. If he’s moved in your circumstances in ways that are not comfortable, he may be trying to get your attention. If he has moved others to speak words to you that aren’t so fun to hear, he may be trying to get your attention.
I always say that sometimes God warns about our choices by tapping us on the shoulder. If we don’t listening, he sometimes will then slap us upside the head. If that doesn’t get our attention, he may kick us over. And if that doesn’t work, he may break our legs (metaphorically speaking) so we have no choice but to be still and listen.
I think many of us have stubbornly refused to heed God’s warning in areas of our lives. It is my prayer that we never get so far from God that we no longer are able to see the strong warnings he sends. When God opposes us to keep us from a reckless path, I pray that we have more sense then a dumb beast – or we could go down in history as the one whose donkey had to talk some sense into him or her! I pray that our pride does not keep us for hearing, heeding, turning, confessing and running into the open arms of our Father who welcomes us home again. I pray that in each of our lives, we do what Jeremiah 6:16 commands:
“Stand at the crossroads and look; ask for the ancient paths, ask where the good way is and walk in it, and you will find rest for your souls.”
Do you have a thought to share? Anyone have a story they are willing to share about how God got their attention when they where headed down a reckless path? My story is about God giving me a chronic knee condition when I was abusing my body by working out everyday – often 30 days in a row without allowing by body to rest. It really is a beautiful thing the way he worked that out – taking away my running stopped me from running away from dealing with what God wanted to show me and heal in me. By the way, when he worked out what he wanted to do in me, he healed my knees enough so I can run again – but they still warn me when I overdo it. He is so wise and merciful! So what is your story?
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Saturday, March 6, 2010
Searching for Truth - Numbers 18-20
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2018-20&version=NIV
Today’s passage brings to mind something that isn’t necessarily related to the passages, but is always related to the Word of God – the search for truth. The reason this is on my mind is because it was Numbers 19 that led me to a truth from God’s word that refuted a human tradition I accepted as truth most of my life.
Let me explain. I grew up in the Lutheran church – a denomination that has so many amazing aspects. It was, after all, founded on the teaching and writing of Martin Luther. However, as in many denominations, there are human traditions integrated as ‘truth’ or put into practice that have no biblical foundation. Such is the practice of infant baptism in the Lutheran church. The basics of the belief are that because God’s word says baptism now saves you, suffer the little children to come unto me, and to baptize all nations, then infants not only can but should be baptized. Essentially it’s practiced as fireproof to answer the question of whether an unbaptized infant who hasn’t professed faith who dies will go to heaven. The answer to ensure this is to baptize the infant if baptism saves – but this is not supported by scripture.
Now first and foremost, I came to the conclusion that it is not baptism that saves, but rather the faith that precedes the baptism (Mk 16:16). The baptism is a raising of the faith flag. But scripture clearly says believe and be baptized – the proper order is first belief, then baptism. Therefore, infant baptism is not biblical, but rather human tradition. In addition, the thief on the cross who just came to belief in Christ was told that he would that day be in heaven (Luke 23:43) – and there is no record of them pulling him off the cross before he died for a quick baptism. Therefore, baptism is not what saves – rather it is faith. Notice that I found my way to the truth through God’s Word.
The other thing I wondered about in the Lutheran tradition is the sprinkling of the infants – or adults – with water as opposed to submersion. After reading Numbers 19 several years ago I realized that this tradition is based on the old covenant tradition of the sprinkling of the water of cleansing. So the Lutheran church is operating under the traditions of the old covenant while we now live under the grace of the new covenant.
What is my point? My point is that it is of utmost importance that we all search for truth rather than just accept what we’ve been told, taught, or assumed. Some of us are on a search for truth about Jesus Christ – whether he is the Way and the Truth. I assure you that if you search for truth you’ll find the answer is yes! Some of us are trying, as I was, to understand the difference between denominations and beliefs. Others of us are trying to discern truth about some of the tougher teachings in the word or things that are not made completely clear to us.
Now some might feel like the responsibility for truth lies with the church and it’s leaders and teachers. But I caution you in this – if you rely on fallible people to guide you, you can sometimes be misled or taught some damaging doctrine that isn’t based on God’s word. Some of us have already been badly hurt by what someone in the church taught us – or maybe an understanding about God that our parents lead us to believe that isn’t true. So we must always search for ourselves. On the other end of that, however, I will say this. Second Baptist IS a safe place of search for truth. I know this because our church doesn’t just tell you what to believe, but lead you to study the word and find out for yourself. In addition, our church has a structure that provides accountability for every pastor or teacher – from Dr. Young on down.
Regardless of what journey you are on – regardless of what you are searching for, there is but one simple formula that I guarantee will lead you to that truth. Here it is:
Your search + the Word of God + the power of the Spirit = Truth
First and foremost, you need to know that God won’t force truth on you – he wants you to seek it. Secondly, he promises that his Word is Truth and so that is the source we can be certain in which truth dwells. Thirdly, he promises in his Word that if we search for truth, we will find it. If we search for understanding, he will give it. If we search for Him, we will find him. A simple look for at the passages below guarantee that our formula will work. Here’s what the Word says:
“Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he would seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you in all truth.” John 12:13
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
And that’s just the short list of passages that guarantee that the Word is truth, that we have to but seek it and we will find it, and that the Holy Spirit will lead us to it. And we are given bible believing churches, wise counselors, mentors, and fellow Christians also on a journey towards truth that will help us along the way. Search for the truth – for there is nothing of greater beauty!
