Today’s Reading: Numbers 28-36, John 2:13-17

The next few chapters describe the many offerings God asked His people to make, and the timing of each of those offerings. Each offering had a purpose and came with detailed instructions. These sacrificial moments were described as a pleasing aroma to the Lord (28:2, 29:8). He then expressed to them the importance of keeping any vow or promise made.

“This is what the Lord has commanded: A man who makes a vow to the Lord or makes a pledge under oath must never break it. He must do exactly what he said he would do.” – Numbers 30:2

If you say you are going to do something, you should do it. If you commit yourself to something, you should faithfully follow through on your commitment. Obedience to God is expected and sacrificial living is like a pleasing aroma to Him.

The Israelite people were fickle and lacked the integrity God was calling them to. As they settled into the land of Canaan, there were Midianites living in the area (descendants of Abraham from his wife Keturah). The Israelites were strongly influenced by the Midianites, having sex with their women and participating in the worship of idols. This brought about a plague on God’s people.

We cannot be indifferent to the sinful world around us. If God calls us to make a change in our life, we must do it. If He reveals in us a sinful attitude or a temptation that is pulling us away from him, we must rid ourselves of all that is causing us to drift away from him. We must keep our promise to the Lord and make sure nothing becomes more important than living out our faith in Him.

God gave Moses one more mission — to lead the people of Israel in a battle against the Midianites. The army was successful in winning the battle but they compromised by bringing back the women and children along with the plunder. They held onto that which had caused them to sin in the first place — the sexual relationships with those who did not believe in God. The Lord had plans to bless His people but they were not fully following His instructions.

It was nearly time for the Jewish Passover celebration, so Jesus went to Jerusalem. In the Temple area he saw merchants selling cattle, sheep, and doves for sacrifices; he also saw dealers at tables exchanging foreign money. Jesus made a whip from some ropes and chased them all out of the Temple. He drove out the sheep and cattle, scattered the money changers’ coins over the floor, and turned over their tables. Then, going over to the people who sold doves, he told them, “Get these things out of here. Stop turning my Father’s house into a marketplace!” – John 2:13-16

What have we allowed into our lives that is causing us to slowly drift away from God? What is causing our hearts to be unfaithful to the One we have committed our lives to? Is there anything we have made room for in our lives that needs to be driven out in order to serve God with integrity and purity?

Lord, thank you for being a holy God who cares to have a relationship with us. Reveal in us all we have let slip into our lives, drawing our attention away from you. Cleanse us from the impurities of this world and the desire for earthly gain, so that our lives can be a pleasing aroma to you and to those in need of salvation. May our love for you be displayed in our lives with integrity and obedience. Amen.

But thanks be to God, who always leads us as captives in Christ’s triumphal procession and uses us to spread the aroma of the knowledge of him everywhere. For we are to God the pleasing aroma of Christ among those who are being saved and those who are perishing. To the one we are an aroma that brings death; to the other, an aroma that brings life. And who is equal to such a task? Unlike so many, we do not peddle the word of God for profit. On the contrary, in Christ we speak before God with sincerity, as those sent from God. – 2 Corinthians 2:14-17

Today’s Reading: Numbers 23-27

God had a purpose for Balaam – a place he needed him to be. Because Balaam responded in obedience when God blocked his way, God was able to use him in this next story.

AVOIDING ROAMING CHARGES

After forty years of wandering around in the wilderness, the Israelites were finally making their way toward the promised land of Canaan. When they came to the edge of the land occupied by the Amorites, they sent a message to the king asking for permission to travel through their land on their way to Canaan. They promised to stay out of the fields and vineyards, staying only on the King’s road and refraining from drinking from any of the wells.

The King of the Amorites refused to be generous with God’s people and instead mobilized an army to attack the people of Israel. The King obviously UNDERESTIMATED THE POWER OF GOD. The Israelites slaughtered the army sent by King Sihon and occupied the land. They moved on to Jazer and then marched up the road to Bashan, where King Og was waiting to attack them.

The Lord said to Moses, “Do not be afraid of him, for I HAVE HANDED HIM OVER TO YOU, along with all his people and his land. Do the same to him as you did to King Sihon of the Amorites, who rules in Heshbon.” And Israel killed King Og, his sons, and all his subjects; not a single survivor remained. Then Israel occupied their land. – Numbers 21:34-35

Now King Balak of Moab saw everything that happened and watched the Israelites camp across the river from Jericho. He sent for Balaam, offering him money to curse the people of Israel. Unlike King Sihon, Balaam understood the power of the Israelites’ God and replied:

Even if Balak were to give me his palace filled with silver and gold, I would be powerless to do anything against the will of the Lord my God (Numbers 22:18). After hearing from the Lord, Balaam traveled to King Balak but warned him, “Look, now I have come, but I have no power to say whatever I want. I will speak only the message that God puts in my mouth” (Numbers 22:38).

