Numbers 35:11
In setting up the cities of refuge, God defined their purpose. Describing the differrence between a murder and one who kills accidently, without intent or malice. Killing someone was a transgression of the law worthy of death. God set up entire cities to be a refuge for those who in judging the killing of another was found to be innocent to keep them from death. As long as those who were found not guilty remained in the city, they were safe from the judgment.
There were, no doubt those who escaped the sentence of death only to leave the city, be found by the revenger of blood, and killed. Why did they leave? Most likely to take hold of what they believed would be a better life than they had in the city. Maybe the individual was very prosperous without the city, but now is struggling to make ends meet. The lure of the once prosperous lifestyle took hold of their heart and off they went, seeking a better life and losing that which they had. Perhaps they're bored in the city, there's not enough fun stuff to do, and just outside is this great amusement park. Surely the few short hours of fun will be allright. Surely the revenger of blood won't find me in that short of time. A family member or close friend may be dying and they take leave of the city to attend the funeral. There are, I'm sure a multitude of reasons for the departure. Some seem to us as great reasons, but the fact is there is no safety outside of the refuge God has provided for us.
What is it that is drawing you from Jesus Christ? What thing in the world is so attractive that you are greatly tempted to leave the will of God and seak out your own destiny. While you can't lose your salvation (for if eternal life can end it is not eternal and God is lying; which we know can not be see Tit. 1:2) seeking our own life while on earth will cause the loss of it. Jesus came that we may have LIFE and have it more abundantly. That is only possible while we are in Him. When we attempt to seek our own life, we lose the best He has planned for us. Stay in Him, in His will.
There is now a death sentence that abides on the world. The wages of sin is death (Rom 6:23a), and that means any transgression of God's law will be met with by death. The death that God is talking about here is the second death of eternal destruction in the lake of fire (Rev. 20:11-14). Judgment will occur, although it is not immediate. God holds back the revenger of blood because He is patient beyond our ability to understand, giving everyone time to be saved (2Pet. 3:9). As God had provided refuge in the days of Moses, so too has He provided for me. Having then realizing my state before God, believing what my eternal destiny was, I rejoiced when I saw the refuge. While I was yet a sinner, Christ died for me (Rom. 5:8). He took my penalty himself. He paid my debt. The wages of sin is death, and Jesus Christ paid my price. Now the second part of that verse is mine to claim: but the gift of God is eternal life through Jesus Christ (Rom 6:23b).
If I believe in my heart that God has raised the Lord Jesus Christ from the grave, All I have to do is call on the name of the Lord to save me (Rom 10:9,10,13). I've done that and as the Bible says that, "whosoever shall call upon the name of the Lord shall be saved (Rom. 10:13)," even so, I am saved from eternal destruction to eternal life. How about you?
http://www.scrantonrevivalbaptist.org/
Friday, December 28, 2007
Thursday, December 27, 2007
Borders
Numbers 34:1-12
What started as a devotional record quickly turned to prayer. I decided to share it anyway. Besides, what good is a devotion to God without prayer?
As my Lord God in heaven defined the borders of Israel's inheritance, He has defined mine. As I think of the enormity of the blessings He has given Israel in the land He has promised, He also has made enormous promises to me. The things my Father has spoken of, the promises my great God and my Saviour have made are incredible! Will I claim them?
Oh Father, even my Father who dwells between the cherubs on the mercy seat on high. Thou who hast prepared The Way for me to come before Your precious throne of grace. Thou who hast given to me the faith to believe. Help Thou mine unbelief. As You laid out the borders of Your promise to Israel and made it plain to them, even so Father make Your promises plain to me. As You commanded Israel to completely claim that promise, leaving none of the inhabitants of the land, so to Father, give me strength to walk in obedience to You and claim those promises. As You gave to Israel the land a little at a time that the wild beasts would not over run it, so to Father, give me endurance to continue and grow in the knowledge and the grace of my Lord, Jesus Christ, joy in each victory, and vision to reach forward that I may fully inhabit each of Your precious promises. Amen.
www.scrantonrevivalbaptist.org
What started as a devotional record quickly turned to prayer. I decided to share it anyway. Besides, what good is a devotion to God without prayer?
As my Lord God in heaven defined the borders of Israel's inheritance, He has defined mine. As I think of the enormity of the blessings He has given Israel in the land He has promised, He also has made enormous promises to me. The things my Father has spoken of, the promises my great God and my Saviour have made are incredible! Will I claim them?
Oh Father, even my Father who dwells between the cherubs on the mercy seat on high. Thou who hast prepared The Way for me to come before Your precious throne of grace. Thou who hast given to me the faith to believe. Help Thou mine unbelief. As You laid out the borders of Your promise to Israel and made it plain to them, even so Father make Your promises plain to me. As You commanded Israel to completely claim that promise, leaving none of the inhabitants of the land, so to Father, give me strength to walk in obedience to You and claim those promises. As You gave to Israel the land a little at a time that the wild beasts would not over run it, so to Father, give me endurance to continue and grow in the knowledge and the grace of my Lord, Jesus Christ, joy in each victory, and vision to reach forward that I may fully inhabit each of Your precious promises. Amen.
www.scrantonrevivalbaptist.org
Wednesday, December 26, 2007
Undone
Numbers 33:56
Am I working to drive out the inhabitants of the land or have I become complacent and accepted them as neighbors? It may seem easy now and there is no danger involved, but God warned Israel of the dangers of leaving the task undone, and I should head that same warning. Those things of the old man (Rom. 6:6) I leave in my midst will become pricks in my eyes and thorns in my side as they influence me and lead me from my Lord and my God. Left undone long enough they will influence me greatly enough that the Lord will do unto me as He thought to do them. I can not have both God and the things of this world. Jesus said that no man can serve two masters. He will either hate the one and love the other or will hold to the one and despise the other (Matt. 6:24).
