Faith Honors God, and God Honors Faith
INTERESTING FACTS : "That book [Bible], sir, is the rock on which our republic rests." – PRESIDENT Andrew Jackson [7TH PRESIDENT OF THE UNITED STATES] 1
DAILY READING : [NUMBERS 26 – 27]
TEXT : Num 27:12 And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. Num 27:13 And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. Num 27:14 For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin.
THEME : ETERNAL LIFE
We see in chapter twenty five how effective the counsel of Balaam was in getting Israel to sin so God had to judge them. As previously stated, Balaam would not contradict the Word of God but was cunning enough to counsel Balak to get Israel to do so. He counseled Balak to let the women of Moab go after the men of Israel. Hence, as it was with Solomon, under the influence of the women, the men fell into the idol worship of the Moabites in addition to fornication. The Scripture indicates that Solomon's wives lead his heart astray, yet Solomon is held repso0nsible for his [own] actions. The same is true in Israel's case as well. Although Balaam gave the counsel, Israel nonetheless fell into the trap of disobeying God bringing judgment down from the Lord.
After the plague, God has Moses number Israel again. This was for the purpose of finding how many men were qualified to go to war. We should keep in mind as we read the Bible; Israel looms large in our minds. It may leave the impression that Israel was an exceeding large nation. However, in reality Israel was small compared to the nations that surrounded them. Thus, numbering the men able to go to war would lead to the obvious conclusion the Israelites must trust in God for victory, since in most cases they would have less men on the field of battle than their enemies. There is also a numbering to divide the land they would conquer according to the size of the tribes. Dividing a land you have not conquered or fought over shows the great faith of Moses and Joshua. It certainly infers there would be no defeat. Rather, it states through God they would occupy the land – against the odds. By way of comparison, the faith of Moses and Joshua represents the Christian faith as we await Christ's return. There is no doubt there are more unbelievers in the world than believers. Still, like Moses and Joshua and the children of Israel, we believe in the Word of the Lord. Christ will return and establish His kingdom that will rule over all the kingdoms of the world!
TRUTH FOR TODAY : FAITH HONORS GOD, AND GOD HONORS FAITH!
In chapter twenty seven God calls Moses home. He tells him to take a look at the land promised to Israel, but that he will not enter it. Moses, a true man of God, immediately thinks of who is going to lead God's people [a sign of His love for God and Israel] and God appoints Joshua. With this, Moses will climb the summit of Pisgah in the Abarim mountain range. He will see the Promised Land, but will not go in because of his rebellion against God's command at Meribah.
The phrase – "gathered unto the people" ["thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered" verse 13] is an Old Testament reference to the next life. In particular, it refers to the place of the righteous dead, as opposed to the place of the unrighteous dead. It is commonly thought the place of the righteous dead "Abraham's bosom" was a place of beauty, peace, rest, and fellowship with other saints that had passed on. However, the Old Testament saints did not see God or His throne etc. until Messiah came and paid the price for their eternal redemption. John Wesley comments on this statement - "Thou shalt be gathered unto thy people."
"Moses must die: but death does not cut him off; it only gathers him to his people, brings him to rest with the holy patriarchs that were gone before him. Abraham, Isaac and Jacob were his people, the people of his choice, and to them death gathered him."
We must never think of death as defeat. It is not, neither in the Old or New Testament. Rather, death is the reward of the just as well as the gift of God. Concerning death and the gift of Eternal Life Jesus said –
Joh 11:21 Then said Martha unto Jesus, Lord, if thou hadst been here, my brother had not died. Joh 11:22 But I know, that even now, whatsoever thou wilt ask of God, God will give it thee. Joh 11:23 Jesus saith unto her, Thy brother shall rise again. Joh 11:24 Martha saith unto him, I know that he shall rise again in the resurrection at the last day. Joh 11:25 Jesus said unto her, I am the resurrection, and the life: he that believeth in me, though he were dead, yet shall he live: Joh 11:26 And whosoever liveth and believeth in me shall never die. Believest thou this?
Moses was to be gathered unto his people like Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, etc. Even though he is not going in to the Promised Land here on earth, he is going in to the Promised Land in the Heavens, a land far more attractive and appealing than anything in this world. Moses faith honored God though he – like we – sinned against God. Yet, God is merciful and receives us into His Kingdom, even as He did Moses because God honors faith.
Notes:
- http://www.quotesdaddy.com/quote/31656/andrew-jackson/that-book-bible-sir-is-the-rock-on-which-our-republic ↩
We Must Stay Faithful to the Truth of God’s Word
INTERESTING FACTS : "We account the scriptures of God to be the most sublime philosophy. I find more sure marks of authenticity in the Bible than in any profane history whatsoever." SIR Isaac Newton, English MATHEMATICIAN, and scientist, 1642-1727 1
DAILY READING : [NUMBERS 23 – 25]
TEXT : Num 24:10 And Balac was angry with Balaam, and clapped his hands together; and Balac said to Balaam, I called thee to curse my enemy, and behold thou hast decidedly blessed him this third time. Num 24:11 Now therefore flee to thy place: I said, I will honour thee, but now the Lord has deprived thee of glory. Num 24:12 And Balaam said to Balac, Did I not speak to thy messengers also whom thou sentest to me, saying, Num 24:13 If Balac should give me his house full of silver and gold, I shall not be able to transgress the word of the Lord to make it good or bad by myself; whatsoever things God shall say, them will I speak. Num 24:14 And now, behold, I return to my place; come, I will advise thee of what this people shall do to thy people in the last days.
THEME : TRUTH
In chapter twenty-two of the Book of Numbers, we are introduced to an unusual character of the Bible named Balaam. Summoned by Israel's enemies to curse them, we discover there are noble qualities in Balaam. However, he stands as an enigma as well. For although Balaam hears from God in a real way, he also has the tendency to compromise. Specifically, on the one hand he refuses to negotiate the Word of God. He will not say anything more or less, than what God tells him. On the other hand, he looks for a way to side step the Word of God, and he does it with deception.
We read that Balaam states he cannot alter God's word for money and he tells Balak so. Still, with regard to his supposed commitment to God – one that appears to be unfaltering and fixed, we learn in the Analogy of Faith [comparing Scripture with Scripture] that he "loved the wages of unrighteousness." In other words, he prostituted his gift of hearing the Word of the Lord for money, although he "pretends" not to do so.
2Pe_2:15 Which have forsaken the right way, and are gone astray, following the way of Balaam the son of Bosor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness; / Jud_1:11 Woe unto them! for they have gone in the way of Cain, and ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying of Core.
These verses from second Peter and Jude show the need for careful study of the Scriptures, and demonstrate how we are never to build a doctrine on one or two verses. This is the "trick" of most cults. They build an entire body of "truth" around a single verse of Scripture and then promote it as God's Word. The Word of God is found – again, in the Analogy of Faith – comparing all of what the Bible has to say on a subject and not one verse or section of Scripture.
In any case, Balaam sells his relation with God [although he is called a soothsayer in Joshua 13:22] for the love of money. He speaks truth to a degree, including uttering a messianic prophecy [Num 24:17 I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth.]. Nevertheless, he is a man who erred from the faith for the love of money as we have seen.