Lastly, I would love it if you’d share how God revealed truth to you on your own search. Or, if you have questions about God, faith, Jesus Christ, salvation or confusing teachings ask us. We can point you to the truth in God’s word and if we don’t feel qualified, will points you towards Godly people with great knowledge who can help guide you.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Today’s passage brings to mind something that isn’t necessarily related to the passages, but is always related to the Word of God – the search for truth. The reason this is on my mind is because it was Numbers 19 that led me to a truth from God’s word that refuted a human tradition I accepted as truth most of my life.
Let me explain. I grew up in the Lutheran church – a denomination that has so many amazing aspects. It was, after all, founded on the teaching and writing of Martin Luther. However, as in many denominations, there are human traditions integrated as ‘truth’ or put into practice that have no biblical foundation. Such is the practice of infant baptism in the Lutheran church. The basics of the belief are that because God’s word says baptism now saves you, suffer the little children to come unto me, and to baptize all nations, then infants not only can but should be baptized. Essentially it’s practiced as fireproof to answer the question of whether an unbaptized infant who hasn’t professed faith who dies will go to heaven. The answer to ensure this is to baptize the infant if baptism saves – but this is not supported by scripture.
Now first and foremost, I came to the conclusion that it is not baptism that saves, but rather the faith that precedes the baptism (Mk 16:16). The baptism is a raising of the faith flag. But scripture clearly says believe and be baptized – the proper order is first belief, then baptism. Therefore, infant baptism is not biblical, but rather human tradition. In addition, the thief on the cross who just came to belief in Christ was told that he would that day be in heaven (Luke 23:43) – and there is no record of them pulling him off the cross before he died for a quick baptism. Therefore, baptism is not what saves – rather it is faith. Notice that I found my way to the truth through God’s Word.
The other thing I wondered about in the Lutheran tradition is the sprinkling of the infants – or adults – with water as opposed to submersion. After reading Numbers 19 several years ago I realized that this tradition is based on the old covenant tradition of the sprinkling of the water of cleansing. So the Lutheran church is operating under the traditions of the old covenant while we now live under the grace of the new covenant.
What is my point? My point is that it is of utmost importance that we all search for truth rather than just accept what we’ve been told, taught, or assumed. Some of us are on a search for truth about Jesus Christ – whether he is the Way and the Truth. I assure you that if you search for truth you’ll find the answer is yes! Some of us are trying, as I was, to understand the difference between denominations and beliefs. Others of us are trying to discern truth about some of the tougher teachings in the word or things that are not made completely clear to us.
Now some might feel like the responsibility for truth lies with the church and it’s leaders and teachers. But I caution you in this – if you rely on fallible people to guide you, you can sometimes be misled or taught some damaging doctrine that isn’t based on God’s word. Some of us have already been badly hurt by what someone in the church taught us – or maybe an understanding about God that our parents lead us to believe that isn’t true. So we must always search for ourselves. On the other end of that, however, I will say this. Second Baptist IS a safe place of search for truth. I know this because our church doesn’t just tell you what to believe, but lead you to study the word and find out for yourself. In addition, our church has a structure that provides accountability for every pastor or teacher – from Dr. Young on down.
Regardless of what journey you are on – regardless of what you are searching for, there is but one simple formula that I guarantee will lead you to that truth. Here it is:
Your search + the Word of God + the power of the Spirit = Truth
First and foremost, you need to know that God won’t force truth on you – he wants you to seek it. Secondly, he promises that his Word is Truth and so that is the source we can be certain in which truth dwells. Thirdly, he promises in his Word that if we search for truth, we will find it. If we search for understanding, he will give it. If we search for Him, we will find him. A simple look for at the passages below guarantee that our formula will work. Here’s what the Word says:
“Ask and it will be given you; seek and you will find; knock and the door will be opened to you. For everyone who asks receives; he would seeks finds; and to him who knocks, the door will be opened.” Matthew 7:7-8
“You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all of your heart.” Jeremiah 29:13
“Call to me and I will answer you and tell you great and unsearchable things you do not know.” Jeremiah 33:3
“But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you in all truth.” John 12:13
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” John 1:1
And that’s just the short list of passages that guarantee that the Word is truth, that we have to but seek it and we will find it, and that the Holy Spirit will lead us to it. And we are given bible believing churches, wise counselors, mentors, and fellow Christians also on a journey towards truth that will help us along the way. Search for the truth – for there is nothing of greater beauty!
Lastly, I would love it if you’d share how God revealed truth to you on your own search. Or, if you have questions about God, faith, Jesus Christ, salvation or confusing teachings ask us. We can point you to the truth in God’s word and if we don’t feel qualified, will points you towards Godly people with great knowledge who can help guide you.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Thursday, March 4, 2010
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2016-17&version=NIV
The Word of God is so much more than a story. It is rich with layers and filled with the purpose of God. It is the story of God’s people, it is an example for us to follow and always points us to Christ and God’s love.
