February 15-Numbers 30-32

“Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the Lord’s vengeance”(31:3).

Christ-followers are often called upon to defend the Sanctity of Human Life. Humans are made in God’s image with particular purpose and value to God. Life, therefore, is sacred.

Doing so, we must never set this principle against God, Himself. We must never propose human life as inviolate, must never claim that even God cannot righteously take life.

As both Creator and Judge, vengeance (even when it requires the sentence of death) is His right. Justice is part of His holiness. There is, “a time to kill,” says Ecclesiastes 3:3. Only God knows it.

In Numbers 31, Moses is given a divine assignment. Vengeance against Midian is God’s command. Like the decision to destroy the Canaanite cultures (Genesis 15:16), this solemn verdict came from God only after great patience. He is slow to anger, but does not leave the guilty unpunished. See Numbers 14:18.

Be careful here, dear friend. Moderns often turn away from God at this very place, preferring the wisdom of the secular age (humanism). In the New Testament, Scripture declares that GOD gives the sword to government. See Romans 13. (The sword is a symbol of the death sentence, either in justice or war.) The same picture appears again in Revelation 19:13-15. Christ comes with a sharp sword to slay the nations, and a robe dipped in blood.

The wrath of God is real and righteous, not a doctrine to be diluted or rejected in unbelief.

The idea/conversation of a “just war” is usually associated with Augustine. There are times, he reasoned, that war, while terrible, is the right and moral choice. Meeting certain criteria, guided by certain rules of conduct, motivated by right concerns, war is, at times, the permissive WILL of God.

Is it ever right to kill? Some say “no”. The Bible says “yes”. In a universe made by God, human rights are not the highest value. God’s name and holiness is! This being so, there are times, in the face of evil, war (or self-defense or capital punishment) can be an act of righteousness and courage.

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed”(Genesis 9:6).

” ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

February 15-Numbers 30-32

“Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the Lord’s vengeance”(31:3).

Christ-followers are often called upon to defend the Sanctity of Human Life. Humans are made in God’s image with particular purpose and value to God. Life, therefore, is sacred.

Doing so, we must never set this principle against God, Himself. We must never propose human life as inviolate, must never claim that even God cannot righteously take life.

As both Creator and Judge, vengeance (even when it requires the sentence of death) is His right. Justice is part of His holiness. There is, “a time to kill,” says Ecclesiastes 3:3. Only God knows it.

In Numbers 31, Moses is given a divine assignment. Vengeance against Midian is God’s command. Like the decision to destroy the Canaanite cultures (Genesis 15:16), this solemn verdict came from God only after great patience. He is slow to anger, but does not leave the guilty unpunished. See Numbers 14:18.

Be careful here, dear friend. Moderns often turn away from God at this very place, preferring the wisdom of the secular age (humanism). In the New Testament, Scripture declares that GOD gives the sword to government. See Romans 13. (The sword is a symbol of the death sentence, either in justice or war.) The same picture appears again in Revelation 19:13-15. Christ comes with a sharp sword to slay the nations, and a robe dipped in blood.

The wrath of God is real and righteous, not a doctrine to be diluted or rejected in unbelief.

The idea/conversation of a “just war” is usually associated with Augustine. There are times, he reasoned, that war, while terrible, is the right and moral choice. Meeting certain criteria, guided by certain rules of conduct, motivated by right concerns, war is, at times, the permissive WILL of God.

Is it ever right to kill? Some say “no”. The Bible says “yes”. In a universe made by God, human rights are not the highest value. God’s name and holiness is! This being so, there are times, in the face of evil, war (or self-defense or capital punishment) can be an act of righteousness and courage.

“Whoever sheds the blood of man, by man shall his blood be shed”(Genesis 9:6).

” ‘Vengeance is mine, I will repay,’ says the Lord” (Romans 12:19).

February 14–Numbers 27-29

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua. . .a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. . .put some of your authority on him, in order that all the congregation. . .may obey him”(27:18,20).

Great changes were coming. The whole camp could feel it.