1Ti 6:2 And they that have believing masters, let them not despise them, because they are brethren; but rather do them service, because they are faithful and beloved, partakers of the benefit. These things teach and exhort. 1Ti 6:3 If any man teach otherwise, and consent not to wholesome words, even the words of our Lord Jesus Christ, and to the doctrine which is according to godliness; 1Ti 6:4 He is proud, knowing nothing, but doting about questions and strifes of words, whereof cometh envy, strife, railings, evil surmisings, 1Ti 6:5 Perverse disputings of men of corrupt minds, and destitute of the truth, supposing that gain is godliness: from such withdraw thyself. 1Ti 6:6 But godliness with contentment is great gain. 1Ti 6:7 For we brought nothing into this world, and it is certain we can carry nothing out. 1Ti 6:8 And having food and raiment let us be therewith content. 1Ti 6:9 But they that will be rich fall into temptation and a snare, and into many foolish and hurtful lusts, which drown men in destruction and perdition. 1Ti 6:10 For the love of money is the root of all evil: which while some coveted after, they have erred from the faith, and pierced themselves through with many sorrows. 1Ti 6:11 But thou, O man of God, flee these things; and follow after righteousness, godliness, faith, love, patience, meekness.
Balaam also counseled Balak on how to get God to be angry with them, and judge them. John Gill comments from Numbers 31:16 –
"Behold, these caused the children of Israel, through the counsel of Balaam,.... Who advised the Midianites to send their women into the camp of Israel, and allure them to uncleanness, and so draw them into idolatry, which counsel they followed and it succeeded; for, by this means, they were brought to commit trespass against the Lord in the matter of Peor; by worshipping Baalpeor, the god of the Moabites and Midianites; whereby they transgressed the commandment of God, which forbid them having and worshipping any other gods besides him, and is a sin highly offensive to him, being greatly derogatory to his honour and glory: and there was a plague among the congregation of the Lord; for that sin; and in that plague died 24,000 persons." [Num_25:9.]
TRUTH FOR TODAY : WE MUST STAY FAITHFUL TO THE TRUTH OF GOD'S wORD!
What is worse than meeting, hearing, reading, or listening to a patently false prophet or teacher, is following a good teacher who has a fatal flaw. In other words, many false teachers are obvious. Most Christians will not listen to them or follow them. Yet, Christians will listen to someone who enjoys a reputation for orthodoxy or for admiration as a reputable teacher of the Bible. These modern Balaam's are harder to detect than the more flagrant, false teacher is.
The Church is filled today with false teachers and teachings. Yet, these men and women draw enormous crowds because what they speak about is what the people want to hear. However, the size of the crowd and the popularity of the teacher does not mean they speak the truth. We read in Jeremiah –
Jer 5:30 A wonderful and horrible thing is committed in the land; Jer 5:31 The prophets prophesy falsely, and the priests bear rule by their means; and my people love to have it so: and what will ye do in the end thereof?
What is frightening about these modern Balaam's is that they may utter truth about many doctrines of the Bible. Still, it is that one heretical teaching the poisons all the rest. This is why we need today to seek the old paths. God counseled Israel during Jeremiah's ministry to seek for the ways of the Bible, then abandoned. He told them they would find rest for their souls [minds] in the truth of what was then past. Yet, they said they would not.
Jer 6:16 Thus saith the LORD, Stand ye in the ways, and see, and ask for the old paths, where is the good way, and walk therein, and ye shall find rest for your souls. But they said, We will not walk therein.
The greatest need in the Church today is Biblical literacy and understanding. We must view and judge the world by God's truth, not the false teacher's. in this way, we will be able to avoid the counsel of Balaam and the judgment of God. Yet, will the people have it so? Remember, every tongue needs an ear. We must pray that God gives us "ears to hear," so we will not be taken in by the Balaam's of this age. We must stay faithful to the truth of God's Word, for that is the only sure path to peace and security.
Notes:
- http://www.why-the-bible.com/bible.htm ↩
God is No Respector of Persons
INTERESTING FACTS : "The secret of my success? It is simple. It is found in the Bible." George Washington Carver 1http://bibleresources.bible.com/Bquotes.php[/ref
DAILY READING : [NUMBERS 18 – 20] [NUMBERS 21 – 22]
TEXT : Num 20:1 Then came the children of Israel, even the whole congregation, into the desert of Zin in the first month: and the people abode in Kadesh; and Miriam died there, and was buried there. Num 20:2 And there was no water for the congregation: and they gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. Num 20:3 And the people chode with Moses, and spake, saying, Would God that we had died when our brethren died before the LORD! Num 20:4 And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there? Num 20:5 And wherefore have ye made us to come up out of Egypt, to bring us in unto this evil place? it is no place of seed, or of figs, or of vines, or of pomegranates; neither is there any water to drink. Num 20:6 And Moses and Aaron went from the presence of the assembly unto the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, and they fell upon their faces: and the glory of the LORD appeared unto them. Num 20:7 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Num 20:8 Take the rod, and gather thou the assembly together, thou, and Aaron thy brother, and speak ye unto the rock before their eyes; and it shall give forth his water, and thou shalt bring forth to them water out of the rock: so thou shalt give the congregation and their beasts drink. Num 20:9 And Moses took the rod from before the LORD, as he commanded him. Num 20:10 And Moses and Aaron gathered the congregation together before the rock, and he said unto them, Hear now, ye rebels; must we fetch you water out of this rock? Num 20:11 And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also. Num 20:12 And the LORD spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them
THEME : THE LAW
"Behold the goodness and severity of God," wrote the Apostle Paul in Romans 11:22. He went on to say – "on them which fell, severity; but toward thee, goodness, if thou continue in his goodness: otherwise thou also shalt be cut off." As we read the Pentateuch [the first five Books of the Bible], we see this truth. God is God, His Law is His Law, and no one is free from its punishments or rewards. All Law – in theory, knows no exemptions, even though we realize this is not the case in life. Yet, with God's Law – especially when Moses first received it – knew no exemptions, not even Moses himself.
Again, in our text, we see the complaints and unbelief of the children of Israel. In fairness, it was a hard way. Unlike so many of our problems that have to do with living, their problems often had a direct relation to life itself. In other words, they had no water. There were enemies that would have killed them. God rained "bread" out of the sky daily with none left over except on Friday – Saturday. Therefore, we can empathize to some degree with their fears. Life, not merely living, was always on the line. Further, without approving their unbelief, we can see why going back to Egypt was a temptation. Although they were slaves, the Egyptians fed and housed them. Therefore, this journey in the desert handed Israel anxieties and fears most people never see in this life. Their problems had to do with life itself – that is, survival and staying alive, and not simply living and the many hardships associated with functioning while on earth.
There is a likeness with the Apostles of Christ. Some of their troubles involved real danger and not merely feeling anxious about a problem. For instance, when they launched their boat across the Sea of Galilee, the storm they faced was real. The water that filled the boat was also real. Jesus, asleep on the boat, looks like He is unaware or unconcerned. Yet, the Apostles, four of them experienced fishermen, knew the real danger they faced. However, when they awaken the Master, He calmly stops the storm with His Word, and issues a mild rebuke for their unbelief! We do not realize at times, the danger Bible characters were in when we criticize them for their unbelief or depression about God. When reading the Bible, it is good to know the background of the Book, and to real the details of the story. This will help us to empathize with the characters without, once again, supporting their rebellion and lack of faith. It will also help us to have faith in God when we compare our dilemmas and problems to theirs. This is how we build faith in God. We learn from the examples of others – good and bad.