Today I’d like to focus on Numbers 17 where we read about the budding of Aaron’s staff. Let’s review the quick back story from chapter 16. The leadership of Moses and Aaron in being attacked by Korah – a descent of Levi through Kohath. We learned in Numbers 4:1-20 that the Kohathites held high duties in the service of the Lord at the tabernacle. Their role was to care for and carry the holy items of the tabernacle when God commanded the Israelites to move. They could not, however, view or directly touch the holy items – only Aaron and his sons could do that. The items were veiled or wrapped before the Kohathites could carry them.
This duty, it seems, was not a high enough calling in the eyes of Korah. His passion was to claim the role of the priest. And so he insights a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, claiming that they have gone too far in the role of spiritual leadership, and that indeed, all the people where holy – in other words, any one of them could be the priest. And so a trial by fire is set up by Moses. And as expected, God made it quite clear who he accepted as priests in his tabernacle, with sure and sudden punishment – death by fire – to the 250 who dared to present themselves as priests. And then Korah’s men are swallowed up by the earth – another certain display of God’s judgement.
But, as it seems to have become habit, the Israelites begin murmuring again against Moses and Aaron. At this, God decides to make it very clear who HE has appointed to be the priest. This act is seen by many commentators as particularly merciful as God, who can discern the hearts of man, anticipated the people again would challenge Aaron. So he gives them a clear sign that he has appointed Aaron before the people sin again.
So here’s what happened – a staff is brought that represents every tribe with the name of the prince of each tribe written on the staff with Aaron’s name being written on the staff of the Levites. The staffs are then laid before the Lord over night. The next day Moses saw that only Aaron’s staff had budded, blossomed, and produced almonds. He brought out all the staff to the Israelites so they could also see this pain indication that Aaron was the chosen on of God for the priesthood. The Lord then commands Moses to put the staff in front of the Testimony to be kept as sign to the rebellious, to end the grumbling so that the people would not have to experience his wrath again.
So there’s the story – layer one. And even within the story we see the rich mercy of God. But check this out – God was very purposeful in this miracle, because not only does it serve as a sign to the Israelites, but it serves as both an example and points us to Christ.
First, Matthew Henry’s Commentary explains that it provides for us an example or representation of how the ministry of one who is called by God looks – layer two. A ministry that is blessed by God yields increase sometimes even when there is no planting or watering by man’s hands. Indeed, fruitfulness is the best evidence of divine call – and every setting or bough (each person) that is cut and set by this ministry will flourish.
In addition, such a ministry should produce buds and blossoms that promise more hereafter – a seed planted by God should serve him from generation to generation. The fruit should remain (John 15:16).
Next, the miracle points us to Christ – layer three. Check out the parallels: Christ is the man, the branch, that is to be a priest upon his throne (Zec. 6:12). He is to grow up before God like a tender plant, and a root out of dry ground (Is 53:2). In addition, it was a standing miracle in front of the Testimony, so it if probably that the buds, blossoms, and fruit continued fresh as even the leaf of God’s tree do not whither (Psalm 1:3).
Yes, the many layers of God’s Word are rich. His purpose so indescribable and so much higher then ours. His mercy so great. Reminds me one of my favorite Scriptures:
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond searching out! Who has know the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. to him be the glory forever! Amen.
– Romans 11:33-36
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
The Word of God is so much more than a story. It is rich with layers and filled with the purpose of God. It is the story of God’s people, it is an example for us to follow and always points us to Christ and God’s love.
Today I’d like to focus on Numbers 17 where we read about the budding of Aaron’s staff. Let’s review the quick back story from chapter 16. The leadership of Moses and Aaron in being attacked by Korah – a descent of Levi through Kohath. We learned in Numbers 4:1-20 that the Kohathites held high duties in the service of the Lord at the tabernacle. Their role was to care for and carry the holy items of the tabernacle when God commanded the Israelites to move. They could not, however, view or directly touch the holy items – only Aaron and his sons could do that. The items were veiled or wrapped before the Kohathites could carry them.
This duty, it seems, was not a high enough calling in the eyes of Korah. His passion was to claim the role of the priest. And so he insights a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, claiming that they have gone too far in the role of spiritual leadership, and that indeed, all the people where holy – in other words, any one of them could be the priest. And so a trial by fire is set up by Moses. And as expected, God made it quite clear who he accepted as priests in his tabernacle, with sure and sudden punishment – death by fire – to the 250 who dared to present themselves as priests. And then Korah’s men are swallowed up by the earth – another certain display of God’s judgement.
But, as it seems to have become habit, the Israelites begin murmuring again against Moses and Aaron. At this, God decides to make it very clear who HE has appointed to be the priest. This act is seen by many commentators as particularly merciful as God, who can discern the hearts of man, anticipated the people again would challenge Aaron. So he gives them a clear sign that he has appointed Aaron before the people sin again.
