Today’s Reading: Numbers 20–21, Psalm 9

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 instructed 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.

DO I TRUST IN MY OWN LEADERSHIP OR IN THE GOD WHO LED ME TO THIS MOMENT?

“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

This was a big consequence for Moses. You see Moses was not called by God to rescue the Israelites from Egypt; he was called to be the leader through whom God would deliver His people from their enemies. Moses was not tasked with leading the Israelites to the Promised Land; he was assigned to follow God as God daily led His people by a cloud during the day and fire at night. Humbled by the assignment, Moses had given his life to obeying what God told him to do. But because he had a moment of doing things his own way instead of God’s, because he received the glory instead of allowing God to demonstrate His holiness, Moses would never cross over the Jordan River again.

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 his brother and his nephew. 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?

Things changed after this day on the mountain. Instead of living in peace, the Israelites entered into a season of conflict. They were attacked by the Canaanites, taking some of them prisoner. The Israelites cried out to God and He gave them victory over their enemies (21:1-3).

As they continued their long journey through the wilderness, God’s people began to complain about both Moses and God. They were tired of wandering and sick of the manna that God had provided for them. So the Lord sent poisonous snakes to get their attention once more. They cried out to the Lord and He provided a way for them to seek healing, but it required them to place their focus where He was telling them to set their eyes (21:4-9).

FOLLOWING GOD REQUIRES OBEDIENCE AND FOCUS, FINDING CONTENTMENT IN GOD’S TIMING.

God’s people continued to travel along the ravine created by the Arnon River, which established a boundary between the land of the Moabites and the land of the Amorites. Next they arrived at Beer, a place that held the memory of God providing water for His people. This reminder helped the people find their song of praise again.

As they stepped out of the wilderness, the Israelites requested access to the land of the Amorites from their king. Even though they were a large group of people, they vowed to stay on the king’s road in order not to damage the fields or vineyards. They even promised not to drink from the wells as they traveled through. But King Sihon refused and instead attacked God’s people. But the Lord gave them victory over the Amorites and then next over King Og of Bashan.

The Israelites were following God out of the wilderness. They were experiencing attack after attack, yet the Lord was faithfully giving them victory over those who were choosing to oppose God’s people. He was providing for them according to His plan, each day bringing them closer to the land He had promised to them and to their forefathers. Following God did not mean a life without opposition but the Lord was with them each step of the way.

TRUST IN THE GOD WHO LED YOU TO THIS MOMENT. FOLLOW HIM AS HE DISPLAYS HIS HOLINESS.

The Lord is a shelter for the oppressed,
a refuge in times of trouble.
Those who know your name trust in you,
for you, O Lord, do not abandon those who search for you.
Sing praises to the Lord who reigns in Jerusalem.
Tell the world about his unforgettable deeds.
For he who avenges murder cares for the helpless.
He does not ignore the cries of those who suffer. – Psalm 9:9-12

Today’s Reading: Numbers 18-19; Psalm 115

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 fall, my husband and I moved into our 14th 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. In 2021, 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.

O Israel, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield.
O priests, descendants of Aaron, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield.
All you who fear the Lord, trust the Lord!
He is your helper and your shield. – Psalm 115:9-11

Today’s Reading: Numbers 16–17; Psalm 106

“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

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.

DOES YOUR CALLING SEEM INSIGNIFICANT?

“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

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.

The people in the camp were jealous of Moses
and envious of Aaron, the Lord’s holy priest.
Because of this, the earth opened up;
it swallowed Dathan
and buried Abiram and the other rebels.
Fire fell upon their followers;
a flame consumed the wicked. – Psalm 106:16-18

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 willfully 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. Each staff was 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 beautiful grow from our obedience. 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 will allow 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

Praise the Lord!
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good!
His faithful love endures forever.
Who can list the glorious miracles of the Lord?
Who can ever praise him enough?
There is joy for those who deal justly with others
and always do what is right.
Remember me, Lord, when you show favor to your people;
come near and rescue me.
Let me share in the prosperity of your chosen ones.
Let me rejoice in the joy of your people;
let me praise you with those who are your heritage. – Psalm 106:1-5

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 God himself 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. These two young men believed that nothing was too difficult for God, and their faith would bring them to a full experience of God’s power.