TRUTH FOR TODAY : GOD IS NO RESPECTER OF PERSONS
Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it as directed by God is the reason God condemns Moses. How many students and readers of the Bible have thought to themselves [when they come across this passage] that God seems too strict? Well, the answer to that question is simpler than may appear.
First, although Moses is a great man of God, he is nevertheless a man. He has limits and weaknesses – just like you and me. He suffers from fatigue, irritation, impatience, and anger. With that in mind, we see Moses, like other Biblical characters are not "superhuman." They are men and women who have the same nature we have.
Second, it is an encouragement to see great men and women of God fail. I say this not because we rejoice in their failing, but because we empathize with their losing strength, and at times, losing faith. In other words, we see the characters of the Bible as human beings and not superheroes. In fact, all the exploits the figures in the Bible perform are not their through their gifts and talents – they are through God's. God does the work. Therefore, we have the doctrine of God's grace. Grace is a gift of [from] God that changes and lets men to do what normally he or she could not or would not do. The grace of God enables all the men and women of the Bible under both covenants to conquer. That is, about what they did for Him, or in His Name.
Third, on the severe punishment of Moses and Aaron when Moses struck the rock. We must keep in mind that Moses leadership in not one of simple spirituality or presiding over religious services. No, he is the lawgiver. In addition, we have seen the Law was comprehensive in that in took in civil, criminal, spiritual, and military law. Because of this, Moses as the representative for God must uphold a higher standard than everyone else. Just as it is in politics or the military, laws that do not apply to ordinary citizens apply to those in authority. In addition, punishment is usually greater for the leader of a nation than it is for the common person. We understand this intuitively. Therefore, when Moses lost his temper and struck the rock, he not only set a bad example of the Law that he delivered, but he also did God a disservice by taking away His glory – that is, the glory due His Name. Had Moses spoke to the rock, no one would doubt they had seen yet another miracle, further stressing God's presence among them.
Lastly, Moses made the mistake of saying "must we" fetch you water from the rock. This of course, is a reference to him and Aaron. Once again, God did not receive the glory as He commanded when Moses did not follow His order. We must not however think the judgment on Moses and Aaron was too severe. For God gave Aaron a noble burial by telling Moses how to bury him after taking his priestly garments off and giving them to Aaron's son. Moreover, in Moses case, God buries Moses Himself where no one can see or know the location. We reserve these types of funerals in our world, for dignitaries and enormously popular people. Therefore, although the judgment at first glance seems harsh, there are reasonable motives and explanations on why this must be so.
When it comes to leadership in the Church, the Scriptures tell us not to be many teachers or leaders. "My brethren, be not many masters [lit. instructors], knowing that we shall receive the greater condemnation. [Jas 3:1] As we see in Moses case, those who lead and teach will be held to a higher standard of judgment – in this life and the next - then the ordinary Christian. We see this is a principle of Scripture, and we can observe it in the world as well. It is a law – that is, that those who lead, teach, lecture etc. will be judged more strictly then those who are not in positions of authority. I should add, for the Christian who is frequently giving advice from the Bible, or frequently correcting their fellow Christian regarding the Word of God, whether officially appointed or not, they have set themselves up as a "master." Because of this, God will expect more from them and judge them stricter – in this world and the next.
Notes:
We Walk By Faith, Not Presumption
INTERESTING FACTS : "The existence of the Bible is a book for the people. It's the greatest benefit the human race has ever experienced. Every attempt to belittle it is a crime against humanity." Immanuel Kant 1
DAILY READING [NUMBERS 14 – 15]
TEXT : Num 14:1 And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried; and the people wept that night. Num 14:2 And all the children of Israel murmured against Moses and against Aaron: and the whole congregation said unto them, Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! or would God we had died in this wilderness! Num 14:3 And wherefore hath the LORD brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword, that our wives and our children should be a prey? were it not better for us to return into Egypt? Num 14:4 And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.
THEME : UNBELIEF
We see in chapter fourteen, the result unbelief has on the congregation of Israel when they trust the heads of their tribes. That is, we see what a powerful influence authority is – for better or worse. After the ten spies give their evil report of the land – contradicting the Word of God, the people fall in behind them and join in their evil report. The influence of leaders they trusted had a negative impact on their lives. Even more so, since the punishment of wandering for forty years in the wilderness, and not ever seeing the Promised Land applied to everyone. What a great responsibility it is to be in spiritual leadership and to lead the people according to the Word of God and not by our fears, feelings, emotions, and prejudice. The true leader in the Church will uphold the Word of God, and not permit themselves the luxury of indulging their own anxieties that in turn, affects and influences so many others.
Again, we see the reward of faith, as the curse of not seeing the Promised Land does not fall on Joshua or Caleb. Since they had "another spirit" in them, they also had a different fate. They would see the Promised Land, and Joshua would become the leader of Israel after Moses death. We see here, that among God's people, that is, in the midst of the people who congregate in His Name, not all have faith. Like the parable of the wheat and tares told by Jesus, the Church has true believers and false brethren mixed together, and at times it difficult to tell them apart. That is, until stressful, taxing, or demanding times fall on a congregation. Then, it is plain to see where the faith of the individuals lies. God has always tested His people to see what is in them, and in sending out the twelve spies, it was no different.
Still, the power of unbelief that originated with the ten spies, spread like an evil disease among the people. So great was their anger and fear of dying – either in battle or in the wilderness – that they speak of stoning Joshua and Caleb. Presumably, they would have stoned Moses and Aaron as well. The Lord complains that no matter how many miracles they see, they never come to the place of trust in Him. God's anger is great, as he speaks of destroying all of them and making a new nation of Moses.
However, Moses reminds God of His reputation, and how the Egyptians would presume the Lord could not deliver on His Word to establish Israel. Again, we see the power of intercessory prayer and what it can do. Still, the ten spies die in a plague of the Lord, and the people, though spared, are sentenced to wander for forty years in the desert – one year for each day the spies were in the land.
TRUTH FOR TODAY : WE WALK BY FAITH NOT PRESUMPTION
Man is an amazing bundle of contradictions, and Israel displays this in chapter fourteen. Once judgment is pronounced the people are remorseful and decide they will attack the enemy. Moses warns them not to do this. He tells them God is not with them in this confrontation. Still, they will not listen. Therefore, they go after the Amalekites and Canaanites and lose the battle. When asked to fight, they would not. When told not to fight, they do. In both cases we have the same underlying sin – unbelief. Perhaps I should add disobedience. In verse forty four, it says they went up in "presumption." Presumptuous is defined as – "failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate. " [Oxford English Dictionary] Presumption of God's favor and blessing, especially in fighting their enemies, would be a problem in Israel's history until they finally go into captivity and lose their nation.
Jesus taught that we must walk by the Words that proceed from God's mouth. Any other approach to God is presumption, not faith. All presumption is based on contradicting plain statements in the Word of God and disobeying them. It is – "failing to observe the limits of what is permitted or appropriate." When God says something in the Bible we must agree with Him. This is true faith. To do otherwise is unbelief, no matter how good or noble it may seem.