SEARCHING FOR SIGNAL

Balak took Balaam up to Bamoth-baal, built altars and made sacrifices in hopes that Balaam would curse Israel. Balaam went alone to the top of the hill and God met him there, giving Balaam the words to say and the message to give – a message blessing Israel instead of cursing them. Frustrated, Balak took Balaam to another place overlooking the Israelites. Balak asked Balaam to at least curse some of the Israelites if he couldn’t curse all of them. They built more altars and offered more sacrifices. God commanded Balaam again to bless the people of Israel.

“Rise up, Balak, and listen! Hear me, son of Zippor. God is not a man, so he does not lie. He is not human, so he does not change his mind. Has he ever spoken and failed to act? Has he ever promised and not carried it through? Listen, I received a command to bless; God has blessed, and I cannot reverse it!…” – Numbers 23:18-20

Balak took Balaam to a third place, hoping it would please God to curse the Israelites from there. God again blessed His people and Balak flew into a rage. God gave Balaam a final message for King Balak. Not only would He bless the people of Israel, He would use Israel to crush and destroy the nation of Moab.

CAN YOU HEAR ME NOW?

I wonder if we ever communicate with God in the same way that King Balak did. Like moving from place to place to get better cell phone reception, do we refuse to listen to God’s first reply to us and continue to manipulate our circumstances to get a different result? “Can you hear me now?” When God gives us clear instructions, do we stall and try other methods to get what we want instead of obeying and accepting His plan?

God, this morning we have gone alone to our mountaintop and you have met us there. Show us your plan and give us direction, giving us also the strength to accept your will. Reveal if there is anything you have told us to do and we have ignored it, hoping for a different message next time we hear from you. Forgive us for manipulating our situation instead of submitting to your Lordship. God, may our heart’s desire to please and serve you be stronger than our own selfish desires. We love you, Lord. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Numbers 20–22, Psalm 119

Do I trust in my own leadership or in the God who led me to this moment?

When God’s people camped at Kadesh, there was no water and they began to rebel against Moses and Aaron once again. They blamed the leaders for their discomfort and circumstances. Without water, there would be no grain, no grapes, no pomegranates, and obviously nothing to drink. Moses and Aaron had just buried their sister, Miriam, and now their leadership role was requiring them to deal with the complaints of the people. The brothers fell face down before the Lord with this new problem and God gave them clear instructions, just as He is generously in the habit of doing for us.

“You and Aaron must take the staff and assemble the entire community. As the people watch, speak to the rock over there, and it will pour out its water. You will provide enough water from the rock to satisfy the entire community and their livestock.” – Numbers 20:8

Moses took his staff of leadership with the intent of following God’s instructions but, when the moment came for him to act on his leadership, Moses trusted in his staff more than He relied on His God. He was to speak to the rock and he instead struck the rock. Water poured forth and the needs were supplied, but not in the way God had instructed Moses. Moses found himself relying on the strength of his own leadership instead of God’s miraculous power, and the consequence was great.

“Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” – Numbers 20:12

The second consequence was just as great. Because they did not follow God’s instructions regarding the water at Meribah, it was time for Aaron to join their ancestors in death. So Moses climbed Mount Hor with Aaron and his nephew, Eleazar. At the summit, he removed the priestly garments from Aaron and placed them on Eleazar. Then Aaron died on the mountain and all of Israel mourned for him for 30 days (20:22-29).

Am I focused on my own plan or listening for God’s plan?

Balaam was so focused on his own plan, what he thought he should do, that he was both blind and deaf to God’s attempts to block his plan.

God’s response through his angel (22:32-33): “Why have you beaten your donkey these three times? I have come here to OPPOSE you because your path is a reckless one before me. The donkey saw me and turned away from me these three times. If she had not turned away, I would certainly have killed you by now, but I would have spared her.”

Once God had his attention, Balaam’s response was one of repentance and obedience (v.34): “I have sinned. I did not realize you were standing in the road to oppose me. Now if you are displeased, I will go back.”