God thought to do to them. He commands that I drive them out, but He says He thought to do it to them. I am only an instrument for His use in the task: a willing instrument, but no more than that. So the good news is, if I'm willing, If I'll step my foot in the banks of the Jordan, God will produce the result (Josh 3:15-16). When walking in obediance, I can not lose. Lord God, my Father in heaven, keep my eyes focused on the prize You intend to bring and do not allow me to gaze on the things the world says I should strive for. I don't want to learn the way of the heathen.
God's mercy is such that He will allow me space to repent and be rid of those things that lead me away from Him and into sin. The pricks in my eyes and thorns in my flesh are the loss of His blessing and His chastising hand. Oh, the goodness of God my Father. As I allow these things to stay, I will become more the servant of them. God will have no choice but to do unto me as He thought to do unto them.
Am I too lazy to remove them? Sometimes the fight is long and I grow weary in it. The day star is passing and the night is coming. I must work, for the night is coming.
Am I too soft? What I toss out may adversely affect some one else. No, it won't. Leaving the inhabitants in the land will over time. I might make it through unaffected by some, but what about my family?
http://www.scrantonrevivalbaptist.org/
Am I working to drive out the inhabitants of the land or have I become complacent and accepted them as neighbors? It may seem easy now and there is no danger involved, but God warned Israel of the dangers of leaving the task undone, and I should head that same warning. Those things of the old man (Rom. 6:6) I leave in my midst will become pricks in my eyes and thorns in my side as they influence me and lead me from my Lord and my God. Left undone long enough they will influence me greatly enough that the Lord will do unto me as He thought to do them. I can not have both God and the things of this world. Jesus said that no man can serve two masters. He will either hate the one and love the other or will hold to the one and despise the other (Matt. 6:24).
God thought to do to them. He commands that I drive them out, but He says He thought to do it to them. I am only an instrument for His use in the task: a willing instrument, but no more than that. So the good news is, if I'm willing, If I'll step my foot in the banks of the Jordan, God will produce the result (Josh 3:15-16). When walking in obediance, I can not lose. Lord God, my Father in heaven, keep my eyes focused on the prize You intend to bring and do not allow me to gaze on the things the world says I should strive for. I don't want to learn the way of the heathen.
God's mercy is such that He will allow me space to repent and be rid of those things that lead me away from Him and into sin. The pricks in my eyes and thorns in my flesh are the loss of His blessing and His chastising hand. Oh, the goodness of God my Father. As I allow these things to stay, I will become more the servant of them. God will have no choice but to do unto me as He thought to do unto them.
Am I too lazy to remove them? Sometimes the fight is long and I grow weary in it. The day star is passing and the night is coming. I must work, for the night is coming.
Am I too soft? What I toss out may adversely affect some one else. No, it won't. Leaving the inhabitants in the land will over time. I might make it through unaffected by some, but what about my family?
http://www.scrantonrevivalbaptist.org/
Monday, December 24, 2007
Come
Matt. 14: 22-29
It would seem like a strange thing for Peter to ask. There was a storm on the sea they were in. It was all they could do to keep the little boat from capsizing in the high waves that threatened to overtake them at any moment. They were struggling to continue to keep their heading. The winds were contrary. They would blow out of the east, then the north, then the south, then west, and continue to come at them from different directions, and seemingly all directions at once. Then came Jesus walking on the sea. Initially they were afraid, but He calms them simply be speaking to them. When God speaks, how do you react? Then Peter makes an incredible request, “Lord, if it be thou bid me come unto thee on the water.”
Don’t calm the water; that’s not what I want. When the storms of life are on us and we’re struggling just to stay afloat; when the winds are contrary and the sail you put up takes you the wrong direction, what do you want? What’s your heart’s desire at that time? “Lord, make it stop,” is normally my cry. “Lord, I need relief,” was my cry just last night. How poor a response, especially in light of the fact that I had been meditating on this verse.
“Lord, if it be thou,” if You are in these circumstances. If You have allowed this. If You are trying to reach me. If You are coming near to me through this. If it by THOU.
“Bid me come unto thee.” Call me Lord, through this. Let me hear You. Calm my fears. Give me grace. Increase my faith. Let me trust You, and not this boat in which I sit. Tell me to come. I want to, but I need You to tell me You want me to.
“On the water.” Don’t change my circumstances, give me victory over them. Cause me to rise above them. Let me use these circumstances that You control to come closer to You.
Through this year, My Father in Heaven, please bid me come unto thee on the water.
It would seem like a strange thing for Peter to ask. There was a storm on the sea they were in. It was all they could do to keep the little boat from capsizing in the high waves that threatened to overtake them at any moment. They were struggling to continue to keep their heading. The winds were contrary. They would blow out of the east, then the north, then the south, then west, and continue to come at them from different directions, and seemingly all directions at once. Then came Jesus walking on the sea. Initially they were afraid, but He calms them simply be speaking to them. When God speaks, how do you react? Then Peter makes an incredible request, “Lord, if it be thou bid me come unto thee on the water.”