Many preachers today are clever with the use of words in their speeches. Specifically, they can take verses out of their immediate context and the context of the Bible as a whole in order to fabricate a meaning or doctrine that suits the hearer. Though the average Christian with the help of God's Spirit can understand the plain meaning of Biblical texts, they are willing to listen and obey a doctrine or system of belief contrary to both the spirit and letter of God's Word. This is rebellion and presumption and must be avoided at all costs. Waling by faith is saying what God says – no more and no less. Adding or subtracting to God's Word is strictly forbidden.
Therefore, let us learn from the lesson we glean from the Bible and become followers of true men and women of faith – such as Joshua and Caleb. Let us also shun the unbelief of those in the Bible who walked by sight, feelings, emotions, and opinions. The men and women of faith and unbelief in the Bible are held before our eyes to decide – which will I be? Let us walk by faith and not presumption.
Notes:
- http://bibleresources.bible.com/Bquotes.php ↩
We Walk By Faith
INTERESTING FACTS : Old Testament books were scrolls, a strip of animal skin that was rolled up on two sticks. One ancient copy of the book of Isaiah is twenty-four feet long. 1
DAILY READING [NUMBERS 11 – 13]
TEXT : Num 13:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Num 13:2 Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel: of every tribe of their fathers shall ye send a man, everyone a ruler among them.
THEME : FAITH
As the children of Israel approach the land promised to their forefathers – Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, God gives an order to send men to search out the land. No doubt, all of them had heard for centuries of the covenant made with Abraham, and now they would finally see what God had sworn to give them.
The leaders or heads of each tribe are chosen to be the witnesses to this Promised Land. We would expect these men – because they have such responsibility and influence on their families – to be men of great faith. However, we will soon learn they are not. That is, ten of them are not men of faith. Only two heads of the tribes – Joshua and Caleb are true men of faith, who will not walk by sight but by the Word that proceeds from the mouth of the Lord. This path – one of walking and believing what God has said rather than by the sight of the eyes has always been the pattern for men of faith. In addition, unbelief in men of position and prominence who give an evil report of the promises and principles of God has also been the testimony of the Holy Scriptures and history. Yet, there have always been true men of God in every generation who will not bow to the opinion of the majority, but will give glory to God, testifying with their voice and their lives by obeying God.
After forty days in the land, it is Joshua and Caleb who, seeing the same giants and walled cities the others saw, state they are able to defeat the Canaanites. The other ten, see insurmountable obstacles. They forget their God who has been providing for them since their deliverance from Egypt. Plato said – ""Remember how in that communion only, beholding beauty with the eye of the mind, he will be enabled to bring forth, not images of beauty, but realities (for he has hold not of an image but of a reality), and bringing forth and nourishing true virtue to become the friend of God and be immortal, if mortal man may." 2 From this quote we get the paraphrase - "beauty is in the eye of the beholder." All twelve of these spies should have been the friend of God and seen – by faith, what God said concerning His promise and power. Instead they walked by their eyes and ears rather than God's Word.
The ten men who brought an evil report against God and His Word with Joshua and Caleb, all saw the same people and fortifications. Ten said "we cannot," two said "we can." Of course, we know which men God favored. For – "the just shall live by his faith." We learn in chapter fourteen that the ten who brought the evil report died by the plague, and Joshua and Caleb lived long on the land and conquered.
TRUTH FOR TODAY : WE WALK BY FAITH!
We know – "For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." [Rom 15:4] As we read the Bible, we observe the lives of people and how they respond to God and His Word. The heroes of faith recorded in Hebrews chapter eleven in the New Testament, like the ten spies, saw what everyone everywhere saw. The difference was - the heroes of faith did not let the world with all of its challenges, obstacles, and opposition discourage them from believing God. Like the salmon that swims upstream in riverbeds and small streams to spawn [though adult salmon live in the depths of the Pacific Ocean] true men and women of God walk according to the ways of God's Word which, is contrary to the ways of the world.
We must emulate the Joshua's and Caleb's of the Bible. We must not… "be not slothful, but followers of them who through faith and patience inherit the promises." [Heb 6:12] True faith in God is a fight as the Apostle Paul shares. "For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand. I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." [2 Ti 4: 6 – 8] For we too are in a wilderness and we are walking to our Promised Land as the Scriptures say.
"For we know that if our earthly house of this tabernacle were dissolved, we have a building of God, an house not made with hands, eternal in the heavens. For in this we groan, earnestly desiring to be clothed upon with our house which is from heaven: If so be that being clothed we shall not be found naked. For we that are in this tabernacle do groan, being burdened: not for that we would be unclothed, but clothed upon, that mortality might be swallowed up of life. Now he that hath wrought us for the selfsame thing is God, who also hath given unto us the earnest of the Spirit. Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord. Wherefore we labour, that, whether present or absent, we may be accepted of him. For we must all appear before the judgment seat of Christ; that every one may receive the things done in his body, according to that he hath done, whether it be good or bad. Knowing therefore the terror of the Lord, we persuade men; but we are made manifest unto God; and I trust also are made manifest in your consciences. [2 Cor 5:1 – 11]
Commentary on Numbers 11 & 12
INTERESTING FACTS : "The Bible is no mere book, but it's a living creature with a power that conquers all who oppose it." Napoleon BONAPARTE 1
DAILY READING : [NUMBERS 10 – 12]
TEXT : The eleventh and twelfth chapters of the Book of Numbers has so many principles of Scripture that apply to the Christian, I think it is beneficial to make this a commentary – devotional. Therefore, let us look at some of the lessons provided for us in these two chapters.
NUMBERS 11
Num 11:1 And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp.
- We see here God does not take complaining against His ways lightly. It should also be noted God gets angry. The anger of God and His judgment against His own people is a truth found in both the Old and New Testament. We need to be careful as we walk with Christ of our attitude towards His command and His ordained path – a straight and narrow one.
Num 11:2 And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched. Num 11:3 And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them.
- Next we see the power of intercessory prayer. Often in the Bible we see what God can do [or stop doing] when people – in particular those is leadership, pray on behalf of God's people, the nation, communities, etc. We must never underestimate the power of prayer, and be untiring in our practice of it.
Num 11:4 And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? Num 11:5 We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: Num 11:6 But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. Num 11:7 And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium. Num 11:8 And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil. Num 11:9 And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it.
- As soon as one judgment stops, another starts. Again, it is in response to the people's complaint against the Lord. Notice there is a mixed multitude among the Israelites. The same is true in the Church. Not everyone who is a member of a local Church or attends services has a heart after God. We must be sure to watch ourselves, and not be led astray by those whose bitterness, murmuring, and complaining will infect the rest of the Body of Christ. At times, we must separate ourselves even from those who sit around us. Looking back at the world that Christ saved us from, and desiring to return is forbidden by Christ. However, if we are not wise about the company we keep – even in the Church; their carnal ambitions will soon become ours as well.
Num 11:10 Then Moses heard the people weep throughout their families, every man in the door of his tent: and the anger of the LORD was kindled greatly; Moses also was displeased. Num 11:11 And Moses said unto the LORD, Wherefore hast thou afflicted thy servant? and wherefore have I not found favour in thy sight, that thou layest the burden of all this people upon me? Num 11:12 Have I conceived all this people? have I begotten them, that thou shouldest say unto me, Carry them in thy bosom, as a nursing father beareth the sucking child, unto the land which thou swarest unto their fathers? Num 11:13 Whence should I have flesh to give unto all this people? for they weep unto me, saying, Give us flesh, that we may eat. Num 11:14 I am not able to bear all this people alone, because it is too heavy for me. Num 11:15 And if thou deal thus with me, kill me, I pray thee, out of hand, if I have found favour in thy sight; and let me not see my wretchedness.