We live in a world of smartphones, smart tvs and smart cars. If we need an answer to a question, we ask Siri. If we need directions, we go to Google Maps. If we want to hear a song, we ask Alexa. Our exercise bike became a Peloton with online trainers, and we do more talking on social media than we do face to face. But has our culture become so “smart” that we have stopped following God’s word and stopped hearing His voice?

So again I ask — do I trust in my own leadership or in the God who led me to this moment? Am I focused on my own plan or listening for God’s plan? Am I pushing after what I want instead of listening for God’s instruction? I want to respond as Balaam did. I want to be the one who has a heart of repentance and is willing to go with God’s plan the moment I realize that I am doing my own thing instead of following the Lord. I want to be smarter than my mode of transportation.

Thank you for the reminder, Lord, to live in faith and not fear. Please show me if at any moment today I am trusting more in myself than in You. Quiet the distractions and circumstances in my life so that I can better listen for your clear instructions and your plan. My desire is for your way and not mine. I love you, Lord. Amen.

I told you my plans, and you answered. Now teach me your decrees. Help me understand the meaning of your commandments, and I will meditate on your wonderful deeds. — Psalm 119:26–27

Today’s Reading: Numbers 18-19

I am giving you the priesthood as your special privilege of service. — Numbers 18:7b

It is a privilege to be called into full-time ministry; it is an honor to receive instructions from the Lord to give your life in service to the church. Some easily say yes to God’s calling, and some struggle to answer the call with a willing and obedient heart. You see, although it is a privilege to serve within the church, and that privilege comes with many blessings, it is also a great responsibility. There is a need for wisdom and discernment, and pastors are often asked by God to sacrifice a great deal in order to follow the calling He has placed on their lives.

I myself have chosen your fellow Levites from among the Israelites to be your special assistants. They are a gift to you, dedicated to the Lord for service in the Tabernacle. — Numbers 18:6

IT IS A PRIVILEGE TO SERVE WITHIN THE CHURCH

There were those God had called into priesthood and those God called to assist in the ministry of the church. It is also a privilege to assist those who have a calling on their life. It is a beautiful thing when teams of individuals within the church partner for the sake of accomplishing all God wants to do through the church. Hours are given every week by people who are willing to do whatever, whenever, to support their pastors in the advancement of the Kingdom of God.

The Lord gave these further instructions to Aaron: “I myself have put you in charge of all the holy offerings that are brought to me by the people of Israel. — Numbers 18:8a

The Lord also told Moses, “Give these instructions to the Levites: When you receive from the people of Israel the tithes I have assigned as your allotment, give a tenth of the tithes you receive—a tithe of the tithe—to the Lord as a sacred offering. The Lord will consider this offering to be your harvest offering, as though it were the first grain from your own threshing floor or wine from your own winepress. You must present one-tenth of the tithe received from the Israelites as a sacred offering to the Lord. This is the Lord’s sacred portion, and you must present it to Aaron the priest. Be sure to give to the Lord the best portions of the gifts given to you. — Numbers 18:25-29

WITH PRIVILEGE COMES GREAT RESPONSIBILITY

Every year, leaders within the church gather to write their annual budget. Most people take this responsibility very seriously. They understand the sacrifice so many people in the church have made to give their tithes, and they understand that this money is a sacred gift to God. We pray for God to give the leaders in our church wisdom to use each dollar given as a way to draw all of us closer to God — for the sake of both discipleship and evangelism.

But be careful not to treat the holy gifts of the people of Israel as though they were common. If you do, you will die.” — Numbers 18:32b

“Yes, I am giving you all these holy offerings that the people of Israel bring to the Lord. They are for you and your sons and daughters, to be eaten as your permanent share. This is an eternal and unbreakable covenant between the Lord and you, and it also applies to your descendants.” — Number 18:19

Then the Lord said to Aaron: “You, your sons, and your relatives from the tribe of Levi will be held responsible for any offenses related to the sanctuary. But you and your sons alone will be held responsible for violations connected with the priesthood. — Numbers 18:1

Only the Levites may serve at the Tabernacle, and they will be held responsible for any offenses against it. — Numbers 18:23a

​​And the Lord said to Aaron, “You priests will receive no allotment of land or share of property among the people of Israel. I am your share and your allotment. As for the tribe of Levi, your relatives, I will compensate them for their service in the Tabernacle. Instead of an allotment of land, I will give them the tithes from the entire land of Israel. — Numbers 18:20-21

WITH RESPONSIBILITY COMES SACRIFICE

This last summer, my husband and I moved into our 12th home in our 30 years of marriage. Each time God calls Scott to a new place of ministry, we have an adjustment to make. It takes time for my heart to catch up with my head, and sometimes for my head to catch up with my heart. This last spring, when God’s call moved us 300 miles southwest, I heard God remind me to always “stay light on my feet” — to never become so rooted where I am that I am no longer rooted in Him. In that moment, I renewed my commitment to the calling, no matter the weight of responsibility or the pain of sacrifice.