A plague had swept away the remaining members of the old guard. By Divine promise and protection, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive from the sinful generation. Miriam was dead. Aaron, too. A new census was being taken. Preparation for war. A new day was dawning for the people of God, a day of courage and challenge and opportunity.

The new day required a new leader. In love, God gives shepherds to His people. We are wise to receive them. At this moment, God reminded Moses (again) of his own impending death. Instructed him to commission Joshua. The old leader’s reaction was admirable. With very little personal grief, he participated in the calling and preparation of his successor.

Only part of Moses’ authority was to be transferred to the new young leader. No leader will be an exact replacement, nor is intended to be. Joshua will have what he needs to courageously serve, but he will be his own man, not a copy.

Great changes are ahead for us, too, dear one. New chapters of God’s beautiful, eternal story are still to be written in the world. The Lord is at work. Calling souls into His kingdom. Preparing for the great events still promised.

In His faithfulness, God is providing new leaders for these days. Do you embrace them? Do you view the coming days with confidence? Circumstances change. The purposes of God do not. With Christ as your unshifting foundation, will you surrender personal preference, the longing for things to be “like they used to be” and enthusiastically embrace all that is required of you in this season of His grace?

On Valentine’s Day, I must remember. My love toward God is best expressed by my willingness to stay with Him on the journey. I must get forward in faith!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though mountains (people and things that we have depended on) slip into the heart of the sea”(Psalm 46:1-2).

“Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way” (E. W. Blandly).

February 14–Numbers 27-29

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Take Joshua. . .a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay your hand on him. . .put some of your authority on him, in order that all the congregation. . .may obey him”(27:18,20).

Great changes were coming. The whole camp could feel it.

A plague had swept away the remaining members of the old guard. By Divine promise and protection, only Joshua and Caleb remained alive from the sinful generation. Miriam was dead. Aaron, too. A new census was being taken. Preparation for war. A new day was dawning for the people of God, a day of courage and challenge and opportunity.

The new day required a new leader. In love, God gives shepherds to His people. We are wise to receive them. At this moment, God reminded Moses (again) of his own impending death. Instructed him to commission Joshua. The old leader’s reaction was admirable. With very little personal grief, he participated in the calling and preparation of his successor.

Only part of Moses’ authority was to be transferred to the new young leader. No leader will be an exact replacement, nor is intended to be. Joshua will have what he needs to courageously serve, but he will be his own man, not a copy.

Great changes are ahead for us, too, dear one. New chapters of God’s beautiful, eternal story are still to be written in the world. The Lord is at work. Calling souls into His kingdom. Preparing for the great events still promised.

In His faithfulness, God is providing new leaders for these days. Do you embrace them? Do you view the coming days with confidence? Circumstances change. The purposes of God do not. With Christ as your unshifting foundation, will you surrender personal preference, the longing for things to be “like they used to be” and enthusiastically embrace all that is required of you in this season of His grace?

On Valentine’s Day, I must remember. My love toward God is best expressed by my willingness to stay with Him on the journey. I must get forward in faith!

“God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth should change and though mountains (people and things that we have depended on) slip into the heart of the sea”(Psalm 46:1-2).

“Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. Where He leads me, I will follow. I’ll go with Him, with Him, all the way” (E. W. Blandly).

February 13–Numbers 24-26

“Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15).

Balaam was a genuinely gifted man. “Like Melchizedek and Jethro in earlier Scripture, he was blessed with insight from Almighty God even though he was outside the house of Israel” (Alexander Whyte). The story gives many indications of authentic Spirituality. His wonderful prophesy of Christ (24:7) and the Scripture’s plain statement, “the Spirit of God came upon him,” (24:2) both testify to his genuine giftedness. God is graciously at work in ALL nations. He never leaves Himself without a witness!

Sadly, Balaam was also a lost man. Despite his superficial religious experiences, his true love was money. Even the warning of a talking donkey and a crushed foot were insufficient to wake his heart and turn Him toward true worship.