- True ministry for God and by God has never been easy. Contrary to what carnal and ignorant Christians may think, the ministry of God's Spirit in the man ordained to lead God's Church, is an arduous task. Here Moses asks to die if He must continue listening and leading these people. We also observe His anger with the people. We must remember to pray for those in authority in the Church, for if they are truly called of God, they have a difficult "row to hoe." Real ministry for Christ is notorious for ruining the health and welfare of the minister as both the Bible and history testify.
Num 11:16 And the LORD said unto Moses, Gather unto me seventy men of the elders of Israel, whom thou knowest to be the elders of the people, and officers over them; and bring them unto the tabernacle of the congregation, that they may stand there with thee. Num 11:17 And I will come down and talk with thee there: and I will take of the spirit which is upon thee, and will put it upon them; and they shall bear the burden of the people with thee, that thou bear it not thyself alone.
- Delegation of ministerial duties is necessary in the life of the Church. However, the leader whether elder, pastor, bishop, etc. must discern who is called as well as qualified. There is an old saying – "God qualifies those He calls, and calls those He qualifies." Far too often, delegation of ministerial duties – that is, positions of leadership in the Church, is a political contest or one of popularity rather than prayerful consideration and sticking to the guidelines of the Word of God. Again, this has caused unspeakable to damage to the lives of those who depend on godly leadership, since sinful and ambitious men always seek positions of control. We must pray for God's ordained leadership to be found and put in place so the Church can function properly without burning out the pastor and the people.
Num 11:18 And say thou unto the people, Sanctify yourselves against to morrow, and ye shall eat flesh: for ye have wept in the ears of the LORD, saying, Who shall give us flesh to eat? for it was well with us in Egypt: therefore the LORD will give you flesh, and ye shall eat. Num 11:19 Ye shall not eat one day, nor two days, nor five days, neither ten days, nor twenty days; Num 11:20 But even a whole month, until it come out at your nostrils, and it be loathsome unto you: because that ye have despised the LORD which is among you, and have wept before him, saying, Why came we forth out of Egypt?
- Here, the axiom – "Be careful what you pray for. You just may get it." - is the watchword. The people complained so much for what they wanted that God gave it to them. When they were done eating, they were nauseous and dissatisfied with their own requests. Many were dead! Hudson Taylor, the missionary to China in the 19th century once said – "God gives His best to those who leave the choice with Him." This should be our motto as well.
Num 11:21 And Moses said, The people, among whom I am, are six hundred thousand footmen; and thou hast said, I will give them flesh, that they may eat a whole month. Num 11:22 Shall the flocks and the herds be slain for them, to suffice them? or shall all the fish of the sea be gathered together for them, to suffice them? Num 11:23 And the LORD said unto Moses, Is the LORD'S hand waxed short? thou shalt see now whether my word shall come to pass unto thee or not.
- It appears that the unbelief of the people even rubs off on Moses as He has doubts how [he] will supply all the meat the people want. Yet, God encourages him, that He is able to do anything. This is a reminder that God is leading the Church, not the Church leading God.
Num 11:24 And Moses went out, and told the people the words of the LORD, and gathered the seventy men of the elders of the people, and set them round about the tabernacle. Num 11:25 And the LORD came down in a cloud, and spake unto him, and took of the spirit that was upon him, and gave it unto the seventy elders: and it came to pass, that, when the spirit rested upon them, they prophesied, and did not cease. Num 11:26 But there remained two of the men in the camp, the name of the one was Eldad, and the name of the other Medad: and the spirit rested upon them; and they were of them that were written, but went not out unto the tabernacle: and they prophesied in the camp. Num 11:27 And there ran a young man, and told Moses, and said, Eldad and Medad do prophesy in the camp. Num 11:28 And Joshua the son of Nun, the servant of Moses, one of his young men, answered and said, My lord Moses, forbid them. Num 11:29 And Moses said unto him, Enviest thou for my sake? would God that all the LORD'S people were prophets, and that the LORD would put his spirit upon them!
- As the Spirit of the Lord falls on the seventy elders, they prophesy. This is similar to the second chapter of Acts when God poured out His Spirit on the Church. After Christ returns to Heaven, there is more than one Prophet [Christ]. There are hundreds. This is the plan of God for His people. However, Joshua is jealous for Moses, as the disciples were of those who cast out devils in Jesus name because they did not walk with their group. The same is true of the day of Pentecost. It is God's plan to have all His people working for Him. Even Moses does not own the people of God. It is God's prerogative to "give the Kingdom" to whomever He will.
Num 11:30 And Moses gat him into the camp, he and the elders of Israel. Num 11:31 And there went forth a wind from the LORD, and brought quails from the sea, and let them fall by the camp, as it were a day's journey on this side, and as it were a day's journey on the other side, round about the camp, and as it were two cubits high upon the face of the earth. Num 11:32 And the people stood up all that day, and all that night, and all the next day, and they gathered the quails: he that gathered least gathered ten homers: and they spread them all abroad for themselves round about the camp. Num 11:33 And while the flesh was yet between their teeth, ere it was chewed, the wrath of the LORD was kindled against the people, and the LORD smote the people with a very great plague. Num 11:34 And he called the name of that place Kibrothhattaavah: because there they buried the people that lusted. Num 11:35 And the people journeyed from Kibrothhattaavah unto Hazeroth; and abode at Hazeroth.
- Finally the people got what they wanted – and many of the people died. How fitting an illustration of those who pervert the Gospel to say what it never said as people grab for wealth, popularity, fame, prestige etc. – all of which is contrary to the teaching of Christ – only to have their end be as these unfortunate souls. Death through desire! Let our words be - "Thy will be done, not My will be done."
NUMBERS 12
Num 12:1 And Miriam and Aaron spake against Moses because of the Ethiopian woman whom he had married: for he had married an Ethiopian woman. Num 12:2 And they said, Hath the LORD indeed spoken only by Moses? hath he not spoken also by us? And the LORD heard it.
- The rebellion against God ordained leadership continues as Moses own brother and sister oppose him; in particular his marriage to the Ethiopian woman. Once again, God is not pleased. Notice the attempt at equality when Aaron and Miriam claim the "same" anointing as Moses. We must be clear about this truth – although all of are saved by the same Spirit and called to work for God, not all of us have the same office. Therefore, in some respects' the calling of God varies in degrees. We must not make the mistake to think the Holy Spirit gives His anointing equally to all Christians. He does not. Some have greater and lesser responsibilities. That was the issue here. Aaron and Miriam forgot their "place."
Num 12:3 (Now the man Moses was very meek, above all the men which were upon the face of the earth.)
- Critics of the Bible often use this verse as a "proof" God did not write the Bible, or that Moses did not write the Pentateuch. However, we find no difficulty with Moses making this statement about himself since the men who wrote the Bible were obligated to put on paper whatever God spoke. Many statements in the Bible are hard to explain or grasp.
