Sunday, February 21, 2010
February 22 ... Numbers 26 -27 "Take a Good Look"
Numbers 27:12 God said to Moses, "Climb up into the Abarim Mountains and look over at the land that I am giving to the People of Israel. When you've had a good look you'll be joined to your ancestors in the grave." Moses response was a beautiful move of a true leader. Will you set a man over this community so they won't be sheep without a shepherd." God says to Moses that he is going to die...and what does Moses think about but the people he loves. Moses had just spent 40 years leading the people in the wilderness. And God says to Moses to commission Joshua to command the people in all their comings and goings into the Promised Land. What did Moses feel and think about this? Was entering the Promised Land what he lived for? No, it was a "second thing" for him, not a "first thing." He lived for God and followed God's words. When we are faced with hard decisions, difficult relationships, challenging times, what results in our lives? Is it peace and rest in God's decisions. I've failed miserably this weekend in wanting others to change and trying to persuade. So surprised by my sin, God gave hope in the midst of it. Isn't that what Moses faced---wanting the Israelites to change? But look at what rest came from his life in his last days. No demandingness in losing the lead out of the wilderness. .
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Numbers 27:12-14
ReplyDeleteGod said to Moses, "Climb up into the Abarim Mountains and look over at the land that I am giving to the People of Israel. When you've had a good look you'll be joined to your ancestors in the grave—yes, you also along with Aaron your brother. This goes back to the day when the congregation quarreled in the Wilderness of Zin and you didn't honor me in holy reverence before them in the matter of the waters, the Waters of Meribah (Quarreling) at Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin."
Well, I'm amazed at the number of people over the age of 20 that were counted...and none of them were counted in the first counting...except for Caleb and Josuah...and Moses?
I posted the sin of Moses above and I'm going to take some time and study on that. I want to know why Moses was forbidden from entering the Promised Land. I think that's important to us today.
I know he STRUCK the rock when God commanded him to speak to the rock. But this has a relationship with Christ. That's what I want to study about. Christ is our Living Water. He cleanses us of our unrighteousness. I'll study this more and see how I can apply this to my own life.
Hang in there, ladies. If we are learning so much from these chapters, just wait til we get to some of our favorite books. I love the Psalms. And Jeremiah is going to kill us. It is life-changing. And then the New Testament! What a blessing these four books have been to me!
Thank you, Bev, for this opportunity. I was already going to do the year's reading from The Message. But this is much better than what I had planned to do. You are a blessing to me! And all of you ladies joining in with your comments!
I want to say this, not comparing us to the disciples but thinking about how I read each book they wrote. Matthew, Peter, John...each one of them had a different tone and remembrance as they wrote inspired by The Holy Spirit. Our personalities come through our writings, too. And each gives a different perspective of the same Message...Jesus Christ saves! Please keep recording your thoughts and hilights from your own heart.
The daughters of Zelophehad in chapter 27 bring up Inheritance. I immediately flip back to this time last year when Mama Beth was teaching "The Inheritance" From Genesis to Revelation. She prompted a profound thought for me. Just as the tribes of Judah had boundary lines for their inheritance so do I.
ReplyDeleteOne area of my inheritance refers to my past (history). There are some experiences I would love just to forget they ever happened. However, I am reminded that the person I am today is the sum total of ALL my life experiences. The enemy is standing on portions of my inheritance...I must do the work to claim all my inheritance. Again that word I run from all too often "Obedience" to Elohim, Jehovah for even every nano second of my life.
As I learn more about Moses and all of his weaknesses yet his devotion to know and see God gives me great hope inspite of my own sin and rebellion (pride and insecurities).
"Then tell the People of Israel, If a man dies and leaves no son, give his inheritance to his daughter. If he has no daughter, give it to his brothers. If he has no brothers, give it to his father's brothers. If his father had no brothers, give it to the nearest relative so that the inheritance stays in the family.
ReplyDeleteI woke up this morning with my list of "Things to do". I have been procrastinating writing our will for many years and for reasons. "Staying in the family" tends to get complicated. You are right, Bev... Moses was a true leader.
Have a good day, friends!
Angie xoxo
Bev,
ReplyDeleteI tried early last week to sign up for the devotionals...therefore, I know something didnt work quite right since it wasn't a weekend. Do you mind sending me the devotionals(or maybe try to sign me up from ur computer?)