Don’t calm the water; that’s not what I want. When the storms of life are on us and we’re struggling just to stay afloat; when the winds are contrary and the sail you put up takes you the wrong direction, what do you want? What’s your heart’s desire at that time? “Lord, make it stop,” is normally my cry. “Lord, I need relief,” was my cry just last night. How poor a response, especially in light of the fact that I had been meditating on this verse.
“Lord, if it be thou,” if You are in these circumstances. If You have allowed this. If You are trying to reach me. If You are coming near to me through this. If it by THOU.
“Bid me come unto thee.” Call me Lord, through this. Let me hear You. Calm my fears. Give me grace. Increase my faith. Let me trust You, and not this boat in which I sit. Tell me to come. I want to, but I need You to tell me You want me to.
“On the water.” Don’t change my circumstances, give me victory over them. Cause me to rise above them. Let me use these circumstances that You control to come closer to You.
Through this year, My Father in Heaven, please bid me come unto thee on the water.
Thursday, December 20, 2007
Am I a Leader?
Num. 31:48-50
Am I a leader? When going into battle, am I concerned about my own survival or that of all those who are with me? Before the battle, am I spending time laboring and trying to prepare others for it, or am I quite content to sit back and do little or nothing.
A leader isn't just someone who's in front of others who are all going the same direction. That just means one of two things, either you're going to get there first, or the others are chasing you. Neither is good. Desiring to arrive first is selfish, if you're being chased, well it could hardly be said that they're following you. A leader must care.
Yes, the leader is out front, but not that he might arrive first. The leader is not trying to outpace those in his charge, rather he is paving the way, looking for what lies ahead, and preparing his people for the conditions while constantly reminding them of the rewards to be gained. The leader cares and gladly spends and is spent for his people (2 Co 2:15), that they may be victorious.
These men, the officers over thousands, the captains over thousands and hundreds didn't just lead their men into battle. They didn't just wake up one day, take the job, and go into battle the same day. They were appointed earlier, and took the responsibility for what it is. They cared about those who they were in charge of. It was important to them that everyone survived the battle; everyone, every individual must be victorious. In order for that to happen they had to have known what potential battles lay ahead. They had to learn and be skillful in the art of war. They had to have spent time teaching and working with the people to prepare them to be victorious. They had to pour themselves into each and every man, over and over again, until each was as his master (Luke 6:40).
Am I a leader? Do I care for those whom God has placed in my life? Am I striving to communicate to them the rewards to be gained, the losses to be avoided? Am I preparing them for the battles ahead? Am I prepared for those battles? If I am leading, where am I leading them to? Do I care that any are lost? Do I present a thank offering for those who are kept? Do I point people to the eternal destination or am I content to allow them to go after the temporal things of the world? The world will pass away and the lusts of it (1 Jn 2:16-17), and what then? What will be the desire of those who sought the world then? To escape eternal damnation. They will want the one victory I failed to point them to, that over death.
I thank God that Jesus Christ is my leader. He is not willing that any should perish (2 Pet 3:9), He will not allow any to be plucked out of His hand (Joh 10:28). He gives us His Spirit to guide us into all truth (Joh 16:13). He comforts us in all our tribulations (2 Cor 1:4). He has made a way for us to escape all temptation (1 Cor 10:13) and won't allow anything to take us except what we can handle. He may allow it to push the limits, but it's all for our growth, to make us perfect and entire, wanting nothing (Jam 1:2-4), and when He is finished in us we shall be perfect and as our Master (Luke 6:40).
Am I a leader? When going into battle, am I concerned about my own survival or that of all those who are with me? Before the battle, am I spending time laboring and trying to prepare others for it, or am I quite content to sit back and do little or nothing.
A leader isn't just someone who's in front of others who are all going the same direction. That just means one of two things, either you're going to get there first, or the others are chasing you. Neither is good. Desiring to arrive first is selfish, if you're being chased, well it could hardly be said that they're following you. A leader must care.
Yes, the leader is out front, but not that he might arrive first. The leader is not trying to outpace those in his charge, rather he is paving the way, looking for what lies ahead, and preparing his people for the conditions while constantly reminding them of the rewards to be gained. The leader cares and gladly spends and is spent for his people (2 Co 2:15), that they may be victorious.
These men, the officers over thousands, the captains over thousands and hundreds didn't just lead their men into battle. They didn't just wake up one day, take the job, and go into battle the same day. They were appointed earlier, and took the responsibility for what it is. They cared about those who they were in charge of. It was important to them that everyone survived the battle; everyone, every individual must be victorious. In order for that to happen they had to have known what potential battles lay ahead. They had to learn and be skillful in the art of war. They had to have spent time teaching and working with the people to prepare them to be victorious. They had to pour themselves into each and every man, over and over again, until each was as his master (Luke 6:40).
Am I a leader? Do I care for those whom God has placed in my life? Am I striving to communicate to them the rewards to be gained, the losses to be avoided? Am I preparing them for the battles ahead? Am I prepared for those battles? If I am leading, where am I leading them to? Do I care that any are lost? Do I present a thank offering for those who are kept? Do I point people to the eternal destination or am I content to allow them to go after the temporal things of the world? The world will pass away and the lusts of it (1 Jn 2:16-17), and what then? What will be the desire of those who sought the world then? To escape eternal damnation. They will want the one victory I failed to point them to, that over death.