Num 12:4 And the LORD spake suddenly unto Moses, and unto Aaron, and unto Miriam, Come out ye three unto the tabernacle of the congregation. And they three came out. Num 12:5 And the LORD came down in the pillar of the cloud, and stood in the door of the tabernacle, and called Aaron and Miriam: and they both came forth. Num 12:6 And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I the LORD will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream.
- Like children, God calls them "suddenly" to be dealt with. He goes on to explain how He will speak to His prophets, keeping in mind if the prophesy did not happen, the death penalty was the price of presumption.
Num 12:7 My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. Num 12:8 With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of the LORD shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses? Num 12:9 And the anger of the LORD was kindled against them; and he departed.
- Those who fear God are slow to speak against God ordained leadership. However, even the best of saints can slip into this trap of the enemy. More than that, as Jesus said, at times your worst enemy concerning the Gospel lives in your home. This is a fact we observe here in Moses case.
Num 12:10 And the cloud departed from off the tabernacle; and, behold, Miriam became leprous, white as snow: and Aaron looked upon Miriam, and, behold, she was leprous. Num 12:11 And Aaron said unto Moses, Alas, my lord, I beseech thee, lay not the sin upon us, wherein we have done foolishly, and wherein we have sinned. Num 12:12 Let her not be as one dead, of whom the flesh is half consumed when he cometh out of his mother's womb.
- The Apostle Paul wrote - "behold the goodness and severity of God." We understand that God can be our greatest friend or most fearsome foe, depending on our response and behavior to His Word. We also see here that God is not a respecter of persons. Unlike us, God does not pacify the rich, influential, or prominent members of society. His laws are distributed and executed equally – for better or for worse.
Num 12:13 And Moses cried unto the LORD, saying, Heal her now, O God, I beseech thee. Num 12:14 And the LORD said unto Moses, If her father had but spit in her face, should she not be ashamed seven days? let her be shut out from the camp seven days, and after that let her be received in again. Num 12:15 And Miriam was shut out from the camp seven days: and the people journeyed not till Miriam was brought in again. Num 12:16 And afterward the people removed from Hazeroth, and pitched in the wilderness of Paran.
- One more time, we see the power of intercession. We cannot forget the influence our prayers have in the Heavens. Miriam is forgiven and healed through Moses intercession. This this reminds us of the exhortation in James - And the prayer of faith shall save the sick, and the Lord shall raise him up; and if he have committed sins, they shall be forgiven him. [Jam 5: 15]
Notes:
- http://bibleresources.bible.com/Bquotes.php ↩
God Will Guide Us Into All Truth!
INTERESTING FACTS : "It is impossible to enslave mentally or socially a Bible-reading people. The principles of the Bible are the groundwork of human freedom." Horace Greeley 1
DAILY READING : [NUMBERS 7 – 9]
TEXT : Num 9:16 So it was alway: the cloud covered it by day, and the appearance of fire by night. Num 9:17 And when the cloud was taken up from the tabernacle, then after that the children of Israel journeyed: and in the place where the cloud abode, there the children of Israel pitched their tents. Num 9:18 At the commandment of the LORD the children of Israel journeyed, and at the commandment of the LORD they pitched: as long as the cloud abode upon the tabernacle they rested in their tents. Num 9:19 And when the cloud tarried long upon the tabernacle many days, then the children of Israel kept the charge of the LORD, and journeyed not. Num 9:20 And so it was, when the cloud was a few days upon the tabernacle; according to the commandment of the LORD they abode in their tents, and according to the commandment of the LORD they journeyed. Num 9:21 And so it was, when the cloud abode from even unto the morning, and that the cloud was taken up in the morning, then they journeyed: whether it was by day or by night that the cloud was taken up, they journeyed. Num 9:22 Or whether it were two days, or a month, or a year, that the cloud tarried upon the tabernacle, remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not: but when it was taken up, they journeyed. Num 9:23 At the commandment of the LORD they rested in the tents, and at the commandment of the LORD they journeyed: they kept the charge of the LORD, at the commandment of the LORD by the hand of Moses.
THEME : GUIDANCE
In the text above, as Moses directs the setting up of the Tabernacle, God then guides the children of Israel through the wilderness of Sinai. The Presence of God in the Tabernacle does this supernaturally. When the cloud of God's Glory moved in the daytime, then the children of Israel moved. When the fire of God's Glory moved at night, then the children of Israel moved. However, we notice in the text the periods of remaining in tents or travelling to parts unknown were not equal. The travels of Israel through the desert was a matter of days, months, or years as we read in verse twenty two. Israel was dependent on God for everything from food and water, to victory in war and guidance where to go. Nothing was done without God's aid. John Gill elaborates.
"Sometimes it tarried but half a day, sometimes a whole day, sometimes two days, at other times a whole month, and even a year; a full year, as the Targum of Jonathan and Aben Ezra; or a longer time, as the Vulgate Latin version, for in one place it tarried eighteen years, as Maimonides says (g); some say (h) nineteen years, as in Kadeshbarnea: remaining thereon, the children of Israel abode in their tents, and journeyed not; so that, as the same writer observes, it was not because the children of Israel lost their way in the wilderness and wandered about, not knowing where they were, or which way they should go; hence the Arabians call the wilderness, the wilderness of wandering, nor that they were so long wandering in it as forty years, but because it was the will of God that should stay so long at one place, and so long at another, whereby their stay in it was protracted to such a length of time, according to his sovereign will: but when it was taken up they journeyed; though they had continued ever so long, and their situation ever so agreeable."
Therefore, we learn that Israel had to be constantly prepared, not knowing when God would call on them to go one way or the other at His command. No doubt, this took patience and faith. Our journey to the Kingdom is similar because we are equally dependent on God to carry us on eagle's wings as He did Israel. He must guide us through the desert of this world, which is our wilderness of wandering, and lead us to our Eternal home.
TRUTH FOR TODAY : GOD WILL GUIDE US INTO ALL TRUTH!
When Jesus departed and returned to Heaven, He told us he would not leave us as orphans – abandoned. He promised to give "another Comforter," the Holy Spirit who would guide us into all truth.
"Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. He shall glorify me: for he shall receive of mine, and shall shew it unto you." [Joh 16:13 – 14] Adam Clarke explains.
"He will guide you - He will consider your feeble infant state; and, as a father leads his child by the hand, so will the Holy Spirit lead and guide you. He shall not speak of himself - He shall teach nothing contrary to what I have taught you: But whatsoever he shall hear - Of the Father and me, that he shall speak, and thus show the intimate consent between himself, the Father, and Christ. It is one conjoint testimony, in which the honor and glory of the holy Trinity, and man's salvation are equally concerned. And he will show you things to come - He will fully explain everything that may now appear dark or difficult to you; will give you such a knowledge of futurity as shall, in all necessary cases, enable you to foretell future events; and shall supply every requisite truth, in order to make the new covenant revelation complete and perfect."
As Christians, we do not understand how much we are dependent on the Holy Spirit of God. Thankfully, He is more active in our lives than we are aware. For if the Holy Spirit waited on us to realize our need of Him we would have perished already. So, as the cloud was to Israel, so the Holy Spirit is to us. He leads and guides us on His own. Moses did not control the movement of Israel. Neither did he have any part in dictating when the cloud would move or stay. It was completely in God's Hands.