So here’s what happened – a staff is brought that represents every tribe with the name of the prince of each tribe written on the staff with Aaron’s name being written on the staff of the Levites. The staffs are then laid before the Lord over night. The next day Moses saw that only Aaron’s staff had budded, blossomed, and produced almonds. He brought out all the staff to the Israelites so they could also see this pain indication that Aaron was the chosen on of God for the priesthood. The Lord then commands Moses to put the staff in front of the Testimony to be kept as sign to the rebellious, to end the grumbling so that the people would not have to experience his wrath again.
So there’s the story – layer one. And even within the story we see the rich mercy of God. But check this out – God was very purposeful in this miracle, because not only does it serve as a sign to the Israelites, but it serves as both an example and points us to Christ.
First, Matthew Henry’s Commentary explains that it provides for us an example or representation of how the ministry of one who is called by God looks – layer two. A ministry that is blessed by God yields increase sometimes even when there is no planting or watering by man’s hands. Indeed, fruitfulness is the best evidence of divine call – and every setting or bough (each person) that is cut and set by this ministry will flourish.
In addition, such a ministry should produce buds and blossoms that promise more hereafter – a seed planted by God should serve him from generation to generation. The fruit should remain (John 15:16).
Next, the miracle points us to Christ – layer three. Check out the parallels: Christ is the man, the branch, that is to be a priest upon his throne (Zec. 6:12). He is to grow up before God like a tender plant, and a root out of dry ground (Is 53:2). In addition, it was a standing miracle in front of the Testimony, so it if probably that the buds, blossoms, and fruit continued fresh as even the leaf of God’s tree do not whither (Psalm 1:3).
Yes, the many layers of God’s Word are rich. His purpose so indescribable and so much higher then ours. His mercy so great. Reminds me one of my favorite Scriptures:
Oh, the depth of the riches of the wisdom and knowledge of God! How unsearchable his judgments and his paths beyond searching out! Who has know the mind of the Lord? Or who has been his counselor? Who has ever given to God that God should repay him? For from him and through him and to him are all things. to him be the glory forever! Amen.
– Romans 11:33-36
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Wednesday, March 3, 2010
Consequences of sin, blessings of obedience - Numbers 14-15
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2014-15&version=NIV
The LORD said to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them? – Numbers 14:11
(So not to mislead anyone into believing that this is my own wisdom, I want to make sure I note that it is a combination of my own words and those taken from Matthew Henry’s Complete commentary of the Bible.)
Today’s passage continues to address the Israelites unbelief that God would give them the land. They move from doubt in chapter 13 to open rebellion in chapter 14. The chapter opens with the people raising their voices and weeping. The question is, what do they have to weep about? No harm has come to them – their weeping comes from their own imagining that their situation is desperate. Matthew Henry’s commentary says that, “Unbelief, or distrust or God, is a sin that is its own punishment. Those that do not trust God are continually vexing themselves.” There weeping is based upon what they have not seen God do, and so believe that he will not, despite the fact that he has promised and has proved himself faithful over and over.
How often have we ourselves done this – how often do we weep because of something we are waiting on that God has not yet done. I believe I might be guilty above all in this. I have focused not on what God has promises, nor how he has proven himself faithful in the past, but rather I focused on my own imaginations, giving sway to my unbelief – giving sway to Satan’s lies, and forget the fact that God is “faithful to all his promises and loving towards all he has made” (Psalm 145:13) and that his plans for us are for our good and to prosper us (Jer. 29:11).
Not only that, but the Israelites forget how far God has led them and how much he has done for them - so much so that they are willing to return to their former bondage. They decide returning to Egypt would be better than what they fear they face in the promised land. How often does that occur in us today. We forget how far God has brought us – how much he has changed us. We face a future that is uncertain and don’t trust God to take us through it and to the land. Instead, we focus on what we lack and decide that returning to our former life would be better than trusting God to move us forward. Instead of moving forward in trust, we move back to our former, “comfortable” sin – returning to our bondage.
Unbelief is a great sin – but the unbelief of one who has walked with God – is especially offensive. Why? Henry points out that it is first, because of their relationship with God – they are a professing people. The nearer we are to God, the more offensive their unbelief. Second, they had first hand experience of God’s power and goodness, in all the signs which he had shown among them, but which, one would think, he had effectively convinced them to trust and follow him. The bottom line is that when we are in relationship with God, when we know him, when profess to believe, when he has proved himself over and over, it is piercing to God to see us still walk in unbelief. He must also say about us, ‘how long will these people treat me with contempt’.
To be certain, there are consequences for all sin – including unbelief. The Israelites would not enter the land for forty years to answer the number of days in which the pies were searching the land. They were content to wait forty days for the testimony of man about the land because they could not take God’s word; and therefore they are kept waiting forty years for the performance of God’s promise.
Consequences are exacted to that they might be brought to repentance and so that they might understand the dangers when a covenant-people break with God. And so God deals with us the same. There are consequences for our sin, meant to point us towards repentance and God’s mercy and intended to keep us from breaking with God yet again.