Father God, we pray this morning for our church leaders — for wisdom, strength, and courage. We pray for your blessings upon our pastors and their families. Show us what you are calling us to do to support their ministry and to come alongside them to accomplish great things for your glory and for eternity. May we never pressure or make our pastors feel guilty for following your call, even if it means we must end a chapter under their leadership. Help us never to hang on so tightly to the things of this world that we are not willing to go wherever you ask us to go or do whatever you ask us to do. We humbly submit to your will, your way, in your time. Please take this gesture of faith and increase it for the sake of all you are asking us to do. Amen.

Today’s Reading: Numbers 16–19

“I am giving you the priesthood as your special privilege of service.” – Numbers 18:7b

Just like Miriam, another person thought more of himself than he should. Korah from the tribe of Levi, along with Dathan, Abiram and On, incited a rebellion out of jealousy; they were jealous of Moses’ leadership and jealous of Aaron’s elite position as priest.

They united against Moses and Aaron and said, “You have gone too far! The whole community of Israel has been set apart by the Lord, and he is with all of us. What right do you have to act as though you are greater than the rest of the Lord’s people?” – Numbers 16:3

“Does it seem insignificant to you that the God of Israel has chosen you from among all the community of Israel to be near him so you can serve in the Lord’s Tabernacle and stand before the people to minister to them? Korah, he had already given this special ministry to you and your fellow Levites. Are you now demanding the priesthood as well?” — Numbers 16:10

DOES YOUR CALLING SEEM INSIGNIFICANT?

As a Levite, Korah had been given a special ministry, but it was Aaron and his sons who were made priests. Korah became discontent with what God had blessed him with and coveted the priesthood. But we cannot demand anything from the Lord. A calling is a privilege to receive, not a right to demand nor a position to covet.

Moses told Korah and all of his followers to come the next day with their incense burners filled with incense. They stood with Moses and Aaron at the entrance of the tabernacle. All the Israelites gathered around to watch, as the glorious presence of the Lord appeared. Moses and Aaron fell face down on the ground and pleaded for God’s people. The Lord commanded everyone to step away from the tents of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.

For their selfishness and pride, these three men received the wrath of God. For the first time ever, the earth opened up and swallowed the tents of these rebellious men, taking all of their families down into the grave alive. The other 250 men who had entered into the rebellion were still standing there with their incense burners, the evidence of their sinfulness in their hands. Fire blazed forth from the Lord and burned up each man (Numbers 16:31-35). The incense burners were gathered and hammered into a thin sheet of bronze to cover the altar as a reminder of what happened to those who demanded a place of ministry without a calling from God.

IS THERE EVIDENCE OF GOD’S CALLING ON YOUR LIFE?

The Lord gave Moses instructions to gather a staff from each leader of Israel’s 12 tribes, with the leader’s name inscribed on the staff. The 12 staffs were placed in the Tabernacle in front of the Ark, and God said sprouts would grow on the staff of the man chosen by God. When Moses went back to the Tabernacle the next day, Aaron’s staff had not only sprouted, it had budded, blossomed, and was producing ripe almonds (Numbers 17:1-8).

When God calls us into leadership, He takes the staff we have been given to lead with and He makes something grow. When we remain humble, recognizing the source of the growth, God can take our leadership beyond our wildest imagination. He can take our calling and make it sprout, blossom and produce fruit.

So do I tend to be more like Korah or Aaron? Do I allow jealousy to creep into my heart or do I find myself allowing the game of comparison to steal my joy? I pray that I humbly accept the leadership of others whom God has called. When it is my turn — when God calls me to do something significant for Him — I pray my humble spirit and faith in Him allows God to take my life and make something sprout, blossom and produce fruit for His glory!