In the same way, Christ is the Head of His Church – not Man. Man often thinks he is in control, but this is an ignorant and misguided belief. God will never be dependent on Man for anything. If He ever were, He would cease to be God. Since God cannot cease to be God, neither will He wait on Man or depend on Man for anything. Rather, we need Him. Thankfully and gratefully, He knows our delicate nature and moves independent of our thoughts or plans. He does not wait for us. He moves us and we follow. Frequently, God does this in mysterious ways as William Cowper wrote.
Still, He moves us and guides us. Like children, our Father watches out for us as He leads us on the path that He created. He has intimate knowledge of its' pitfalls and dangers. He knows all things, and has all power. He assures us of a safe arrival at the gates of His Heavenly Kingdom, because it is He who guides us, and not the other way around. Let us always be mindful of this encouraging truth. God is in charge. He always has been and always will be!
God moves in a mysterious way His wonders to perform; He plants His footsteps in the sea And rides upon the storm. Deep in unfathomable mines Of never failing skill He treasures up His bright designs And works His sov'reign will. Ye fearful saints, fresh courage take; The clouds ye so much dread Are big with mercy and shall break In blessings on your head. Judge not the Lord by feeble sense, But trust Him for His grace; Behind a frowning providence He hides a smiling face. His purposes will ripen fast, Unfolding every hour; The bud may have a bitter taste, But sweet will be the flow'r. Blind unbelief is sure to err And scan His work in vain; God is His own interpreter, And He will make it plain. 2
When God Blesses, No Man Can Alter It!
INTERESTING FACTS : In 1631 an English Bible printer forgot the NOT in one of the Ten Commandments. Here's how his mistake in Exodus 20:14 read: "Thou shalt commit adultry." Because of this colossal goof, the edition became known as The Wicked Bible, and the printer had to pay a large fine. 1
DAILY READING : [NUMBERS 3 – 4; 5 – 6]
TEXT : Num 6:24 The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: Num 6:25 The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: Num 6:26 The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Num 6:27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel; and I will bless them.
THEME : THE BLESSING
Passing by several more laws, including the law of a husband''s jealousy and the law of the Nazarite, we come to the Aaronic or priestly blessing. Perhaps this passage in Num. 6: 24 – 27 is among the more well-known verses in the Old Testament. To this day, many services – Christian and Jewish - conclude with this blessing. Certainly it is a beautiful prayer, and one we all long for.
However, for the Christian more is seen than simply a blessing. We see evidence of the Triune nature of God in the repetition of the Name of the Lord. One commentary states -
"This passage records the solemn benediction which God appointed for dismissing the people at the close of the daily service. The repetition of the name "Lord" or "Jehovah" three times, expresses the great mystery of the Godhead - three persons, and yet one God. The expressions in the separate clauses correspond to the respective offices of the Father, to "bless and keep us"; of the Son, to be "gracious to us"; and of the Holy Ghost, to "give us peace." And because the benediction, though pronounced by the lips of a fellow man, derived its virtue, not from the priest but from God, the encouraging assurance was added, "I the Lord will bless them." 2
On the same subject Albert Barnes writes –
"The structure of the blessing is remarkable. It is rhythmical, consists of three distinct parts, and mounts by gradual stages to that peace which forms the last and most consummate gift which God can give His people. From a Christian point of view, and comparing the counterpart benediction of 2Co_13:14, it is impossible not to see shadowed forth the doctrine of the Holy Trinity (compare Isa_6:3; Mat_28:19). And the three several sets of terms correspond fittingly to the office of the Three Persons in Their gracious work for the redemption of man.
- Num_6:24
The Lord bless thee, and keep thee - The second clause here, as in the other three verses, defines more closely the general tenor of the preceding one. The singular number, which is observed throughout, indicates that the blessing is conferred on Israel "collectively."
- Num_6:25
Make his face shine - This is an enhancement of the preceding benediction. "The face of God" imports not merely God''s good will in general, but His active and special regard. With the "face" or "eye of the Lord accordingly is connected alike the judicial visitation of the wicked. Psa_34:16, and His mercies to the righteous Psa_4:6.
- Num_6:26
Lift up his countenance upon thee - i. e. especially direct His thought and care toward thee: compare 2Ki_9:32, and similar phrases in Gen_43:29; Gen_44:21. Through such loving providence alone could the peace of God in which the blessing closes be given.
- Num_6:27
Put my name upon the children of Israel - i. e. pronounce My Sacred Name over them in blessing them. God will give effect to the benediction pronounced by the priests."
Thus, we see the blessing of the Lord - Father, Son, and Holy Spirit.
TRUTH FOR TODAY : WHEN GOD BLESSES, NO MAN CAN ALTER IT!
All of us desire the blessing of the Lord. We want our lives to have that element of joy and peace that neither Man nor this world can supply. The Bible has much to say regarding the blessing of God, but one interesting verse is found in the Book of Proverbs. It says –
"The blessing of the LORD, it maketh rich, and he addeth no sorrow with it." [Pro 10:22]
Here it is inferred that one can have a "blessing" that proves to be more of a burden than a source of joy and peace. This is in nature what Jesus meant when He said –
"Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid." [Joh 14:27]
Jesus tells us there is a "peace" the world gives that is different than His peace. The world''s "peace" is fleeting, dependent on circumstances, outward in origin, and often – brief. By contrast, Jesus peace is eternal, dependent on God, inward in origin, and lasting. In a similar way, the blessing of God is the same. This world offers blessings of sorts, but they have the same shifting foundation as the world''s peace. Money, fame, sensuality, dependence on Man, achievements, gifts etc. though they make one happy for a period of time, never last. People are always looking for the next "blessing."
However, God''s blessing is not only satisfying, fulfilling, and pleasing, but it also cannot be altered by Man. For those whose blessing comes from this world, they are subject to the ever changing character and whimsical nature of Man and the course of this world. Not so with God. No one can stop what He initiates.
Even king Nebuchadnezzar, after being humbled for a season with temporary insanity, came to realize there none like the Lord. Neither can anyone stop what He commands. The Scripture records his words once he returned to his senses –
"And at the end of the days I Nebuchadnezzar lifted up mine eyes unto heaven, and mine understanding returned unto me, and I blessed the most High, and I praised and honoured him that liveth for ever, whose dominion is an everlasting dominion, and his kingdom is from generation to generation: And all the inhabitants of the earth are reputed as nothing: and he doeth according to his will in the army of heaven, and among the inhabitants of the earth: and none can stay his hand, or say unto him, What doest thou?" [Dan 4: 34 – 35]
No one can alter a decree of God. Therefore, let us seek his blessing through faith in His Word. Therefore, let us all…"taste and see that the LORD is good: blessed is the man that trusteth in him." [ Psa 34:8]
God Ordains Wars For His Own Purposes
INTERESTING FACTS : The Holy Bible has been translated into 2,018 languages, with countless more partial translations, and audio translations (for unwritten languages). (This is an enormous amount of translations. In comparison, Shakespeare, considered by many to be the master writer of the English language, has only been translated into 50 languages.) 1
DAILY READING : [NUMBERS 1 – 2]
TEXT : Num 1:1 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying, Num 1:2 Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls; Num 1:3 From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies.
