God calls all of us to different paths but we are all called to holiness. Numbers 31:3 Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the Lord’s vengeance on Midian. A thousand from each tribe of all the tribes of Israel you shall send to the war. Moses sent them, a thousand from each tribe, to the war, and Phinehas the son of Eleazar the priest, to the war with them. They went with such courage. Where was Joshua in all of this? A Holy War---won. Moses met them at home in Numbers 31:13 with great respect over their victory until he saw the women they spared. Severely reproved! I am just taken aback at the immense courage and character of Moses in his old age. He never minced his words, did he? Never a people pleaser. In Numbers 32: 6, he exclaims: "What! Shall your brothers go to war and expose themselves to all the hardships and hazards of the field, and shall you sit here at your ease? No, do not deceive yourselves, you shall never be indulged by me in this sloth and cowardice." They have become faint as they stand poised to enter Canaan---just like their fathers who did not inherit Canaan. All I can say from these chapters is that I must deal with my own heart and what stirs within. My sin. We follow a Holy God Who does not entertain sin. May we depend a little deeper and see a little more clearly the evil within our own souls.
PRAYER FROM PSALMS Psalm 5: 1-4 This morning, You will hear my voice, O God! I will order my prayer to You and eagerly watch. For You are not a God Who takes pleasure in sin. No evil dwells with You. You hate sin. As for me, by Your abundant Lovingkindness I will enter Your house today and bow in reverence for You. Amen
Numbers 31-32
God does not tolerate sin, no matter how mild today's culture might find a particular sin. Moses delivered a strong rebuke to the returning warriors and to the men who did not want to cross the Jordan. Many people in Moses' place would think I am retiring tomorrow, I'll let Joshua, Caleb and or the priest handle this one. I want to bounce great grandchildren on my knees. Like John, Moses never retired. An example that in the Kingdom of God, the Lord has work for us. We may no longer be in the mission field or actively teaching teens at church, but there is Kingdom work for us until we depart this earth.
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DeleteAmen! The rising generations will hear from us.