I thank God that Jesus Christ is my leader. He is not willing that any should perish (2 Pet 3:9), He will not allow any to be plucked out of His hand (Joh 10:28). He gives us His Spirit to guide us into all truth (Joh 16:13). He comforts us in all our tribulations (2 Cor 1:4). He has made a way for us to escape all temptation (1 Cor 10:13) and won't allow anything to take us except what we can handle. He may allow it to push the limits, but it's all for our growth, to make us perfect and entire, wanting nothing (Jam 1:2-4), and when He is finished in us we shall be perfect and as our Master (Luke 6:40).
Wednesday, December 19, 2007
Abstinence
Num. 31:15
How easily we are deceived. We battle the same sin over and over again, and wonder why. Here it is. The same sin in a different package. Even slightly different. Although not all of the women that Israel saved alive were guilty of causing them to sin, several were. Could it be that the people thought that since Midian was conquered the instrument of sin had no more power? Could it be that because the circumstances had now changed they thought they were safe? Could it be that's the problem in my life? Could it be that because I'm now "more aware" of the danger, or that I've conquered it once I'm no longer susceptible to it? HOW FOOLISH!
I am to abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thes 5:22). While that certainly means I'm not to take on or participate in anything that appears to be evil, it means more directly that I am not to allow anything that has the appearance of evil around me. This is not a command given to us to be a good testimony to the world, but a command given to keep us from the temptation that we will fall victim to.
We are trying to teach kids the abstinence only message regarding sex before marriage. Its the right message and is straight from the Bible. Those who decide to take up the abstinence position must not only abstain from sex to be victorious they will have to abstain from all things sexual. Touching, petting, kissing, flirting, and even thinking about it will lead that person into committing the act they have sworn off. It's exactly the same way with all sin.
For Israel the sin was not in taking the women, it was in following them to worshipping the idols. We commit many acts that aren't sinful in and of themselves, but they lead us into it. Before we know it, we're wondering how we could have been so foolish. All things are lawful for us, but all things edify not, all things are lawful for us, but all things are not expedient (1 Cor 10:23). A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump (1 Cor. 5:6). I am not an exception. God is true, and if I think I'm an exception, I'm a liar (Rom 3:4).
How easily we are deceived. We battle the same sin over and over again, and wonder why. Here it is. The same sin in a different package. Even slightly different. Although not all of the women that Israel saved alive were guilty of causing them to sin, several were. Could it be that the people thought that since Midian was conquered the instrument of sin had no more power? Could it be that because the circumstances had now changed they thought they were safe? Could it be that's the problem in my life? Could it be that because I'm now "more aware" of the danger, or that I've conquered it once I'm no longer susceptible to it? HOW FOOLISH!
I am to abstain from all appearance of evil (1 Thes 5:22). While that certainly means I'm not to take on or participate in anything that appears to be evil, it means more directly that I am not to allow anything that has the appearance of evil around me. This is not a command given to us to be a good testimony to the world, but a command given to keep us from the temptation that we will fall victim to.
We are trying to teach kids the abstinence only message regarding sex before marriage. Its the right message and is straight from the Bible. Those who decide to take up the abstinence position must not only abstain from sex to be victorious they will have to abstain from all things sexual. Touching, petting, kissing, flirting, and even thinking about it will lead that person into committing the act they have sworn off. It's exactly the same way with all sin.
For Israel the sin was not in taking the women, it was in following them to worshipping the idols. We commit many acts that aren't sinful in and of themselves, but they lead us into it. Before we know it, we're wondering how we could have been so foolish. All things are lawful for us, but all things edify not, all things are lawful for us, but all things are not expedient (1 Cor 10:23). A little leaven leaveneth the whole lump (1 Cor. 5:6). I am not an exception. God is true, and if I think I'm an exception, I'm a liar (Rom 3:4).
Tuesday, December 18, 2007
Associations
Num 31:1-8
I must be careful with whom I choose to be associated. Who do I fellowship with? After whom do I pattern my life? To whom am I joined? Balaam was slain with by God's people in the war with Midian. I wander, did they seek him out?
I doubt that they knew what he looked like. It's apparent that they knew who he was for Moses states that it was the counsel of Balaam the whores of Midian followed (Num 31:16) in leading the children of Israel astray, but did that gives no indication that they would have known what he looked like. God could have told them to make sure they slew him and given a description of what he looked like and where to find him, but that's not in this passage. I don't think Balaam would have been slain had he not been with the kings of Midian. He lost his life during the judgment of God on the enemies of God because of his association with them.
Balaam knew God's will concerning Israel, yet he gave council to God's enemies in how to defeat them. He talked a big game, "If Balak should give me his house filled with silver and gold I can not go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more," (Num 22:18) but his actions were completely contrary. What are my words to the world? "I am a Christian and must do as God states," but then take part in their filthy communication? Enjoy their wicked entertainment? Blessed is the man that walketh not in the council of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way with sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (Ps 1:1).
We are a called out people. We are to be separate from the world (2Cor 6:17; Rev 18:4). Friendship with the world is enmity with God (Jas 4:4). God is angry with the wicked every day (Ps. 7:11), and will judge them not only in the end times. Oh that we would not receive of her plagues (Rev 18:4).
Balaam's eye was certainly not single and he was busy laying up treasure for himself here on earth. As those that sought the rewards and praises of men, he received is reward (Matt 6:1-24).
I must be careful with whom I choose to be associated. Who do I fellowship with? After whom do I pattern my life? To whom am I joined? Balaam was slain with by God's people in the war with Midian. I wander, did they seek him out?