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; Psalm 57

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 also 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 who stood between them and the promises of God. 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. They questioned both the power of God and the faithfulness of God to keep His promise to them. Instead of giving God the battles ahead, they whined and complained against God. They looked back at their old life with a longing to return to the way things used to be (slavery in Egypt) instead of trusting in God for a better future. 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 a 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 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]

My heart is confident in you, O God;
my heart is confident.
No wonder I can sing your praises!
Wake up, my heart!
Wake up, O lyre and harp!
I will wake the dawn with my song.
I will thank you, Lord, among all the people.
I will sing your praises among the nations.
For your unfailing love is as high as the heavens.
Your faithfulness reaches to the clouds. – Psalm 57:7-10

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 the wisdom 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 11; Psalm 131

Lord, my heart is not proud; my eyes are not haughty. I don’t concern myself with matters too great or too awesome for me to grasp. Instead, I have calmed and quieted myself, like a weaned child who no longer cries for its mother’s milk. Yes, like a weaned child is my soul within me. O Israel, put your hope in the Lord — now and always. — Psalm 131

The nation of Israel went through a time of responding to all the Lord commanded them to do through Moses. They were growing in numbers and God’s blessings were evident, but it did not take long for the people to begin to whine and complain.

NO LONGER ENOUGH

The people of Israel (all 603,550 of them plus women and children) were still wandering in the wilderness and had not yet arrived to the land God had promised. Eventually the Israelites became tired of this way of life — wandering from place to place, daily picking up and moving on. They were tired of the manna God had provided for them to eat and they began to whine and complain. Manna was no longer enough for them. Now they wanted meat. Moses became aggravated with the people and began to feel sorry for himself, taking out his frustrations on God.

And Moses said to the Lord, “Why are you treating me, your servant, so harshly? Have mercy on me! What did I do to deserve the burden of all these people? Did I give birth to them? Did I bring them into the world? Why did you tell me to carry them in my arms like a mother carries a nursing baby? How can I carry them to the land you swore to give their ancestors? Where am I supposed to get meat for all these people? They keep whining to me, saying, ‘Give us meat to eat!’ I can’t carry all these people by myself! The load is far too heavy! If this is how you intend to treat me, just go ahead and kill me. Do me a favor and spare me this misery!” – Numbers 11:11-15

“Don’t make me come down there.” This was a common sentence at my house as I was growing up, and in this passage we hear God giving the same sort of fatherly warning. He said He would come down and the Israelites would get what they wanted – Oh boy, would they get it!

DISSATISFIED AND BORED

Moses responded – Where am I supposed to get enough meat to feed all these people?!! Oh Moses, I wish I could not relate to your faithless behavior. I know I serve a God who provides generously, yet I find myself asking how I am supposed to do what God is calling me to do. I can also sadly relate to the people who have been blessed by God but have become dissatisfied and bored, ready for God to bless in a new and different way. Oh, what a patient God we serve! Oh, how we must frustrate Him!

Numbers 11:23a
God answered Moses, “So, do you think I can’t take care of you?” (The Message)
“Has my arm lost its power?” (NLT)
“Is the Lord’s arm too short?” (NIV)

Over and over again Moses had witnessed both the Lord’s provision and the Lord’s anger at the complaints and selfishness of the people, yet here he is — the one lacking the faith to believe that God could do what He said He would do. I would love to sit here in judgment of Moses and shake my head in unbelief but the truth is that I am no better than him. I hear the Lord asking me, “Is the Lord’s arm too short? So, do you think I can’t take care of you? Has my arm lost its power?”

GOD IS MORE THAN ENOUGH

He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. — 2 Corinthians 9:10

Over and over again we witness God’s provision. My prayer for us today is that we know with confidence that God can take care of us, that His arm is not too short. I pray that we remain in a state of obedience without questioning God or praying for more than what God is giving us. I pray that God does something within each one of our hearts today, causing us to only desire what He desires for us and to be content with what He has for us. Lord, may these things be true in our lives today. Amen.

“The Lord bless you and keep you;
the Lord make His face to shine upon you and be gracious to you;
the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” – Numbers 6:24

Today’s Reading: Numbers 8:5-10:36; Psalm 48

In Exodus 24, the Lord called Moses to come and spend time in His presence on the mountain. There the Lord would give him instructions, equipping Moses to lead God’s people. The Israelites watched as Moses climbed the mountain and disappeared into the cloud, and they did not see their leader again for forty days and nights. In his absence, they lost confidence in God’s presence and created a physical object to worship — the golden calf.

In Exodus 33, we again see the presence of the Lord appearing in a pillar of cloud. If the people needed evidence that God was faithful, He would give it to them.

Whenever Moses went out to the Tent of Meeting, all the people would get up and stand in the entrances of their own tents. They would all watch Moses until he disappeared inside. As he went into the tent, the pillar of cloud would come down and hover at its entrance while the Lord spoke with Moses. When the people saw the cloud standing at the entrance of the tent, they would stand and bow down in front of their own tents. – Exodus 33:8-10

GOD MADE HIS PRESENCE KNOWN THROUGH A PILLAR OF CLOUD.