Moses tells the rest of the tragic story in Numbers 31:16. Still seeking Balak’s gold, still lingering near a temptation he should have fled, Balaam gave counsel that led Israel into sin. 24,000 people died in the judgement that followed. Unwilling to curse Israel, Balaam was all too willing to corrupt them. Forbidden to turn Jehovah against Israel, he gave counsel that turned Israel against Jehovah.

After you read these chapters today, will you pause to consider the clear warning and instruction? All of us know greatly gifted people. Pastors. Singers. Leaders. We all are gifted in some measure. But gifts from God, or even genuine Spiritual experiences, are no guarantee of His approval or of a saving relationship with Him. The Great Judge looks at the heart and motives. Is it your gifts He wants, dear one? No, it is your heart and He cannot (will not) receive a divided heart. “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” cried David in Psalm 51. We are wise to make the same urgent plea!

” ‘Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons?’ and I will say to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’ “(Matthew 7:22-23).

“Wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God”(1 Corinthians 4:5).

February 13–Numbers 24-26

“Forsaking the right way, they have gone astray, having followed the way of Balaam, the son of Beor, who loved the wages of unrighteousness” (2 Peter 2:15).

Balaam was a genuinely gifted man. “Like Melchizedek and Jethro in earlier Scripture, he was blessed with insight from Almighty God even though he was outside the house of Israel” (Alexander Whyte). The story gives many indications of authentic Spirituality. His wonderful prophesy of Christ (24:7) and the Scripture’s plain statement, “the Spirit of God came upon him,” (24:2) both testify to his genuine giftedness. God is graciously at work in ALL nations. He never leaves Himself without a witness!

Sadly, Balaam was also a lost man. Despite his superficial religious experiences, his true love was money. Even the warning of a talking donkey and a crushed foot were insufficient to wake his heart and turn Him toward true worship.

Moses tells the rest of the tragic story in Numbers 31:16. Still seeking Balak’s gold, still lingering near a temptation he should have fled, Balaam gave counsel that led Israel into sin. 24,000 people died in the judgement that followed. Unwilling to curse Israel, Balaam was all too willing to corrupt them. Forbidden to turn Jehovah against Israel, he gave counsel that turned Israel against Jehovah.

After you read these chapters today, will you pause to consider the clear warning and instruction? All of us know greatly gifted people. Pastors. Singers. Leaders. We all are gifted in some measure. But gifts from God, or even genuine Spiritual experiences, are no guarantee of His approval or of a saving relationship with Him. The Great Judge looks at the heart and motives. Is it your gifts He wants, dear one? No, it is your heart and He cannot (will not) receive a divided heart. “Create in me a clean heart, O God,” cried David in Psalm 51. We are wise to make the same urgent plea!

” ‘Lord, Lord did we not prophesy in your name, and in your name cast out demons?’ and I will say to them, ‘I never knew you. Depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness’ “(Matthew 7:22-23).

“Wait until the Lord comes who will both bring to light the things hidden in darkness and disclose the motives of men’s hearts; and then each man’s praise will come to him from God”(1 Corinthians 4:5).

February 12–Numbers 21-23

“Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people” (22:12).

Balaam was a well-known soothsayer. The king of Moab attempted to hire him to curse Israel. In his conscience, and by direct revelation from God, Balaam knew it was wrong to do so. The desire for wealth, however, kept him involved in the negotiations. His divided heart exposed him to danger.

The New Testament tells us to FLEE temptation. Like Joseph with Potiphar’s wife, we are to remove ourselves from situations that pull us toward sin. Get away! Don’t go near! Not doing so was Balaam’s failure.

The question (for some) is God’s role. If God allowed Balaam to go (22:20), why was He subsequently angry when he went? It will help to remember that God’s first word was a clear NO! Everything that followed was a part of God’s permissive will, a concession to Balaam’s divided heart. The Father allows options to stubborn children (note the prodigal son) but nothing exempts us from the consequences if we refuse to follow the call of God with a clean conscience.

Dear reader, are you dabbling with sinful choices? Are you lingering near a decision that was already made when you received Christ and called Him Lord? Offering true freedom, the Spirit says, “Run! Even if you must leave part of yourself behind.”