I doubt that they knew what he looked like. It's apparent that they knew who he was for Moses states that it was the counsel of Balaam the whores of Midian followed (Num 31:16) in leading the children of Israel astray, but did that gives no indication that they would have known what he looked like. God could have told them to make sure they slew him and given a description of what he looked like and where to find him, but that's not in this passage. I don't think Balaam would have been slain had he not been with the kings of Midian. He lost his life during the judgment of God on the enemies of God because of his association with them.
Balaam knew God's will concerning Israel, yet he gave council to God's enemies in how to defeat them. He talked a big game, "If Balak should give me his house filled with silver and gold I can not go beyond the word of the Lord my God, to do less or more," (Num 22:18) but his actions were completely contrary. What are my words to the world? "I am a Christian and must do as God states," but then take part in their filthy communication? Enjoy their wicked entertainment? Blessed is the man that walketh not in the council of the ungodly, nor standeth in the way with sinners, nor sitteth in the seat of the scornful (Ps 1:1).
We are a called out people. We are to be separate from the world (2Cor 6:17; Rev 18:4). Friendship with the world is enmity with God (Jas 4:4). God is angry with the wicked every day (Ps. 7:11), and will judge them not only in the end times. Oh that we would not receive of her plagues (Rev 18:4).
Balaam's eye was certainly not single and he was busy laying up treasure for himself here on earth. As those that sought the rewards and praises of men, he received is reward (Matt 6:1-24).
Monday, December 17, 2007
Do I Count?
Num. 26:64-65
Which group will I be counted in? There was a generation that was numbered in Israel who, because of their unbelief did not enter into the promises of God. There is a generation who did. Both were numbered.
Of those generations, there were two who were numbered in each. Caleb and Joshua were the only two who stood against the crowd of God's people and by faith, entered into His promise. they endured the 40 years of wandering right along side those who were to die. That sin affected everyone. In those 40 years, they were a testimony, a witness to them which were dying and the new generation who were to live of God's grace.
The generation that did not entered had the benefit of seeing first hand all of the wonerous works the Lord had done in bringing them out of Egypt to the border of the promised land. In the end they refused to believe God. The next generation did not have the same degree of first hand experience. They each had their own experiences, but nothing to the magnitude of was seen before.
The manna was still supplied daily. So what? Today's generation of youth receive their supply of daily food. They don't give God the credit. Yeah, but manna supplied from heaven when the dew is lifted from the ground is way different than food from a microwave. Really? What would the person who gathered the manna think of that statement?
Microwaves, refridgerators, freezers, all that is technology and we understand how it works. We invented it. We know the where the meat, vegetables, and drinks we have come from. There is no miracle in that. Really? The generation of Israel who did enter into the promised land came to expect the manna on the ground each day. After a few years it would just be common place. No big deal. In fact, Israel quickly got to the place that they LOATHED it (Num. 21:5). Its pretty hard to loath a miraculous blessing from God when you recognize it as such, wouldn't you agree?
What about the victories over the giants? We see victories in wars, no big deal there. Water from a rock? Try water from a pipe. Actually, the miracle now isn't really the water from a pipe, but that the water doesn't kill you.
The point is, someone had to tell the new generation Who caused all these things to be. That faithless first must've been the ones to do it. Moses, no doubt told some, but certainly could not have continually stressed to all. Caleb and Joshua might've had a Sunday School class, complete with flanal graph, and maybe even a power point or two, but the masses would not have it reinforced through that. No, that instruction must've come at home. That reinforcement came from Mom and Dad.
"Don't make the same mistake we made, son," Dad says to his teenager. "We've caused you to have to wonder around in this wilderness, with all its dangers because of our faithlessnes and defiance of God. Don't do that to your children, my grandchildren. When your time comes, march into God's promise." Along with the admonitions comes daily praises and thanks to God for His provisions for them. Daily instructions of what God has done in the past, what He's promised for the future, and what He's doing in the present.
Hey; Mom, Dad: are you teaching your children? Are you willing that their faith becomes stronger than yours? Do you want them to receive the blessings from God that you've forfieted? I want that for my kids. Let's pay attention to God's admonishment that we teach our children diligently, and speak of Him in our downsitting, our moving around, when we lie down, and when we rise up (Deu 6:6-9).
What about you, kids? The second generation did not doubt God. He put them to a pretty good test when they first came into the promised land. God told them to take Jericho by marching around it once a day for six days, then on the seventh to march around it seven times, blow the trumpets, and shout, and the walls will fall down flat (Jos 6:1-5). Great battle plan - NOT! But our ways are not God's ways. His ways are much higher than ours, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. The sanctified second didn't even bat an eye. They believed God and He delivered (Jos 6:6-20). The received the instruction of those that went before them. They honored their mother and their father, and when their time came it went well with them. Will you do the same?
God help us to count in both.
Which group will I be counted in? There was a generation that was numbered in Israel who, because of their unbelief did not enter into the promises of God. There is a generation who did. Both were numbered.
Of those generations, there were two who were numbered in each. Caleb and Joshua were the only two who stood against the crowd of God's people and by faith, entered into His promise. they endured the 40 years of wandering right along side those who were to die. That sin affected everyone. In those 40 years, they were a testimony, a witness to them which were dying and the new generation who were to live of God's grace.
The generation that did not entered had the benefit of seeing first hand all of the wonerous works the Lord had done in bringing them out of Egypt to the border of the promised land. In the end they refused to believe God. The next generation did not have the same degree of first hand experience. They each had their own experiences, but nothing to the magnitude of was seen before.