The beauty in the consequences given to the people of Israel is that they show us two things – the most obvious is that God is a merciful God who fulfills his promises. The children of the Israelites will still received the promised land. In addition, we see that Man’s folly cannot stop God from keeping his promises. Just as Adam and Eve’s sin would not result in man-kind being permanently separated from the promised land, so the Israelites sin would not result in permanent loss of the land.
Lastly, it is important to see the blessing in obedience – of unwavering faith and belief in the promises of God – and the reward that comes when one stand for God. To see this we look to Caleb, the one who was certain they could take possession of the land. Notice that he has another spirit that is different from the other spies. He followed the Lord fully, kept close to his duty, and went through with it, despite the fact that he was deserted and threatened. In return, God stood for him and protected him. Caleb not only would enter the promised land, but he would receive a portion of that land set apart for him.
We must also be like Caleb in our belief and obedience to God’s will. We must serve to honor him, follow him uprightly and cheerfully – without disputing him. We must have another spirit – one that strengthens, renews, transforms. And we must remember that when we fail, we might be disciplined for a while, but God’s loving kindness will never be removed from us. For he indeed is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving of sin and rebellion.
"For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love." - Lamentations 3:31-32
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
The LORD said to Moses, "How long will these people treat me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them? – Numbers 14:11
(So not to mislead anyone into believing that this is my own wisdom, I want to make sure I note that it is a combination of my own words and those taken from Matthew Henry’s Complete commentary of the Bible.)
Today’s passage continues to address the Israelites unbelief that God would give them the land. They move from doubt in chapter 13 to open rebellion in chapter 14. The chapter opens with the people raising their voices and weeping. The question is, what do they have to weep about? No harm has come to them – their weeping comes from their own imagining that their situation is desperate. Matthew Henry’s commentary says that, “Unbelief, or distrust or God, is a sin that is its own punishment. Those that do not trust God are continually vexing themselves.” There weeping is based upon what they have not seen God do, and so believe that he will not, despite the fact that he has promised and has proved himself faithful over and over.
How often have we ourselves done this – how often do we weep because of something we are waiting on that God has not yet done. I believe I might be guilty above all in this. I have focused not on what God has promises, nor how he has proven himself faithful in the past, but rather I focused on my own imaginations, giving sway to my unbelief – giving sway to Satan’s lies, and forget the fact that God is “faithful to all his promises and loving towards all he has made” (Psalm 145:13) and that his plans for us are for our good and to prosper us (Jer. 29:11).
Not only that, but the Israelites forget how far God has led them and how much he has done for them - so much so that they are willing to return to their former bondage. They decide returning to Egypt would be better than what they fear they face in the promised land. How often does that occur in us today. We forget how far God has brought us – how much he has changed us. We face a future that is uncertain and don’t trust God to take us through it and to the land. Instead, we focus on what we lack and decide that returning to our former life would be better than trusting God to move us forward. Instead of moving forward in trust, we move back to our former, “comfortable” sin – returning to our bondage.
Unbelief is a great sin – but the unbelief of one who has walked with God – is especially offensive. Why? Henry points out that it is first, because of their relationship with God – they are a professing people. The nearer we are to God, the more offensive their unbelief. Second, they had first hand experience of God’s power and goodness, in all the signs which he had shown among them, but which, one would think, he had effectively convinced them to trust and follow him. The bottom line is that when we are in relationship with God, when we know him, when profess to believe, when he has proved himself over and over, it is piercing to God to see us still walk in unbelief. He must also say about us, ‘how long will these people treat me with contempt’.
To be certain, there are consequences for all sin – including unbelief. The Israelites would not enter the land for forty years to answer the number of days in which the pies were searching the land. They were content to wait forty days for the testimony of man about the land because they could not take God’s word; and therefore they are kept waiting forty years for the performance of God’s promise.
Consequences are exacted to that they might be brought to repentance and so that they might understand the dangers when a covenant-people break with God. And so God deals with us the same. There are consequences for our sin, meant to point us towards repentance and God’s mercy and intended to keep us from breaking with God yet again.
The beauty in the consequences given to the people of Israel is that they show us two things – the most obvious is that God is a merciful God who fulfills his promises. The children of the Israelites will still received the promised land. In addition, we see that Man’s folly cannot stop God from keeping his promises. Just as Adam and Eve’s sin would not result in man-kind being permanently separated from the promised land, so the Israelites sin would not result in permanent loss of the land.
Lastly, it is important to see the blessing in obedience – of unwavering faith and belief in the promises of God – and the reward that comes when one stand for God. To see this we look to Caleb, the one who was certain they could take possession of the land. Notice that he has another spirit that is different from the other spies. He followed the Lord fully, kept close to his duty, and went through with it, despite the fact that he was deserted and threatened. In return, God stood for him and protected him. Caleb not only would enter the promised land, but he would receive a portion of that land set apart for him.
We must also be like Caleb in our belief and obedience to God’s will. We must serve to honor him, follow him uprightly and cheerfully – without disputing him. We must have another spirit – one that strengthens, renews, transforms. And we must remember that when we fail, we might be disciplined for a while, but God’s loving kindness will never be removed from us. For he indeed is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving of sin and rebellion.