But blessed are those who trust in the Lord and have made the Lord their hope and confidence. They are like trees planted along a riverbank, with roots that REACH deep into the water. Such trees are not bothered by the heat or worried by long months of drought. Their leaves stay green, and they never stop producing fruit. — Jeremiah 17:7-8

Today’s Reading: Numbers 14:20 – 15:41; Psalm 95

“Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed. For you said, ‘The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty. He lays the sins of the parents upon their children; the entire family is affected—even children in the third and fourth generations.’ In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of THIS people, just as you have forgiven them ever since they left Egypt.” — Numbers 17-19

When the people of Israel lacked the faith to cross into the land that had been promised to them, Moses interceded on their behalf. He asked God to forgive them for falling short once again. God had rescued them from Egypt, allowing them to see His power at work through the plagues as well as the crossing of the Red Sea. They had walked on dry land, received quail and manna from heaven, and been nourished by the water God caused to flow from a rock, yet they lacked the faith to take the final step into all God had promised them.

BACK TO THEIR OLD WAYS

God agreed to forgive His people once more, but there would be consequences this time. They had experienced the presence of a God who was willing to come down from heaven and dwell among them, yet they refused to listen to His voice. He had given them multiple opportunities to turn their hearts towards Him, yet they had chosen once again to raise their voices against God’s plan. Their rebellion would not go unpunished this time.

Then the Lord said, “I will pardon them as you have requested. But as surely as I live, and as surely as the earth is filled with the Lord’s glory, not one of these people will ever enter that land. They have all seen my glorious presence and the miraculous signs I performed both in Egypt and in the wilderness, but again and again they have tested me by refusing to listen to my voice. They will never even see the land I swore to give their ancestors. None of those who have treated me with contempt will ever see it. But my servant Caleb has a different attitude than the others have. He has remained loyal to me, so I will bring him into the land he explored. His descendants will possess their full share of that land. Now turn around, and don’t go on toward the land where the Amalekites and Canaanites live. Tomorrow you must set out for the wilderness in the direction of the Red Sea.” — Numbers 14:20-25

BACK TO THE RED SEA

Had they learned nothing from their journey with God? His character had been revealed and His promise to provide and protect had been fulfilled, yet they hardened their hearts once more. Because of their lack of submission, tomorrow would look much different. Instead of stepping into all God had beautifully planned for them, they would turn around and head back to the wilderness. For every day the 12 spies had spent in Canaan they would spend one year wandering in the wilderness.

God’s people had accused him of placing their lives in danger by bringing them to the land of giants. They predicted that their children would be carried off by their enemies. But God told them they were about to find out what it was like for Him to be their enemy. He had led them with a cloud by day and a light by night, but now they would wander aimlessly without His help. And their children would suffer the consequences of their parents’ lack of faith by spending the next 40 years of their lives in the wilderness. But after the 40 years, all who were now 20 years of age or younger would cross into the Promised Land with Caleb and Joshua — the two spies who believed God would give them victory against the giants in their path.

BACK DOWN THE HILL

When the Israelites heard God was sending them back into the wilderness to die, they changed their minds and decided they would rather enter Canaan, but it was too late. Moses warned them to stay in the camp because the Lord was no longer with them to give them victory over their enemies, but they once again chose defiance over submission. They charged up the hill, only to be chased back down by the Amalekites and Canaanites.

Just like Moses spent 40 days on the mountain,
Just like Jesus spent 40 days in the desert,
Just like the spies spent 40 days in the Promised Land,
Just like the Israelites spent 40 years in the wilderness,
Let’s give God our full attention during these 40 days of Lent.

Father God, we humble our hearts before you this morning and ask that you reveal any areas of our lives where we are pulling back from you. Forgive us for our moments of doubt and for our failure to believe that you will provide for us, if only we will step into all you have planned for us. We ask you to give us the faith to move forward; we ask you to give us the courage to trust in you once again. May we continue to experience your presence on this journey of grace, daily responding to the Spirit’s prompting. We surrender our plans to yours and trust you for all tomorrow holds. Amen.

Come, let us worship and bow down.
Let us kneel before the Lord our maker, for he is our God.
We are the people he watches over, the flock under his care.
If only you would listen to his voice today! — Psalm 95:6-7

Today’s Reading: Numbers 13–14:19

Now the Lord told Moses to send out men into the land of Canaan to explore the land. Twelve men were chosen, one leader from each of the twelve tribes of Israel.

“See what the land is like and whether the people who live there are strong or weak, few or many. What kind of land do they live in? Is it good or bad? What kind of towns do they live in? Are they unwalled or fortified? How is the soil? Is it fertile or poor? Are there trees in it or not? Do your best to bring back some of the fruit of the land.” — Numbers 13:18-20

The men came back and reported what they had found, and they brought back the fruit of the land to show Moses. It took two men to carry a single cluster of grapes. The land was indeed flowing with milk and honey and the fruit was luscious, but the people were powerful and the cities fortified. They celebrated the bounty of the land but worried about the size of the men in Canaan, calling them “giants”.

