NUMBERS 17-20: DAY 254 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
September 11, 2023
NUMBERS 17-20
DAY 254 JOURNEY THROUGH THE BIBLE IN A YEAR
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Focus Verses For Today: Numbers 20:7-12
Today our journey through the Bible takes us through Numbers 17-20. Our journey begins with Aaron being chosen by the Lord and ends with his death.
Ask God for His understanding of Numbers 17-20. Read Numbers 17-20. Let’s journey!
Numbers 17-20: Our journey begins with the Lord choosing Aaron, out of the 12 leaders of the tribes of Israel. God then describes the duties and responsibilities of the Levites, who are the priests and care for the house of the Lord. The Lord also gives instructions for the offerings, and how the Levites are to be provided for, as they will not have land due to their work serving the Lord. God describes cleanliness and uncleanliness. Moses and Aaron are barred from the Promised Land after disobeying the Lord. Aaron’s death comes about at the end of today’s reading, but not before Moses and the Israelites seek permission, which was denied, from the king of Edom to pass through his land. God did not tell Moses to seek permission. (Numbers 17:1-20:29)
Focus verses for today:
7 The Lord said to Moses, 8 “Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.”
9 So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence, just as he commanded him. 10 He and Aaron gathered the assembly together in front of the rock and Moses said to them, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out of this rock?” 11 Then Moses raised his arm and struck the rock twice with his staff. Water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.
12 But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, “Because you did not trust in me enough to honor me as holy in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this community into the land I give them.”
(Numbers 20:7-12, NIV)
There are two important lessons in our focus verses today. The first lesson concerns how we view Biblical figures. Often, we can see them as larger than life, and it can be difficult to see their flaws. Today, we see one of Moses’ flaws. He disobeyed the Lord and showed Him dishonor by striking the rock instead of speaking to it, as directed by the Lord. It is important to recognize that Biblical figures have flaws, that they are not perfect, just like us! But God was still able to use them – flaws and all! So while in many aspects, they are examples we can look up to, remember, and recognize, that they are still humans, with human flaws. Only Jesus set the perfect example.
The second lesson is that sin has consequences! Many churches and pastors today preach on God’s forgiveness, on His love. God forgives! God loves! Despite our sins. However, our actions, our willful choice to disobey and dishonor, can have consequences. Forgiveness does not mean our sin does not have repercussions. In this case, the consequence of Moses and Aaron’s sin was not being allowed to enter the promised land.
Recognizing flaws in Biblical figures helps us also recognize the flaws in those around us. While we should not dwell on the flaws of others, it is important to recognize them – as they can become your flaws. Are there flaws in those around you that you are beginning to imitate? God’s forgiveness is unlimited, but that does not mean our actions are consequence-free. How do you view God’s forgiveness? Is it Biblical?
Godpeace!
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