Bible Pathways 02/18/2002
February 18
Read Numbers 12 -- 13
In Today's Reading:
A word of caution to all of us of what unbelief and fear can do. It also exposes the dangers of jealousy and distrust.
Verses for Today:
We came into the land where you sent us, and surely it flows with milk and honey. . . . Nevertheless the people are strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great. . . . We are not able to go up against the people; for they are stronger than we. . . . and all the people that we saw in it are men of a great stature. . . . and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight (Numbers 13:27-28).
Highlights:
Miriam and Aaron speak against Moses; Miriam stricken with leprosy; Moses prays for Miriam's healing and she was healed; 12 spies sent to Canaan; their report.
Twelve leaders of Israel, one from each tribe, were chosen to explore the Promised Land of Canaan (see Numbers 13:2-3). So the men went north and explored the land . . . and came to Hebron (13:21-22).
Hundreds of years earlier (see Genesis 13:14-18), Abraham had lived in Hebron. This was after God twice had promised him all the land of Canaan while he was still at Bethel. Unlike Abraham who had believed God, 10 of the spies failed to believe His promises. They could see only high walls and giants.
In contrast, Caleb spoke in faith when he said; Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome (Numbers 13:30). But the people refused to trust the Word God had promised to Abraham. They decided to rely on their own "good judgment" although God had promised: I will bring you into the land, concerning (My promise to) Abraham, to Isaac, and to Jacob; and I will give it for an heritage: I am the Lord (Exodus 6:8; see also Leviticus 14:34; 20:24).
To depend upon human reasoning in light of one's physical abilities instead of committing oneself to obedience of the Word of God reveals a lack of faith in God to fulfill His promises.
Many people today become frightened at the giants of difficulties; but nothing and no one can prevent the will of God from being accomplished. And, on that basis, every Christian, without exception, should experience the fulfillment of His promises through their lives.
Father, I come to Thee today,
In Jesus precious Name.
Help me unceasingly to pray,
And Thy great Word proclaim.
I claim Christ's conquest on the cross,
Subduing Satan's powers
That Thy cause may not suffer loss
In this dark and trying hour.
My way, to Thee I now commit
Claiming Thy promise still
That as I constantly submit
Thou wilt Thy plan fulfill.
M.E.H.
Our Creator is able to do exceeding abundantly above all that we ask or think, according to the (His) power that works in us (Ephesians 3:20).
A Thought from Psalms: With my whole heart have I sought You: O let me not wander from Your Commandments (119:10).
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses the servant. Christ is the Servant chosen by God (Numbers 12:8; Matthew 12:18).
Word Studies:
12:8 in dark speeches = difficult to understand words; similitude = visible likeness; 13:20 fat or lean = fertile or barren.
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Eliot Engel (NY) and Sen. John Warner (VA) · Pray for one another · Country: Sudan (34 million) at the eastern end of the Sahara Desert · Major languages: Arabic and Nubian · Limited religious freedom · 74% Muslim; 15% king worship, spirit-possession cults, and ancestral spirit worship; 5% Roman Catholic; 3% Protestant · Prayer Suggestion: Praise the Lord; our God is the Mighty God (Psalms 50:1).
Optional Reading: Luke 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:10
