| A Lesson From Numbers |
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But before I get to the passage I want to give you a little information about what the book is about. Maybe wet your appetite to read it on your own, if you haven't already. The english title "Numbers" comes from the two censuses that are central features of this book. However, the Hebrew title, "In the Wilderness", is more descriptive of the book. Numbers tells how God's people traveled from Mount Sinai to the border of the Promised land. But when they refused to take possession of the land, God made them wander in the wilderness for nearly forty years. In my study of this book in my Bible Study Fellowship class these past couple of months I have learned so much about God. Truths the Israelites learned are timeless for all Christians and have changed my life. The passage I want to talk about about today is Numbers 32:1-15. If you have the time, please read it. At this point in the Israelites epic they have been wandering for 40 years and God is getting the people ready to enter the Promised Land. The Reubenites and the Gadites (two of the tribes within Israel) ask to settle lands and not cross over the Jordan River. They saw that the land was excellent for raising livestock, which was their livelihood. Do you think that these tribes were trusting God to provide for them? God had told them that their land would be a land flowing with milk and honey (Ex. 3:8). I think God knew their need and would have provided for their livestock more than they could have ever imagined. But they thought they knew best in this situation. Do I trust God to provide for me? Or do I think my way is better? Do I try to "help" God take care of me? Do our prayers sometimes sound like this: "God, this ____________ (fill in the blank) would be perfect for me. See God, here is the situation ___________________(fill in the blank) and I think it would really be awesome! I want it. Please." Sound familiar? Do I trust that God Word is true and that He means what He says? Or do I think that everything looks pretty good right where I am? Do your conversations wit God sound like mine: "It couldn't possible be better for me "over there" God...well, I really don't know what is "over there"...You know God that I don't like the "over there" (unknown)..please don't take me there!!" I believe these tribes settled for less than what God had promised them. How often do I do that? Moses is upset with this request and reminds them of consequences for their father's discouragement of the people 40 years earlier. "He feared that if these two tribes were comfortably settled, they would not join with the other 10 tribes in conquering Canaan, and that could be the beginning of a general revolt against entering the Land." (John MacArthur Study Bible, page 237, notes) Do I remember past mistakes? Do I see them as God's way of teaching me...or do I just press on with life? Do I study the Israelites mistakes and see them as my own, praying for God to strengthen me to make the right choices? God has provided all that we need in His Word. We can read about people, real people like you and me. We can learn about what God expects of us through their victories and failures. Do you see God's Word as the only source of Wisdom? Or do you rely on other books, speakers, articles, or practices? In verses 14-15 Moses then accuses them of half-heartedness and states the potential for disaster. He was worried that these tribes would discourage the rest of the tribes from entering the Promised Land and that God might leave them in the desert. "As the 10 spies had dissuaded the people at Kadesh nearly 40 years earlier from conquering the Land (vv. 9-13; 13:26-14:4), the refusal of these two tribes could cause the people to fail again (v. 15)." (John MacArthur Study Bible, page 237, notes)I think Moses was justified in feeling this way. His own entrance into the Promised Land had been denied (Num 20:12). He was an old man...120 years old! He had been through so much with these people and probably wanted to see them take possession of this great land God had promised them. The question I then ask myself is, do I listen to my wise leaders when they see me headed for disaster? Just as God has provided me with His Word, He has also provided leaders to challenge me to live for God. Who are the leaders that God has provided for you? Is it your pastor, sunday school teacher, or your parents? Maybe God has blessed with a godly friend. Do you listen to them? Well, lets back up...do you even go to them with your questions and concerns? Or are you afraid of what they will say? Sometimes I know that in a given situation I may want to hear what I want to hear... not necessarily what God has to say. It is hard for me to hear criticism of my well-thought out plans or ideas, but I need to take them to heart and re-consider. That is what growing in Christ is all about. I need to recognize my need for a savior and turn to Him!! I have come to realize that God's blessings are always more than I could have ever imagined. I don't to miss out on all He has for me today! So know that you know the beginning of this chapter you must read the rest to find out what God allowed in this situation. Happy reading! Dear Lord, strengthen me this day to believe Your Word. Surround me with godly, wise people that will always point me to You, even when I don't want to hear it. Help me to remember past mistakes and know that they don't have to be repeated. Help me to trust in Your plan for me. Amen. By Nicole Malcolm |