When Moses climbed back up Mount Sinai to receive a second set of stone tablets, the Lord came down in a cloud and stood on the mountain with Moses (Exodus 34:5). On that day, the Lord revealed Himself as Yahweh, and He continues to be Yahweh for us today. He is the God of mercy and compassion; He is slow to anger and filled with unfailing love and faithfulness. He lavishes this unfailing love upon generation after generation, forgiving us for our iniquity, rebellion and sin, just as He forgave the Israelites for worshiping the golden calf.

In both Exodus 40 and Numbers 9, we read the beautiful description of the Lord’s presence inhabiting the Tabernacle in a cloud. The people had created a place of worship just as the Lord had instructed them to, and God faithfully dwelled among them. Daily the Lord guided them through the movement of the cloud.

On the day the Tabernacle was set up, the cloud covered it. But from evening until morning the cloud over the Tabernacle looked like a pillar of fire. This was the regular pattern—at night the cloud that covered the Tabernacle had the appearance of fire. Whenever the cloud lifted from over the sacred tent, the people of Israel would break camp and follow it. And wherever the cloud settled, the people of Israel would set up camp. In this way, they traveled and camped at the Lord’s command wherever he told them to go. – Numbers 9:15-18a

GOD WAS FAITHFUL TO LEAD HIS PEOPLE AND HIS PEOPLE WERE FAITHFUL TO FOLLOW.

Whether the cloud stayed above the Tabernacle for two days, a month, or a year, the people of Israel stayed in camp and did not move on. But as soon as it lifted, they broke camp and moved on. So they camped or traveled at the Lord’s command, and they did whatever the Lord told them through Moses. – Numbers 9:22-23

God also equipped Moses with the trumpet call in order to lead the people where they needed to go. If they heard two trumpets, all of God’s people were to gather at the entrance of the Tabernacle. If only one trumpet was blown, only the leaders needed to assemble. The Lord gave Moses various trumpet calls in order to communicate instructions to God’s people. This provided an organized way to move the large group of people, while also providing a method to signal alarm when enemies would come to attack them (Exodus 10:1-10). God provided a way for His people to see His presence through the cloud and also to hear His instructions through the sound of the trumpet.

GOD’S PEOPLE DO NOT NEED TO QUESTION HIS PRESENCE OR HIS WILLINGNESS TO LEAD US.

We can start our day with confidence in who God is — He is Yahweh, the God of compassion and mercy whose unfailing love is lavished on us as He willingly forgives us for our iniquities, rebellion and sin. Just as He forgave the Israelites when they repented of their sin of idol worship, He is willing to forgive us when we humbly repent of our waywardness.

We can step into our day with the assurance of God’s presence. When we surrender our lives to Him, allowing Him to be Lord, He generously provides His Spirit to dwell among us and in us. Just as the cloud descended upon the mountain and then on the Tabernacle, God is faithful. He never forgets us; He never abandons us. He responds to our worship and hears our prayers.

For that is what God is like.
He is our God forever and ever,
and he will guide us until we die. – Psalm 48:14

We can daily live out our confidence in the instructions God has given us in His word. Through scripture, the Lord leads us. He has laid out a plan for us, promising to fill us with His righteousness and transform our hearts and minds. He equips us for all that He has called us to be and do. Our God is faithful to guide each decision we face. He is Yahweh, God Almighty, and we can trust Him. Now it’s our turn to look, listen and obey.

Today’s Reading: Numbers 1-8:4; Mark 4:1-25; Revelation 1:12-20; Psalm 80

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

Turn us again to yourself, O Lord God of Heaven’s Armies.
Make your face shine down upon us.
Only then will we be saved. – Psalm 80:16

Today’s Reading: Exodus 34; Luke 4:1-13; Psalm 26

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 17th 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 40 days to turn our face towards God, we have the opportunity to radiate Jesus to those around us. Our faith journey can provide the light someone else needs to find their way to God.

We are almost halfway through Lent. Today is the first day of March and we will celebrate our risen Savior on the last day of March. Have you been intentionally focusing on the Lord during this season? What is God calling you towards during the remainder of this season of repentance? What is He asking you to give up or add in order to grow in your relationship with Him? It’s not too late. We have this whole month to spend time on the mountain with our Lord.

My prayer for you this morning is that this has been and will continue to 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? Don’t give up! The Lord is eager to spend this time with you.

I wash my hands to declare my innocence.
I come to your altar, O Lord,
singing a song of thanksgiving
and telling of all your wonders.
I love your sanctuary, Lord,
the place where your glorious presence dwells. – Psalm 26:6-8