The manna was still supplied daily. So what? Today's generation of youth receive their supply of daily food. They don't give God the credit. Yeah, but manna supplied from heaven when the dew is lifted from the ground is way different than food from a microwave. Really? What would the person who gathered the manna think of that statement?
Microwaves, refridgerators, freezers, all that is technology and we understand how it works. We invented it. We know the where the meat, vegetables, and drinks we have come from. There is no miracle in that. Really? The generation of Israel who did enter into the promised land came to expect the manna on the ground each day. After a few years it would just be common place. No big deal. In fact, Israel quickly got to the place that they LOATHED it (Num. 21:5). Its pretty hard to loath a miraculous blessing from God when you recognize it as such, wouldn't you agree?
What about the victories over the giants? We see victories in wars, no big deal there. Water from a rock? Try water from a pipe. Actually, the miracle now isn't really the water from a pipe, but that the water doesn't kill you.
The point is, someone had to tell the new generation Who caused all these things to be. That faithless first must've been the ones to do it. Moses, no doubt told some, but certainly could not have continually stressed to all. Caleb and Joshua might've had a Sunday School class, complete with flanal graph, and maybe even a power point or two, but the masses would not have it reinforced through that. No, that instruction must've come at home. That reinforcement came from Mom and Dad.
"Don't make the same mistake we made, son," Dad says to his teenager. "We've caused you to have to wonder around in this wilderness, with all its dangers because of our faithlessnes and defiance of God. Don't do that to your children, my grandchildren. When your time comes, march into God's promise." Along with the admonitions comes daily praises and thanks to God for His provisions for them. Daily instructions of what God has done in the past, what He's promised for the future, and what He's doing in the present.
Hey; Mom, Dad: are you teaching your children? Are you willing that their faith becomes stronger than yours? Do you want them to receive the blessings from God that you've forfieted? I want that for my kids. Let's pay attention to God's admonishment that we teach our children diligently, and speak of Him in our downsitting, our moving around, when we lie down, and when we rise up (Deu 6:6-9).
What about you, kids? The second generation did not doubt God. He put them to a pretty good test when they first came into the promised land. God told them to take Jericho by marching around it once a day for six days, then on the seventh to march around it seven times, blow the trumpets, and shout, and the walls will fall down flat (Jos 6:1-5). Great battle plan - NOT! But our ways are not God's ways. His ways are much higher than ours, and His thoughts are higher than our thoughts. The sanctified second didn't even bat an eye. They believed God and He delivered (Jos 6:6-20). The received the instruction of those that went before them. They honored their mother and their father, and when their time came it went well with them. Will you do the same?
God help us to count in both.
Saturday, December 15, 2007
A Little Leaven
Num. 25:1-5
The entire congregation was before the door of the tabernacle weeping in repentance for their sin. Moses had commanded the judges to go forward and slay every one of his men that were joined unto Baal-Peor. How did they know who was joined? More accurately, when did they know? These men were the judges of Israel. Some over tens, some over fifties, some over hundreds, but all judges. The people over which they were to judge were his men. If they are to go out now and slay everyone his men, when did they know which of his men were joined? Would it have been at the very instant Moses made the command? Did they take some time and investigate after the command was given to find out which of his men it was? No, most probably they already knew who it was.
Why did God have to prounounce the punishment? Why didn't these judges deal with the situation first? This thing was not done in secret. God said that Israel had joined himself to Baal-Peor. They already knew but did nothing about it. It wasn't so long ago that a man was found gathering sticks on the sabbath day. Those who knew brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the entire congretation to see what should be done. God's councel was sought, and he was stoned (Num. 15:32-36). One man, one sin, one death. Had it not been dealt with in that manner his sin would have become an epidemic and resulted in the deaths of many more (1Co 5:6; Gal 5:9). We can not tolerate sin in our midst. If we deal with it swiftly, the loss is minimized. If we force God to handle it, the loss is multiplied. For if we judge ourselves, we shall not be judged (1 Co 11:31).
The entire congregation was before the door of the tabernacle weeping in repentance for their sin. Moses had commanded the judges to go forward and slay every one of his men that were joined unto Baal-Peor. How did they know who was joined? More accurately, when did they know? These men were the judges of Israel. Some over tens, some over fifties, some over hundreds, but all judges. The people over which they were to judge were his men. If they are to go out now and slay everyone his men, when did they know which of his men were joined? Would it have been at the very instant Moses made the command? Did they take some time and investigate after the command was given to find out which of his men it was? No, most probably they already knew who it was.
Why did God have to prounounce the punishment? Why didn't these judges deal with the situation first? This thing was not done in secret. God said that Israel had joined himself to Baal-Peor. They already knew but did nothing about it. It wasn't so long ago that a man was found gathering sticks on the sabbath day. Those who knew brought him to Moses, Aaron, and the entire congretation to see what should be done. God's councel was sought, and he was stoned (Num. 15:32-36). One man, one sin, one death. Had it not been dealt with in that manner his sin would have become an epidemic and resulted in the deaths of many more (1Co 5:6; Gal 5:9). We can not tolerate sin in our midst. If we deal with it swiftly, the loss is minimized. If we force God to handle it, the loss is multiplied. For if we judge ourselves, we shall not be judged (1 Co 11:31).
Friday, December 14, 2007
Defiance
Numbers 25:1-6
Behind the scenes, unknown to Israel, God has been blessing them in the presence of their enemies (Psa_23:5). As he causes them to dwell safely and securely in Shittim, they are tempted and fall prey to the sins of the nation of Moab. It started no doubt with a glance here, a lingering look there, then a touch, then adultery, which led finally to idolatry. In the midst of the same enemy to whom God just declared, "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel" (Num_23:21) Israel succumbs to temptation. That is the very thing that gives the enemies of God great occasion to blaspheme (2Sa_12:14).