THEY CHOSE FEAR INSTEAD OF FAITH.

God was blessing them with a wonderful opportunity — the fulfillment of His promise to them. God had proven to them that He was both their protector and their provider, yet they lacked the faith to step forward in obedience. Thankfully two of the spies saw the size of their God rather than the size of their enemy.

But Caleb tried to quiet the people as they stood before Moses. “Let’s go at once to take the land,” he said. “We can certainly conquer it!”

But the other men who had explored the land with him disagreed. “We can’t go up against them! They are stronger than we are!” So they spread this bad report about the land among the Israelites: “The land we traveled through and explored will devour anyone who goes to live there. All the people we saw were huge. We even saw giants there, the descendants of Anak. Next to them we felt like grasshoppers and that’s what they thought, too!” – Numbers 13:30-33

The tone set by these men had an impact on God’s people, who began to weep and protest what they believed to be their future against these “giants”. But Joshua and Caleb spoke up: “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!” (Numbers 14:7-9)

Instead of being strengthened by the confidence of Joshua and Caleb, God’s people started planning how they would stone these two leaders. God was angry with the people for once again living in fear instead of faith. God was ready to destroy the Hebrews with a plague, but once again Moses intervened and prayed for God to forgive His people.

“Please, Lord, prove that your power is as great as you have claimed. For you said, ‘The Lord is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love, forgiving every kind of sin and rebellion. But he does not excuse the guilty…In keeping with your magnificent, unfailing love, please pardon the sins of this people…’” – Numbers 14:17-19

We serve a God of compassion who was once again willing to look past the doubt of many to see the faith of a few. God recognized in Caleb a different spirit. He saw that Caleb followed him wholeheartedly. Because of their faith in God, Caleb and Joshua would be the only adults over twenty years old who would enter into the land of Canaan.

WHEN OTHERS CHOSE FEAR, THEY CHOSE FAITH.

So do I tend to be more like Caleb and Joshua, or do I fall into panic like the other spies? Where am I on my faith journey? Do I have the tendency to back away from difficult situations and tough conversations, or do I respond to the Spirit’s leading regardless of my fear or discomfort? Do I choose to live in fear or in faith? I want to be like Caleb, one who has a different spirit and follows the Lord with all my heart – living in faith and not fear.

In 2018, Hillsong Worship came out with a new song that beautifully speaks to this confident faith we can have in God, even in our times of uncertainty or fear. I encourage you this morning to let these words of faith wash over you: Be still and know / That the Lord is in control / Be still my soul / Stand and watch as giants fall / I won’t be afraid if you are here / You silence all my fear / I won’t be afraid / You don’t let go / Be still my heart and know / I won’t be afraid [Be Still, Hillsong Worship]

Today’s Reading: Numbers 12, Hebrews 3, Psalm 103

He revealed his character to Moses
and his deeds to the people of Israel.
The Lord is compassionate and merciful,
slow to get angry and filled with unfailing love.
He will not constantly accuse us,
nor remain angry forever.
He does not punish us for all our sins;
He does not deal harshly with us, as we deserve. — Psalm 103:7-10

CALLED OUT BY GOD

Have you ever been “called out” for your behavior or actions or attitude? That is literally what happened to Miriam in this next passage of scripture – she was called out. Moses was a very humble man, but Miriam and Aaron criticized Moses out of concern that he was getting all the credit. “Has the Lord spoken only through Moses?…Hasn’t he also spoken through us?” (Numbers 12:2)

God heard them and called them out of the Tabernacle where they received a good old-fashioned lecture. Miriam had to know she was in trouble the moment she heard God say,

“Come out to the Tent of Meeting, all three of you. Listen carefully to what I’m telling you. If there is a prophet of God among you, I make myself known to him in visions; I speak to him in dreams. But I don’t do it that way with my servant Moses; he has the run of my entire house; I speak to him intimately, in person, in plain talk without riddles: He ponders the very form of God. So why did you show no reverence or respect in speaking against my servant, against Moses? – Numbers 12:6-8 (The Message)

Jealousy and pride crept into Miriam’s heart and she began thinking more of herself than she thought of God. Not only did she get called out by God, she was placed in a “time out” of sorts. Miriam was struck with leprosy and made to spend seven days outside the camp by herself – seven days covered with skin as white as snow, time segregated from her family and friends. She had plenty of time to find the humility she was lacking.