Thank you so much for taking the time to do this for me.
Donna Hazelwood
donnah9876@aol.com
coram Deo,
Donna
I was really moved by Moses' response to God as well. Here's God saying to him, "Take a good look at what you won't receive" and Moses' response is concern for the people he leads. What an amazing example of a leader! I think I've been starved for a leader like Moses - more concerned about the welfare of others than himself.
ReplyDeleteAnd Moses trained Joshua by example. Joshua was with him in so many of the important times with God and in leading the people. That's the way to train up a leader - life on life.
I need to remember this with my own children, not just assume that they will be trained by church or school. It's my job to be a godly example to follow.
Oh, we all know what comes next, and I'm sad for Moses. I still get sad for him out of a love that has grown through knowing his story. I love your reminder, Bev--it was a "second thing" to see the Promised Land and to even see the Israelites hearts changed, his goal of some 40+ years.
ReplyDeleteWhat a tender moment it had to have been--still is for me this day for Moses to have peace in God's sovereignty.
Deborah, I am so honored to be walking with each of you through our daily readings, seeing your hearts' words. And you are so right-it only gets better.
Angie, the will thing--God makes it clear what is right. We've been struggling with a piece of property on how to divide it up. God defines what a fair portion is, and how it is to be kept in the family. We were struggling over one part of the land being more valuable than another, but God just says divide it equally. I'm thankful for answers! I hope this reading helps you get those wills made, without the conflict you've had.
Sylvia, reclaiming our inheritance! Boy, that's a whole 'nother huge area of reflection. God redeems even the most difficult times. I am so thankful Jesus makes that possible.
For me, today is about Moses' heart. Where am I not accepting the sovereignty of God? Lots of work to do here.
God said to Moses, "Climb up into the Abarim Mountains and look over at the land that I am giving to the People of Israel. When you've had a good look you'll be joined to your ancestors in the grave—yes, you also along with Aaron your brother.
ReplyDeleteMoses was a true leader, he experienced many emotions from the time he left Egypt through the rest of his journey, but he stayed close to God and on course. He loved God and he loved his people.
I wonder if I'll cry when I read about his death...I usually do...
I've been thinking about Moses' response when God showed him the land and his heart was for the people. I so want that depth of character! The challenges God puts in my life will build that character if I look to him and not look out for myself.
ReplyDeleteHappy Monday Everyone!! I have been been out of town for the past few days, and even though I have been reading along in scripture, I have truly missed each of you.
ReplyDeleteMy husband and I have been thinking and praying about a BIG Life decision in our lives for the past few months, and this past Friday the Lord answered our prayers. And even though I was open to any answer, I couldn't help but wonder when and how the Lord will hear our desires and prayers?
Bev - the question you wrote "When we are faced with hard decisions, difficult relationships, challenging times, what results in our lives?" My answer today through this challenge is PEACE. I am at peace to wait until the Lord knows when we are ready for such a big step in our lives. I am taking it each day at a time, and I know that the Lord's timing is perfect.
Our Life Verse for 2010 is Eph. 3:20 "Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us."
Have a great week everyone. I love you each dearly, and truly missed you.
Numbers 27:14
ReplyDeleteIn NKJV, vs 14..."you rebelled against My command to hallow me"...
This is God speaking to Moses.
I went back to Numbers 20:10. Here Moses says..."hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock."
God's calling Moses out for rebellion...Moses is calling Israel out for rebellion.
Twinkle, I agree. Christ our Rock, our Living Water! He only needed to be "struck" once, "wounded for our transgressions."
"Living Water rain down Your Life on me, cleansing me, refreshing me with life abundantly. River full of life, I'll go where You lead. I will trust in You, I will trust in You, my God." (from WHO CAN SATISFY MY SOUL) I love this song!
Hope you don't mind if I use my NKJV. (don't want you to think I'm anti The Message. I'm not!) Just love my NKJV!
Enjoy all the comments and your writing, Bev.
FG
"I'll go where you lead"...easier to sing than to do. Just wanted to add that to my comment. I'm digging my heels in about a few things right now.
ReplyDeleteBlessings,
FG