God's anger is growing hot against Israel and he commands Moses to hang the heads of the people before Him that His fierce anger may be turned away. As Moses and the children of Israel obey God and begin to cleanse the camp of sin, low and behold here comes one member of their own in open, impetuous defiance of God and of Israel. The judgment of God is pronounced, even being carried out; there is a plague that has begun in their camp, and here comes Zimri. How many times has Zimri raised his ugly head in my life? Even while I'm suffering the results of my sin, both physically and mentally, this foolishness in me rises up and says, "Hey, that was fun, and the consequences aren't that bad. After all, I'm still okay." It reminds me of a rebellious child who is sent to his room or in some other way punished, and blames everyone but himself for the problems they're in. So their defiance becomes more open, more blatant, more severe.
As an employee of Aaron's I was delivering merchandise to a customer a few years ago. Standing outside the door, I could smell cigarette smoke. When the door opened, the smoke literally poured out of it. I was stunned to say the least. As the door opened my customer became visible. He was in his 60's, barely able to stand as he was hunched over and weak from a variety of illnesses, which I strongly suspect were a direct result of cigarette smoke. When I looked at his face, I could see that he was on oxygen. Most people, when they're having to use oxygen, have a small tube that runs into their nose and gives a short blast of oxygen to them while they breath. This man had a full mask and a steady stream of oxygen running to it. I don't know how long he and his wife had lived in this apartment, but the once white walls were an unmistakable thick yellow from nicotine. I still can't understand how the neighbors could tolerate the intense fumes coming from that apartment.
Once inside I had to be extremely cautious not to step on what appeared to be miles of tubing throughout the floor of the apartment that was carrying oxygen from the supply unit to the person wearing the mask. At the kitchen table is the man's wife. She appears to be in worse health than him, and like him has a mask on her face through which she is fed oxygen. Oh yes, the blessings of cigarrette smoke brought to their full, and ripened fruit. As I tried to work in this environment, both the man and his wife smoked one cigarrette after another. They would move the oxygen mask out of the way to inhale the deadly toxins, then exhale right into the mask! It was unbelievable.
So it is with Zimri. Death is throughout the camp. The fruit of the sin of Israel was fully ripe and being harvested, yet this man not only continued in his sin, but openly defied all, including God, to do something about it. What about us?
God said that to everyone who believes on Jesus Christ, He gives power to become the sons of God, born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (Joh_1:9-13). He also said that whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin (1Jn_3:9). Our open defiance of God's commands give His enemies no less a cause to blaspheme than did David in his sin, or Israel with the Moabites. What will it be with me? What will it be with you? How long will I endure the fruit of that sin? Even to my separation from the people of God? Even to my death?
There's more to this story though. As it always is, our sin affects so many more people than just us. How uncaring and unloving are we that we would cause others to suffer that we might enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season! In this plague there were 24,000 people who died. Zimri could've cared less about them. They were dying all around him, and he mocked them. He laughed at those who had lost loved ones through this plague. His cold, selfish callousness caused the plague to continue longer than it should. When he was killed, the plague was stayed. It was by his hand that that many more people died. How is my sin affecting the church? How is my sin affecting the people of God? How is my sin affecting my family? Am I responsible for the lack of revival in the church? Are you?
Jesus said that He will build His church, and that the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Mat_16:18). Why then is the church losing her impact in America? Why is the sin and degradation of this country continuing to reach new depths of depravity? Why is it that we as a church are getting farther from holiness rather than closer to it? Why do we allow those "petty little sins" to infiltrate our ranks? In the book of Acts we can see how God's judgment was carried out on a member of the church telling a little white lie and how great fear came upon all the church, while the believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women (Act_5:1-14). Oh that great fear would come upon all the church in this day.
Behind the scenes, unknown to Israel, God has been blessing them in the presence of their enemies (Psa_23:5). As he causes them to dwell safely and securely in Shittim, they are tempted and fall prey to the sins of the nation of Moab. It started no doubt with a glance here, a lingering look there, then a touch, then adultery, which led finally to idolatry. In the midst of the same enemy to whom God just declared, "He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel" (Num_23:21) Israel succumbs to temptation. That is the very thing that gives the enemies of God great occasion to blaspheme (2Sa_12:14).
God's anger is growing hot against Israel and he commands Moses to hang the heads of the people before Him that His fierce anger may be turned away. As Moses and the children of Israel obey God and begin to cleanse the camp of sin, low and behold here comes one member of their own in open, impetuous defiance of God and of Israel. The judgment of God is pronounced, even being carried out; there is a plague that has begun in their camp, and here comes Zimri. How many times has Zimri raised his ugly head in my life? Even while I'm suffering the results of my sin, both physically and mentally, this foolishness in me rises up and says, "Hey, that was fun, and the consequences aren't that bad. After all, I'm still okay." It reminds me of a rebellious child who is sent to his room or in some other way punished, and blames everyone but himself for the problems they're in. So their defiance becomes more open, more blatant, more severe.