Miriam also had time to consider how her actions were impacting others. While Miriam was in her “time out”, the people didn’t move. No progress was made while the Israelites waited for Miriam to learn her lesson. Her bad attitude and jealousy had literally stopped the movement of God’s people. Are there times when our attitude or selfishness is standing in the way of where God is taking His people, His church?

CALLED BY GOD INTO MINISTRY

God made it clear that Moses had “run of the entire house” or as it says in the NLT, “Of all my house, he is the one I trust” (12:7b). The writer of Hebrews also spoke of the faithfulness of Moses and how he was entrusted with God’s entire house (God’s people) because he was a faithful servant. In the same way, Christ, as the Son, is in charge of God’s entire house for he was faithful to God who appointed him (Hebrews 3:1-6).

And we are God’s house, if we keep our courage and remain confident in our hope in Christ. — Hebrews 3:6b

So do I tend to be more like Miriam or Moses? Do I worry about receiving glory and credit, fame or attention? Or do I humble myself before God, only concerned that God receives glory? Like Moses, I want to know God intimately and humbly enter His presence. I want to be called by God, not called out by God. I am so thankful this morning for a God who forgives us, even after our most foolish moments.

For his unfailing love toward those who fear him
is as great as the height of the heavens above the earth.
He has removed our sins as far from us as the east is from the west.
The Lord is like a father to his children,
tender and compassionate to those who fear him.
For he knows how weak we are;
he remembers we are only dust.
Our days on earth are like grass;
like wildflowers, we bloom and die.
The wind blows, and we are gone—
as though we had never been here.
But the love of the Lord remains forever
with those who fear him. — Psalm 103:11-17

Today’s Reading: Numbers 8:1-4; Mark 4:1-25

Then make the seven lamps for the lampstand, and set them so they reflect their light forward. — Exodus 25:37

While Moses was on the mountain, God gave him detailed instructions regarding the building of a holy sanctuary where God could live among the people of Israel. Those instructions included specific patterns for every piece that furnished the Tabernacle. Each detail had a purpose.

The Lord said to Moses, “Give Aaron the following instructions: When you set up the seven lamps in the lampstand, place them so their light shines forward in front of the lampstand.” So Aaron did this. He set up the seven lamps so they reflected their light forward, just as the Lord had commanded Moses. The entire lampstand, from its base to its decorative blossoms, was made of beaten gold. It was built according to the exact design the Lord had shown Moses. — Numbers 8:1-4

SO THEIR LIGHT SHINES FORWARD

Consider with me the importance of the seven lamps and why their light needed to shine forward. There was an intentionality to direct the light in such a way that others would see it — that they would be drawn to the light. The light had significance and it was meant to be cast forward for all to see. There are many New Testament passages where Jesus’ teaching helps us understand God the Father, and his words in the gospel of Mark help us understand the importance of the direction of the light.

Then Jesus asked them, “Would anyone light a lamp and then put it under a basket or under a bed? Of course not! A lamp is placed on a stand, where its light will shine. For everything that is hidden will eventually be brought into the open, and every secret will be brought to light. Anyone with ears to hear should listen and understand.” — Mark 4:21-23

This parable of the lamp came right after Jesus had told the large crowd of people the parable of the farmer spreading seed (Mark 4:14-20). The analogy referred to the sharing of God’s word with others, and to the various ways people receive the truth of God’s word. To those who hear and accept God’s word there is a responsibility — to continue planting seeds so that the harvest multiplies in the lives of others. We are to shine our light forward, to place our lamp on a stand for others to see.

SO THE WHOLE WORLD CAN SEE

Just like the lampstands were built by design, we are also created with a purpose. We are to be a light in a world full of darkness. We are meant to reflect the light of God in such a way that the lives of others are impacted by our radiance.

When the apostle John was exiled on the island of Patmos, he heard a loud voice telling him to write down everything he was about to see. The Lord had a message for seven churches, and He was asking John to absorb the message and relay it to the church. This revelation came while John was worshiping in the Spirit.

When I turned to see who was speaking to me, I saw seven gold lampstands. And standing in the middle of the lampstands was someone like the Son of Man. He was wearing a long robe with a gold sash across his chest. His head and his hair were white like wool, as white as snow. And his eyes were like flames of fire. His feet were like polished bronze refined in a furnace, and his voice thundered like mighty ocean waves. He held seven stars in his right hand, and a sharp two-edged sword came from his mouth. And his face was like the sun in all its brilliance.

