Today’s Reading Numbers 31-32
Focal Scripture: Numbers 32:23 “But if you don’t do this, you will certainly sin against the Lord: be sure your sin will catch up with you.”
In today’s reading we see that war breaks out with Midian and God has very clear expectations on how that war should be handled. He explained to the Israelites how he wanted the enemies dealt with, the plunder divided and how they must cleanse themselves outside the community. The details matter and they definitely matter to God when it comes with his chosen people.
Then we see a discussion between a few tribes who want to start a community before they enter the promised land. They approach Moses and Eleazar the priest and tell them about their plans. However, concern comes about these men not helping in battle and just leaving them when they are needed the most. However, these men make a promise to fight and not come back until the land is taken and the battles are won. This is where the focal scripture stands out in today’s reading.
Moses tells them that if they do not keep their word they will be sinning against the Lord and to know that their sin will catch up with them. That is a very powerful warning and reminder for all of us who read the scriptures. First, our sin is mainly against God. Yes, other people can be affected by our sin but God is the one that is sinned against. His character and his expectations are violated when we choose to sin. Hopefully, this thought will stay with us as we go through our daily life. We are sinners and God is the offended party.
Then we get to a very powerful comment. Sin can catch up with us. Often we think that we can sin in private or that nothing will come from our actions. This verse states that sin is following after us even after we commit that sin. That is a terrifying thought. However, we know this to be true. We know how our minds and our thought life are bothered by sin as believers. We know the damage that sin can cause and how it it always trying to catch up with us and tear us down.
Thankfully, we know that even though sin is trying to catch up with us we have one who died for our sins and will forgive our sins. This does not give us the right to live how we want without thought. It does however, give us the confidence to know that our sin can never catch us because it is washed away by the blood of Christ. We are forgiven and cleansed.
After reading about how the Israelites had to continually offer sacrifices for their sins because animals only temporarily covered them. It is amazing to know that Christ not only forgives our sins but remembers them no more.
We need to know that sin will chase us if we allow it to in our lives. We also must remember that Christ can stop that from happening. Hallelujah! Sin has no power over a person who has committed themselves to Christ.
Tomorrow I plan on reading Numbers 33-34