As an employee of Aaron's I was delivering merchandise to a customer a few years ago. Standing outside the door, I could smell cigarette smoke. When the door opened, the smoke literally poured out of it. I was stunned to say the least. As the door opened my customer became visible. He was in his 60's, barely able to stand as he was hunched over and weak from a variety of illnesses, which I strongly suspect were a direct result of cigarette smoke. When I looked at his face, I could see that he was on oxygen. Most people, when they're having to use oxygen, have a small tube that runs into their nose and gives a short blast of oxygen to them while they breath. This man had a full mask and a steady stream of oxygen running to it. I don't know how long he and his wife had lived in this apartment, but the once white walls were an unmistakable thick yellow from nicotine. I still can't understand how the neighbors could tolerate the intense fumes coming from that apartment.
Once inside I had to be extremely cautious not to step on what appeared to be miles of tubing throughout the floor of the apartment that was carrying oxygen from the supply unit to the person wearing the mask. At the kitchen table is the man's wife. She appears to be in worse health than him, and like him has a mask on her face through which she is fed oxygen. Oh yes, the blessings of cigarrette smoke brought to their full, and ripened fruit. As I tried to work in this environment, both the man and his wife smoked one cigarrette after another. They would move the oxygen mask out of the way to inhale the deadly toxins, then exhale right into the mask! It was unbelievable.
So it is with Zimri. Death is throughout the camp. The fruit of the sin of Israel was fully ripe and being harvested, yet this man not only continued in his sin, but openly defied all, including God, to do something about it. What about us?
God said that to everyone who believes on Jesus Christ, He gives power to become the sons of God, born not of blood, nor of the will of the flesh, nor of the will of man, but of God (Joh_1:9-13). He also said that whosoever is born of God doth not commit sin (1Jn_3:9). Our open defiance of God's commands give His enemies no less a cause to blaspheme than did David in his sin, or Israel with the Moabites. What will it be with me? What will it be with you? How long will I endure the fruit of that sin? Even to my separation from the people of God? Even to my death?
There's more to this story though. As it always is, our sin affects so many more people than just us. How uncaring and unloving are we that we would cause others to suffer that we might enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season! In this plague there were 24,000 people who died. Zimri could've cared less about them. They were dying all around him, and he mocked them. He laughed at those who had lost loved ones through this plague. His cold, selfish callousness caused the plague to continue longer than it should. When he was killed, the plague was stayed. It was by his hand that that many more people died. How is my sin affecting the church? How is my sin affecting the people of God? How is my sin affecting my family? Am I responsible for the lack of revival in the church? Are you?
Jesus said that He will build His church, and that the gates of hell will not prevail against it (Mat_16:18). Why then is the church losing her impact in America? Why is the sin and degradation of this country continuing to reach new depths of depravity? Why is it that we as a church are getting farther from holiness rather than closer to it? Why do we allow those "petty little sins" to infiltrate our ranks? In the book of Acts we can see how God's judgment was carried out on a member of the church telling a little white lie and how great fear came upon all the church, while the believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women (Act_5:1-14). Oh that great fear would come upon all the church in this day.
Thursday, December 13, 2007
Kept From Honor
Num. 24:11
The world and the rulers of it give honor one to another. Great riches, treasures, and praises change hands. As one does a favor to another honor is given by way of gratitude. As one aligns themselves with another, and hand join in hand (Pro 16:5) to accomplish some purpose, to gain some profit they honor one another. They praise each other, and deny that God has given them even the ability to do the works they do (Deu 8:14-17). The world also offers a measure of that honor to me. At what price will I sell out? What will it take? Popularity? Power? Profit? A combination of them? How much will it take? By God's grace I will count all of that as dung for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ (Php 3:8).
Soldiers are taught never to accept a gift from an enemy if they should be taken prisoner. Its understood that a gift from an enemy is given for the purpose of perverting judgment (Pro 17:23). The gift will win the captured soldier over to the enemy camp and secrets will be told.
Is it the glory and the honor of this world for which I search? I must ensure that I am not servicing God outwardly while seeking the praise of men. Search me O God, and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead in me in the way everlasting. (Psa 139:23-24). To receive and accept honor from this world is to be a friend of it. To seek that honor is death. Friendship with the world is enmity with God (Jas 4:4). Will I be God's enemy? I shall not be moved if the Lord withholds the honor of men from me. I am His servant, not man's (Col 3:23-25; Eph 6:5-8).
The world and the rulers of it give honor one to another. Great riches, treasures, and praises change hands. As one does a favor to another honor is given by way of gratitude. As one aligns themselves with another, and hand join in hand (Pro 16:5) to accomplish some purpose, to gain some profit they honor one another. They praise each other, and deny that God has given them even the ability to do the works they do (Deu 8:14-17). The world also offers a measure of that honor to me. At what price will I sell out? What will it take? Popularity? Power? Profit? A combination of them? How much will it take? By God's grace I will count all of that as dung for the excellency of the knowledge of Jesus Christ (Php 3:8).
Soldiers are taught never to accept a gift from an enemy if they should be taken prisoner. Its understood that a gift from an enemy is given for the purpose of perverting judgment (Pro 17:23). The gift will win the captured soldier over to the enemy camp and secrets will be told.
Is it the glory and the honor of this world for which I search? I must ensure that I am not servicing God outwardly while seeking the praise of men. Search me O God, and know my heart, try me and know my thoughts, and see if there be any wicked way in me, and lead in me in the way everlasting. (Psa 139:23-24). To receive and accept honor from this world is to be a friend of it. To seek that honor is death. Friendship with the world is enmity with God (Jas 4:4). Will I be God's enemy? I shall not be moved if the Lord withholds the honor of men from me. I am His servant, not man's (Col 3:23-25; Eph 6:5-8).
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)