"For men are not cast off by the Lord forever. Though he brings grief, he will show compassion, so great is his unfailing love." - Lamentations 3:31-32
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Tuesday, March 2, 2010
Will you take the land? Numbers 11-13
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2011-13&version=NIV
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." – Numbers 13:30
Caleb spoke these words out of certainty of faith in God’s power, provision, and promise.
Today we read about the Israelites sitting on the edge of the promised land – so close that they were able to see a sample of the fruit of the land. They were had reports of the immense abundance there. One would think that after years of walking towards this promise, they would have been hardly able to hold back and not run straight towards the land. And indeed, that is what God wanted them to do – in Deuteronomy 1:8 & 21 we read that God said, “See, I have given you possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers – to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – and their descendents after them….Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
And yet, we know the rest of the story – we know that despite the promise that the land was theirs, the Israelites let their own lack of faith keep them from the land for another 40 years.
God has promised lands for each of us – some which are promises to all Christians, and some are lands to which he wants to lead us individually, to use and bless us in. The question before us is this – do we walk forward into that land with the confidence of Caleb? Or is there something in our own lives own lack of faith that is keeping us from it?
The Word of God says that “All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness", so today let’s explore the story of the Israelites and their lack of faith. Let us learn from their mistakes the things that can keep us from the promised land so that when God has us right on the edge of his promises, we walk with confidence into the land and take possession of it.
So where and how did the faith of the Israelites fail? First, they failed to believe in the promises of God. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible says that they would not take God’s word that is was a good land and that he would, without fail, put them in possession of it. God gave Abraham all possible assurances that he would put his seed into possession of that land (Gen. 15:18;17:8). He expressly promised Moses that he would drive out the Canaanites before them (Exodus 33:2). Let us today stand firm on the promises of God given in his word. Let us stand on his unfailing love and faithfulness. Let us stand on his wisdom, his sovereignty, and his power to take us to our promised land
Secondly, they failed to view the land from the proper persepective. Though they found it to be as good as God had said, they still put their confidence in the judgements of men. The power, size, and number of the people nor the fortified cities would matter little if they viewed them from God’s perspective. But they chose instead the view of the land through man’s eyes. They saw themselves as grasshoppers before giants when the truth was that the giants where but grasshoppers before God. And again, do we not often do the same. We view and respond to our circumstances through our own perspective which is based upon a very limited view as people with limited power. Instead, we should view our circumstances through the eyes of God and power of God.
The third way the Israelites failed in their faith was in their failure to recall the faithfulness of God and the way he displayed his power in their past. Not only had they just traveled for 40 years dependent upon and never failing to receive God’s provision, but they seem to forget the way God dealt with their enemies in the past. God brought deliverance from the heavy hand of Pharoah and oppression in Egypt. Because they were poverty-stricken, they had not resources to start over – but God had a plan to overcome this. He made the Egyptians favorable disposed towards the people and they gave them silver, gold, and clothing. The Egyptians were voluntarily plundered by the Israelites! (Exodus 3:21-11; 12:35-36) When the Egyptians changed their minds and pursued the Israelites, the chariots and horsemen of Egypt were ruined without a single sword drawn.
When we face what seems to be insurmountable odds in our walk towards our promised land, it is essential that we remember how God has worked in our lives in the past. We are to remember, give thanks, and worship at the altar of remembrance for all God has done in the past. It is at this altar that our faith is strengthened, our mind renewed, and we again see entrance in the land as a possibility. When we see what God has done in the past, we remember that he is not a God of the possible, but of the impossible.
I pray that we would have the faith of Caleb when we look towards the promised land. He speaks confidently of success – “we certainly can do it”. He posture is one that leads on in bravery – “we should go take possession of the land” – one bold step, one bold stroke more – it is ours to own but we have to have the courage to take it. Notice he says “we should go take possession” rather than “we should go and conquer”, for he considers it to be something that is done already. He knows how great God is. He knows of his promises, his power, his provisions, and that there is nothing to be done but to enter the land that is God’s good pleasure to give as a promise and blessing to us.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Then Caleb silenced the people before Moses and said, "We should go up and take possession of the land, for we can certainly do it." – Numbers 13:30
Caleb spoke these words out of certainty of faith in God’s power, provision, and promise.
Today we read about the Israelites sitting on the edge of the promised land – so close that they were able to see a sample of the fruit of the land. They were had reports of the immense abundance there. One would think that after years of walking towards this promise, they would have been hardly able to hold back and not run straight towards the land. And indeed, that is what God wanted them to do – in Deuteronomy 1:8 & 21 we read that God said, “See, I have given you possession of the land that the Lord swore he would give to your fathers – to Abraham, Isaac and Jacob – and their descendents after them….Go up and take possession of it as the Lord, the God of your fathers, told you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged.”
And yet, we know the rest of the story – we know that despite the promise that the land was theirs, the Israelites let their own lack of faith keep them from the land for another 40 years.
God has promised lands for each of us – some which are promises to all Christians, and some are lands to which he wants to lead us individually, to use and bless us in. The question before us is this – do we walk forward into that land with the confidence of Caleb? Or is there something in our own lives own lack of faith that is keeping us from it?
