Today’s Reading, Numbers 33-34
Focal Scripture: Numbers 33:55 “But if you don’t drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you allow to remain will become barbs for your eyes and thorns for your sides; they will harass you in the land where you will live.”
Obedience to the Lord makes all the difference in a persons life. When he asks us to do anything, our sole objective should be to comply with his request. All thinking and doubt should be removed. All sense of autonomy should be placed to the side. Why do I make this claim? Because the Lord is all knowing, he is also good. The Lord knows what needs to happen in the now and in the future. It amazes me how we expect obedience from others but yet many refuse to obey the creator of the universe. This is a truth that must be changed.
In today’s reading God gives a command to Moses to drive out the inhabitants of the land they were about to possess. This command was not an option and it was done because the Lord knew what would happen if they didn’t obey. The Lord is very specific that anyone left behind would become a barb in the eye and a thorn in the side. These people would harass them and never relent. God knew how to prepare the people and keep peace in the camp.
So what does this mean for us as believers? It means when the Lord gives us a command we must be obedient. For instance, when he tells us to go and make disciples it is not a suggestion but a command. When he tells us to love our enemies that means we must get over our feelings and find biblical love for those who wish us harm.
The challenge for us as believers is to be obedient to his teachings and not give in to the culture of autonomy. We spend years preparing our children to be independent but we rarely teach them to be completely dependent upon God. Imagine what your life would be like if you obeyed these two commands, 1. Love the Lord your God will all of your heart, mind, soul, and strength. 2. Love your neighbor as yourself.
Homes and churches would have a biblical standard that would put God first and change the culture. Businesses and shops would shine a light that could never be denied. My goal for writing today is to spur you on to obedience. He doesn’t give commands to cause us pain but to bring us peace.
Let us become a people who does exactly what the Lord commands and shows others what biblical devotion looks like in every setting we find ourselves.
Tomorrow, I plan on reading Numbers 35-36
