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 carrying a single cluster of grapes so large it took two men to carry it, the Israelites were assured by all of them that Canaan flows with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it (Numbers 13:27). They had visible confirmation of its extraordinary fruitfulness. Caleb, one of the 12, was quick to say: Let us go up at once, and possess (take, occupy) it; for we are well able to overcome it (13:30). However, ten of the spies discouraged the people by saying: The people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great (13:28,31). And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. And all the children of Israel murmured (grumbled) . . . Would God (we wish) that we had died in the land of Egypt! or . . . had died in this wilderness! (14:1-2). This marked the end of their journey to the land of promise and began 38 years of wilderness wanderings, awaiting their death sentence.
The Israelites who wept that night remind us of Esau who had grown up regarding as worthless his holy calling and sold his birthright for one cheap meal. Afterward, when he would have inherited the blessing, he was rejected: for he found no place of repentance, though he sought it carefully with tears (Hebrews 12:17). Esau's prayers were not heard because his only interest had been in what he had to gain, not in how he could be a spiritual representative for the Lord.
Satan's objective is that our decisions be like Esau or the unbelieving Israelites and not like Caleb. 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 and 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).
Word Studies:
14:33 bear your whoredoms = suffer for your unfaithfulness; 15:30 doeth ought presumptuously = is guilty of a deliberate sin; 15:34 in ward = in custody; 15:38 ribband of blue = thread or cord of blue.
Christ Revealed:
As God's glory (Numbers 14:22). Jesus Christ is the brightness of His (God's) glory, and the express image of His person (Hebrews 1:3).
Pray For:
Government Officials: Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY) · Country: Panama (3 million) in southern Central America · Major languages: Spanish and English · Limited religious freedom · 78% Roman Catholic; 12% Protestant; 5% Muslim; .1% Eastern Orthodox · Prayer Suggestion: Exalt the Lord for He alone is holy (Psalm 99:9).
Optional Reading: Luke 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Matthew 5:10