Bible Pathways 02/19/2003
Read Numbers 14 -- 15
In Today 's Reading:
Moses interceded in prayer for the Israelites; Israel's wasted life; laws concerning offerings, sins, and the Sabbath
Leaving the wilderness of Sinai, the Israelites were led northward until they reached Kadesh-barnea where, for the first time, the people could actually see the promised land lying before them. The march from Egypt, including the 12-month stay at Mount Sinai (Horeb), had taken about 16 months. Now they stood on the threshold of that glorious promised land. A leader from each tribe had taken 40 days to spy out the land. When they returned, the Israelites were assured by all of them that Canaan really is flowing with milk and honey - here is some of its fruit! (Numbers 13:27). This was a confirmation of its extraordinary fruitfulness. Caleb, one of the 12, was quick to say: We should certainly go up and take possession of the land because we will surely win the victory (13:30). However, ten of the spies discouraged the people, saying: The people living in the land are strong; the cities are very heavily fortified (13:28,31). The whole community broke out in loud cries; the people wept all through the night. . . . The whole community moaned, If only we had died in the land of Egypt (14:1-2). This marked the end of their journey to the land of promise and the beginning of 38 years of wilderness wanderings.
The Israelites who wept all through the night remind us of Esau who had grown up disregarding his holy calling and had sold his birthright. For you know that later, when he wanted to inherit the blessing, he was rejected because he didn't find any opportunity for repentance, though he sought it (earnestly) with tears (Hebrews 12:17); but his prayers were not heard. His only interest had been in what he had to gain, not in how he could be used by the Lord.
Satan's objective is that your decisions be like the unbelieving Israelites and not like Caleb's. Satan seeks to divert a Christian's thoughts from trust in the Lord. Such diversion is in opposition to the single eye that takes God at His word, that puts the Lord first and foremost above all other considerations. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Hebrews 10:22).
Christ Revealed:
As God's glory (Numbers 14:22). Jesus Christ is the radiance of His glory, the exact expression of His nature (Hebrews 1:3).
Prayer Needs:
Government Officials: Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY) · Country: Qatar (724,000) in southwestern Asia · Major languages: Arabic and English · Muslim conversion to Christ is forbidden, but expatriate Christians are allowed to meet informally · 92% Muslim; 4% Protestant; 2% Roman Catholic; 1% Hindu; .5% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Pray for our nation, that it would truly be a Christan nation (Psalms 67:1-7).
Optional Reading: Luke 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:10