THEME : WARFARE
Many people miss the value of genealogies. However, if we had no genealogies in the Bible we would have no clear record of God's prophecies concerning the Christ. Remember, the coming of the Messiah was foretold by God. He tells us who He is, where He will be born, what He will do etc. Without a record of the tribes of Israel we would have no certainty of the prophetic nature of the Bible or that Jesus of Nazareth is indeed – the Christ.
The men who wrote the Bible wrote only what God told them. ["And if thou say in thine heart, How shall we know the word which the LORD hath not spoken? When a prophet speaketh in the name of the LORD, if the thing follow not, nor come to pass, that is the thing which the LORD hath not spoken, but the prophet hath spoken it presumptuously: thou shalt not be afraid of him." Deut. 18: 21 - 22] In fact, in the Book of Numbers the expression – "the Lord spake," contained in the first verse of Numbers, appears 234 times throughout the Book! Therefore, the value of an inspired record of genealogies is critical to God's inspiration of the Scriptures, since it provides the evidence that Jesus of Nazareth is the Messiah God foretold. For a moment, consider the odds of Jesus fulfilling the prophecies concerning Himself being mere coincidence.
In 1963, Dr. Peter Stoner, a science professor at Westmont College in Santa Barbara, California, did extensive research on the mathematical probabilities (odds) of various numbers of Old Testament prophecies about the Messiah applying to Jesus of Nazareth (Peter Stoner, Science Speaks: Scientific Proof of the Accuracy of Prophecy and the Bible, Chicago, IL: Moody Press, 1963, pg. 101-109). Upon completion of his research, he submitted his figures for review to a Committee of the American Scientific Affiliation. Upon examination, they verified that his calculations were dependable and accurate in regard to the scientific material presented. What kind of numbers did Professor Stoner's research produce? The odds of one man (Jesus or any man) fulfilling only "eight" Old Testament Messianic prophecies was one chance out of one with "seventeen" zeros after it (100,000,000,000,000,000)! To try to comprehend a number like that, Professor Stoner used the following illustration:
Cover the entire state of Texas two feet deep in silver dollars. Choose and "mark" one silver dollar and drop it from an airplane flying somewhere over Texas. Thoroughly "stir" the silver dollars all over the state. Blindfold a person and let them travel anywhere in the state, stopping only "once" at a spot of his choice to dig into the two feet of silver dollars and pick out the "marked" one. The chance of a person being able to do that in "one" try is the same chance as one man fulfilling only "eight" Messianic prophecies. Professor Stoner concluded, "The fulfillment of these eight prophecies alone proves that God inspired the writing of those prophecies to a definiteness which lacks only one chance in ten to the seventeenth power of being absolute." 2
Yet, Jesus fulfilled hundreds of prophecies about Him being the Messiah. We would not know this without the inspired record of genealogies. This is why Jesus' pedigree is given in Matthew and Luke. Still, many scholars agree one is Joseph's heritage and the other Mary's.
TRUTH FOR TODAY : GOD ORDAINS WARS FOR HIS OWN PURPOSES
The truth concerning the ordination of war escapes the attention of many Christians. However, when a student or reader of the Bible does notice what God says about war, they are either appalled or confused. The reason for this is the current dearth of clear Biblical theology absent from our pulpits. The truth is – God ordains war as a means of judgment and achieving His plan for mankind.
In the first chapter of Numbers we see God ordering Moses to "number" the men of the eleven tribes [the Levites were exempt] to go to war. Keep in mind for four hundred years Israel was in slavery. In other words, these are not trained or experienced fighters. They are slaves just two years removed from hundreds of years of bondage and must now fight. This is amazing when we consider how nations train armies today and in the past. Yet, here we see God sending inexperienced men who not only must fight, but will win against astonishing odds – both in the wilderness and in Canaan. Their "training" came from following God's commands. In addition, God was fighting for them. He would do miraculous feats for Israel – similar to His judgments on Egypt, and Israel would go on to conquer Canaan after their forty years of wandering in the deserts of Sinai.
On the subject of God ordained warfare, we must understand it is God's prerogative what He does with His own creation. No one doubts as General William Tecumseh Sherman said – "All war is hell" - that war is a horrible affair. Describing the United States civil war, Sherman went on to say – "You cannot qualify war in harsher terms than I will. War is cruelty, and you cannot refine it; and those who brought war into our country deserve all the curses and maledictions a people can pour out. I know I had no hand in making this war, and I know I will make more sacrifices to-day than any of you to secure peace." Yet, he went on to say – "But you cannot have peace and a division of our country. If the United States submits to a division now, it will not stop, but will go on until we reap the fate of Mexico, which is eternal war. The United States does and must assert its authority, wherever it once had power; for, if it relaxes one bit to pressure, it is gone, and I believe that such is the national feeling. This feeling assumes various shapes, but always comes back to that of Union. Once admit the Union, once more acknowledge the authority of the national Government, and, instead of devoting your houses and streets and roads to the dread uses of war, I and this army become at once your protectors and supporters, shielding you from danger..." 3 In Sherman's statement we find some relation to God and His purpose in war.
Man, if left without judgment and intervention, would soon kill every living creature on the planet including himself. Therefore, God uses war to keep the causality list [if you will], to a minimum and spares the earth and its people – both living and yet to be born – from total annihilation. Such is the strength of sin. Sinful Man lives only for himself. Because of this, Man would have devastated the planet and all of humanity long ago had God not ordained war. It is still hell. Of this there is no doubt. However, God who can do no unrighteousness had a purpose in war that is pure and just.
Still, we long for the day when the prophecy will be fulfilled that says –
Isa 2:4 And he shall judge among the nations, and shall rebuke many people: and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.
Isa 11:1 And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: Isa 11:2 And the spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the LORD; Isa 11:3 And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the LORD: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: Isa 11:4 But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. Isa 11:5 And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins. Isa 11:6 The wolf also shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid; and the calf and the young lion and the fatling together; and a little child shall lead them. Isa 11:7 And the cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together: and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. Isa 11:8 And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice' den. Isa 11:9 They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. Isa 11:10 And in that day there shall be a root of Jesse, which shall stand for an ensign of the people; to it shall the Gentiles seek: and his rest shall be glorious.
Even so...Come Lord Jesus!
Notes:
- http://bibleresources.bible.com/afacts.php ↩
- Science Speaks, Scientific Proof of the Accuracy of Prophecy and the Bible; By Peter W. Stoner, M.S.; and Robert C. Newman, S.T.M., Ph.D.; Moody Press Chicago ↩
- General William Tecumseh Sherman to the Mayor and Councilmen of Atlanta; In the mind of General William Tecumseh Sherman, who made famous the phrase "War is hell," there was no doubt as to the integrity of the North's cause. Sherman was renowned as a fierce - some would say tyrannical - military leader, and in September 1864 he gave orders for the city of Atlanta to be evacuated and burned. Despite appeals from the citizens of Atlanta, including reminders that there were elderly and pregnant women whom it would be difficult and even perilous to move, Sherman's decision was final. He explained himself to the mayor and council members of the city. [HEADQUARTERS MILITARY DIVISION of the MISSISSIPPI in the FIELD; Atlanta, Georgia, James M. Calhoun, Mayor, E.E. Rawson and S.C. Wells, representing City Council of Atlanta.] ↩