The Word of God says that “All scripture is God-breathed and useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness", so today let’s explore the story of the Israelites and their lack of faith. Let us learn from their mistakes the things that can keep us from the promised land so that when God has us right on the edge of his promises, we walk with confidence into the land and take possession of it.
So where and how did the faith of the Israelites fail? First, they failed to believe in the promises of God. Matthew Henry’s Commentary on the Bible says that they would not take God’s word that is was a good land and that he would, without fail, put them in possession of it. God gave Abraham all possible assurances that he would put his seed into possession of that land (Gen. 15:18;17:8). He expressly promised Moses that he would drive out the Canaanites before them (Exodus 33:2). Let us today stand firm on the promises of God given in his word. Let us stand on his unfailing love and faithfulness. Let us stand on his wisdom, his sovereignty, and his power to take us to our promised land
Secondly, they failed to view the land from the proper persepective. Though they found it to be as good as God had said, they still put their confidence in the judgements of men. The power, size, and number of the people nor the fortified cities would matter little if they viewed them from God’s perspective. But they chose instead the view of the land through man’s eyes. They saw themselves as grasshoppers before giants when the truth was that the giants where but grasshoppers before God. And again, do we not often do the same. We view and respond to our circumstances through our own perspective which is based upon a very limited view as people with limited power. Instead, we should view our circumstances through the eyes of God and power of God.
The third way the Israelites failed in their faith was in their failure to recall the faithfulness of God and the way he displayed his power in their past. Not only had they just traveled for 40 years dependent upon and never failing to receive God’s provision, but they seem to forget the way God dealt with their enemies in the past. God brought deliverance from the heavy hand of Pharoah and oppression in Egypt. Because they were poverty-stricken, they had not resources to start over – but God had a plan to overcome this. He made the Egyptians favorable disposed towards the people and they gave them silver, gold, and clothing. The Egyptians were voluntarily plundered by the Israelites! (Exodus 3:21-11; 12:35-36) When the Egyptians changed their minds and pursued the Israelites, the chariots and horsemen of Egypt were ruined without a single sword drawn.
When we face what seems to be insurmountable odds in our walk towards our promised land, it is essential that we remember how God has worked in our lives in the past. We are to remember, give thanks, and worship at the altar of remembrance for all God has done in the past. It is at this altar that our faith is strengthened, our mind renewed, and we again see entrance in the land as a possibility. When we see what God has done in the past, we remember that he is not a God of the possible, but of the impossible.
I pray that we would have the faith of Caleb when we look towards the promised land. He speaks confidently of success – “we certainly can do it”. He posture is one that leads on in bravery – “we should go take possession of the land” – one bold step, one bold stroke more – it is ours to own but we have to have the courage to take it. Notice he says “we should go take possession” rather than “we should go and conquer”, for he considers it to be something that is done already. He knows how great God is. He knows of his promises, his power, his provisions, and that there is nothing to be done but to enter the land that is God’s good pleasure to give as a promise and blessing to us.
Today's post was submitted by Carol Bartels
Monday, March 1, 2010
Where are we going? Numbers 8-10
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%208-10&version=NIV
"At the Lord's command they encamped, and at the Lord's command they set out."
- Numbers 9:20
As I read about how God lead the children of Israel with a cloud and a pillar of fire, my thoughts were that I wished God lead me like that. Wouldn't it be great if he told us where we where to go, when where were to move, and showed us the way to get there? And what I'd really like is if he made it as clear to me as he did to the Israelites – cloud here, you stay – cloud lifts, you go. Go where? Just follow the cloud.
Ultimately, the truth is that he does still lead like that. Sometimes I think we miss it because we want to know where we are going, why, how long it will take to get there, and what route we’re going to take. Realistically though, when we look at the word of God, we know that he simply does not lead this way. God wants us to trust him, and that type of leading takes no trust.
Let’s go back to the Israelites. Go never told them where they were going beyond the fact that he was leading them to the promised land – and since they had been in Egypt over 400 years, certainly none of them had seen this land before. He never told them how long they would travel each day or how long they would camp or why – he just told them ‘go’ or ‘stay’. And because they were relying on him, that’s exactly what they did. He didn’t give them a GPS either – or set a map out in front of them and explained the route they would take. He led them in a way that required total trust and total reliance.
It’s the same way he lead Abraham. It’s the same way he lead Christ as he ministered on earth. The same way he led the disciples in the book of Acts. The same way he led Paul through his ministry.
He told Abraham – “go to a land I will show you”. – Genesis 12:1 And so Abram left.
The Spirit led Christ into the wilderness. – Matthew 4:1
He said to Phillip “Got south to the road – the desert road- that goes down from Jerusalem to Gaza”. And so he started out. – Acts 8:26-27
I have no question in my mind, friends, that when God has a specific purpose for you in a specific place, he will lead you there. How does he lead? Often through the promptings of the Holy Spirit – listen to those little tugs at your heart – sometimes we aren’t even aware that it’s the Spirit working. I pray that God gives you spiritual eyes and ears to see and hear his direction – to know that it is Him who is guiding you.
