Throwing Stones in Egypt
Throwing Words in Austin
Numbers 14:4 - We often think that the problem is leadership. If we had another husband, another father, another pastor, another leader, then we could go in the right direction along with our followers. But no, the problem of every Israelite proved the same. Their rebellion was against God and His Plan---not against man. The bottom line is t.h.i.s. --- "God is with us" (Numbers 14:9). Your protection is not removed from you, no matter what happens---it is God's Hand. And the congregation said, "Amen!" --- No!, the congregation said, "STONE THEM!" Moses and Aaron and Joshua fall on their faces before the crowd and before God. They plead for God to be slow to anger and forgive the guilty. No clearance; please pardon. That's what forgiveness looks like---those you lead want to kill you and you are pleading for their pardon. Oh, God, help us all to live for You, not for any job, not for any status. These three men had it right! No demands that their followers be anything but God followers. PRAYER FROM PSALMS
Psalm 19:14 ~ Let the words of my mouth and the meditations of my heart be acceptable and pleasing in Your Sight, Oh my God! When children won't follow, when husbands aren't bendable, when bosses misdirect, help us to deeply know that You are still with us. You see the disconnect, the discord, the distance. Help us to see what stirs in our own hearts of unforgiveness. Help us not throw words but plead for pardon for our husbands, our children, our family and friends. Their problems lie with you, not with us.
BIOGRAPHICAL PASSAGE - Moses & Aaron & Joshua - Numbers 14
OVERVIEW: Numbers 14-15
Image: www.flickr.com/photos/usnationalarchives
Though the people were against him, Moses pled with God on their behalf. And God relented. He was angry in part because of the grumbling, but mostly because He'd shown them His provision and blessing, and they didn't have the faith in Him to go into their Promised Land. But there was a cost: due to their lack of faith, none would enter the Promised Land. Only Caleb and Joshua. Not even Moses. Not Aaron. Faithlessness has a cost to it. I'm pondering this morning all the blessings I have missed due to my lack of confidence that God is bigger than my giants.
ReplyDeleteLord, forgive me. Help me to move forward in this beautifully Justified faith in Jesus.
We can't do things in our own strength, but You can through us. Your Will be done in and among us this day. We love you for so many reasons. You are worthy of our gratitude and for us to see Your mighty Glory in all its splendor. You are our Provider and our Sure Confidence. Amen.
Moses interceded for his people and the Lord heard him. I imagine how most of them felt when they realized their complaining, planning to return to Egypt, and lack of faith would keep them from entering into the Promised Land, the land of milk and honey.
ReplyDeleteWhat do I miss because of the condition of my heart, the words which flowed from my mouth, or being caught up in the day to day demands of life?
O Lord, I want to see you first and foremost, not invoices clients have not paid. I want to see You above and beyond my mother's condition. You are with her, You will not forsake her. You are not a grasshopper size god, You are the great I AM.