When I saw him, I fell at his feet as if I were dead. But he laid his right hand on me and said, “Don’t be afraid! I am the First and the Last. I am the living one. I died, but look—I am alive forever and ever! And I hold the keys of death and the grave.

“Write down what you have seen—both the things that are now happening and the things that will happen. This is the meaning of the mystery of the seven stars you saw in my right hand and the seven gold lampstands: The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches, and the seven lampstands are the seven churches. — Revelation 1:12-20

Church, we are a lampstand; we have been commissioned to be a light in this world. We were designed to let the light of God shine through us to a dark and hurting world. They are hungry for the message God has given us, and it is our responsibility to SHINE THE LIGHT FORWARD so that they can find salvation in Christ Jesus.

Jesus shouted to the crowds, “If you trust me, you are trusting not only me, but also God who sent me. For when you see me, you are seeing the one who sent me. I have come as a light to shine in this dark world, so that all who put their trust in me will no longer remain in the dark. — John 12:44-46

Today’s Reading: Exodus 34, Luke 4:1-13

Be ready in the morning to climb up Mount Sinai and present yourself to me on the top of the mountain. — Exodus 34:2

CALLED ONTO THE MOUNTAIN

The Israelites had sinned against God the last time Moses was on the mountain, because they lost faith in the God who had so faithfully provided for their every need. In recognition of the sinfulness of man, Moses once again climbed the mountain to hear from God. Moses spent 40 days and 40 nights on the mountain with the Lord. Moses came ready to hear from God — to receive instructions for how God’s people were to live.

Then the Lord said to Moses, “Write down all these instructions, for they represent the terms of the covenant I am making with you and with Israel.”

Moses remained there on the mountain with the Lord forty days and forty nights. In all that time he ate no bread and drank no water. And the Lord wrote the terms of the covenant—the Ten Commandments—on the stone tablets.

When Moses came down Mount Sinai carrying the two stone tablets inscribed with the terms of the covenant, he wasn’t aware that his face had become radiant because he had spoken to the Lord. So when Aaron and the people of Israel saw the radiance of Moses’ face, they were afraid to come near him. — Exodus 34:27-30

While on the mountain, God took care of the physical needs of His servant. Moses had no need for food or water because he was in the presence of the God who sustains and restores. God had his full attention. After his time with God, the face of Moses radiated God’s light. His time in God’s presence had made an impact on Moses, and he was now reflecting God’s light for all the people to see. This time spent on the mountain can be compared to the time Jesus spent in the wilderness.

The Spirit then compelled Jesus to go into the wilderness, where he was tempted by Satan for forty days. He was out among the wild animals, and angels took care of him. — Mark 1:12-13

LED INTO THE WILDERNESS

Then Jesus, full of the Holy Spirit, returned from the Jordan River. He was led by the Spirit in the wilderness, where he was tempted by the devil for forty days. Jesus ate nothing all that time and became very hungry. — Luke 4:1-2

While there is no mention that Moses was hungry during his 40 days on the mountain, the gospels tell us that Jesus was very hungry. His time in the desert was difficult. Jesus knew what it was to battle against the temptations of the enemy. It was not until the devil went away that angels came and took care of Jesus.

Today marks the first day of Lent — a 40-day season of preparing our hearts for our celebration of the resurrection of Christ. This length of time commemorates the days Jesus spent fasting and praying in the desert before his ministry began. It is a time of self-reflection — to consider how sinful we are, and to acknowledge that we need God to come in and do a work in our heart. It is a time to consider how our Savior willingly died on the cross for our sins, even though he was without sin.

We get so busy and we allow so many things to fill our lives. Lent is a season of cutting things out of our life in order to make room for God; it is 40 days to simplify our schedules so that we have more time to focus on Jesus and the sacrifice He made for our salvation. It is a time to renew our relationship with God — to experience communion with the Lord. It is a season to focus our attention on what Jesus did for us on the cross.

When Moses came down from the mountain, it was obvious to all the people that he had spent time in the presence of God. By intentionally setting aside the next 40 days to turn our face towards God, we have the opportunity to radiate Jesus to those around us. What is God calling you towards during this season of Lent? What is He asking you to give up or add in order to grow in your relationship with Him?

My prayer for you this morning is that this will be a special season for you and your family as you celebrate the death and resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ — that God will give you a mountaintop experience that forever changes your understanding of how much Jesus loves you. Are you ready for the climb?