He leads through confirmation in his word. How do you know whether God is speaking to you, or whether it’s your own desires getting in the way? God’s spoken work will never contradict his written word. As Priscilla Shirer teaches in “He Speaks to Me”, many things in our lives can interfere will our ability to receive God’s messages. Scripture can descramble the message by either authenticating or disapproving what we thing we’ve hear. “As we seek God’s direction and listen for His replay, we must verify that the voice we hear in response is God’s and not our own, much less Satan’s.” We discern truth based on Scripture.
God leads and directs through wise counsel or mature believers. Believers who themselves have heard and understand God’s voice and leading and can help us discern our way through what we believe God is saying.
God leads and directs through open and closed doors. The sound of opening and closing doors is one way we hear from God. By doing this head leads when our ambitions get in the way.
Finally, God leads through peace. God gives peace as a means to discover where he’s leading us. When we walk in God’s will, peace will rule our hearts regardless of our circumstances. In making decisions that glorify God, we must constantly ask, “Am I experiencing God’s peace regarding this decision?”
We can be sure and certain God will lead us when we are obedient to seek his leading and obedient to set out or to stay put. We can be sure and certain because His Word promises that he goes before us and behind us and that his hand is on us – Psalm 139:5. We can be sure and certain because he not only promised the Israelites that he would guide, He promises us the same.
“For this God is our God for ever and ever; he will be our guide, even to the end.”
– Psalm 48:14.
Straight for Malaysia to You....Numbers 7
Hey all - a quick thanks and welcome to Chad for being our long-distance guest blogger today. Here are his thoughts:
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%207&version=NIV
NUMBERS 7
As I read through the seventh chapter of Numbers, a few things resonated with me about the power and purpose of corporate worship and the parallels meaningful to us living under the new covenant of Jesus Christ.
I am amazed by the ceremony and sacrifice that takes place during the consecration of the tabernacle. Such austere displays today can seem so foreign when we compare it to the way we worship our Lord each Sunday. The recent dedication of our renovated Worship Center is my only experience that comes close to the significance of this biblical occasion, and I cannot help but think that in truth, the comparison is fairly dim.
Our contemporary worship style certainly has its benefits. It’s tailor-made to be accessible to newcomers and to provide each person with a more personal worship experience. However, because its design accommodates the worshipper, I do not think it is sufficient in honoring the Worshipped One in every occasion.
There are times when corporately we need to affirm that “Christ is our Savior” and that “We are His bride.” There are times when we as an assembly of believers need to declare that “This is important. We will set this apart and dedicate it to our Lord.” And in these times we need ceremony and liturgy to help us to express with sincerity the utmost, utmost respect we have for our awesome, awesome God.
It is interesting to me how the gifts and offerings presented by each of the twelve tribes is exactly the same. This demonstrates how each tribe is equally indebted to and dependent upon the Lord. As we live under the new covenant, our situation only differs in the particulars. All of us are equally indebted to and dependent upon Christ, and as such we all are asked to present the exact same offering to Him: our very lives. As the apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1-2:
1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
We belong to a wonderful and deserving Lord. Let’s look for ways where we can consecrate our lives so that we can sincerely revere Him – both as individuals and together as the church.
Rock on.
Chad Searcy
http://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%207&version=NIV
NUMBERS 7
As I read through the seventh chapter of Numbers, a few things resonated with me about the power and purpose of corporate worship and the parallels meaningful to us living under the new covenant of Jesus Christ.
I am amazed by the ceremony and sacrifice that takes place during the consecration of the tabernacle. Such austere displays today can seem so foreign when we compare it to the way we worship our Lord each Sunday. The recent dedication of our renovated Worship Center is my only experience that comes close to the significance of this biblical occasion, and I cannot help but think that in truth, the comparison is fairly dim.
Our contemporary worship style certainly has its benefits. It’s tailor-made to be accessible to newcomers and to provide each person with a more personal worship experience. However, because its design accommodates the worshipper, I do not think it is sufficient in honoring the Worshipped One in every occasion.
There are times when corporately we need to affirm that “Christ is our Savior” and that “We are His bride.” There are times when we as an assembly of believers need to declare that “This is important. We will set this apart and dedicate it to our Lord.” And in these times we need ceremony and liturgy to help us to express with sincerity the utmost, utmost respect we have for our awesome, awesome God.
It is interesting to me how the gifts and offerings presented by each of the twelve tribes is exactly the same. This demonstrates how each tribe is equally indebted to and dependent upon the Lord. As we live under the new covenant, our situation only differs in the particulars. All of us are equally indebted to and dependent upon Christ, and as such we all are asked to present the exact same offering to Him: our very lives. As the apostle Paul says in Romans 12:1-2:
1I appeal to you therefore, brothers, by the mercies of God, to present your bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and acceptable to God, which is your spiritual worship. 2) Do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewal of your mind, that by testing you may discern what is the will of God, what is good and acceptable and perfect.
We belong to a wonderful and deserving Lord. Let’s look for ways where we can consecrate our lives so that we can sincerely revere Him – both as individuals and together as the church.
Rock on.
Chad Searcy
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