American Shakers used to sing, “Tis a gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free, ’tis a gift to come down where you ought to be.” In this context, simple means, “pure, unmixed, containing only one element.” Balaam’s story is a reminder. A simple heart is our safety in Christ, and it is, at times, most established by the action of simple obedience. Flee!

“For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways”(James 1:7-8).

“Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death”(James 1:14-15).

February 12–Numbers 21-23

“Do not go with them; you shall not curse the people” (22:12).

Balaam was a well-known soothsayer. The king of Moab attempted to hire him to curse Israel. In his conscience, and by direct revelation from God, Balaam knew it was wrong to do so. The desire for wealth, however, kept him involved in the negotiations. His divided heart exposed him to danger.

The New Testament tells us to FLEE temptation. Like Joseph with Potiphar’s wife, we are to remove ourselves from situations that pull us toward sin. Get away! Don’t go near! Not doing so was Balaam’s failure.

The question (for some) is God’s role. If God allowed Balaam to go (22:20), why was He subsequently angry when he went? It will help to remember that God’s first word was a clear NO! Everything that followed was a part of God’s permissive will, a concession to Balaam’s divided heart. The Father allows options to stubborn children (note the prodigal son) but nothing exempts us from the consequences if we refuse to follow the call of God with a clean conscience.

Dear reader, are you dabbling with sinful choices? Are you lingering near a decision that was already made when you received Christ and called Him Lord? Offering true freedom, the Spirit says, “Run! Even if you must leave part of yourself behind.”

American Shakers used to sing, “Tis a gift to be simple, ‘tis the gift to be free, ’tis a gift to come down where you ought to be.” In this context, simple means, “pure, unmixed, containing only one element.” Balaam’s story is a reminder. A simple heart is our safety in Christ, and it is, at times, most established by the action of simple obedience. Flee!

“For that man ought not to expect that he will receive anything from the Lord, being a double-minded man, unstable in all his ways”(James 1:7-8).

“Each one is tempted when he is carried away and enticed by his own lust. Then when lust has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and when sin is accomplished, it brings forth death”(James 1:14-15).

February 11–Numbers 17-20

“Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them”(20:12).

I must always remember. God’s favor can never be taken for granted. Those who have walked with Him in friendship and blessing (sometimes for many years) can still be disqualified by unbelief or public sin.

The very real potential for God’s discipline is what concerned Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:27. “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others, I myself might be disqualified.” He feared, and rightly so, being excluded from continued service and blessing, a loss of privilege and power in an intimate friendship with God.

David felt the heat of God’s fierce discipline. After Bathsheba/Uriah event, his family was consumed with the fire of ongoing trouble. God removed His protection. See 2 Samuel 12:10.

In our reading today, Moses experienced it, too. Having endured thirty-eight years of delay and frustration in the desert, Moses and a new generation came again to Kadesh. Hopeful moment! Sadly, when no water was found, rebellion and discontent surfaced in this generation, just as it had in their parents.

In a flash of anger and self-entitlement, Moses scolded the people and ignored the instruction of God. Using the rod, which for years has been a symbol of his humility, he struck the rock in a display of angry self-assertion. Just as the people failed to keep their eyes on the Lord (gave way to their fears), Moses failed to keep his eyes on the Lord (gave way to his anger and weariness).

God judged him for it, declared that Moses would not enter the land with his people. It was a judgment tempered with sympathy (Moses was allowed to see the land before he died, and years later he was sent back to stand in the land with the Lord. See Matthew 17:2). Even so, it was a VERY painful consequence.

Note to self. The condition for continued friendship with the Lord is continued faith. No excuses are allowed. I must keep my eyes on Him and the finish line.

“Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true. There’s a race that must be run, there’s a victory to be won. Every hour, by Thy power, keep me true” (Old hymn).

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course. . .in the future there is laid up for me a crown”(2 Timothy 4:7-8).

February 11–Numbers 17-20

“Because you have not believed Me, to treat Me as holy in the sight of the sons of Israel, therefore you shall not bring this assembly into the land which I have given them”(20:12).

I must always remember. God’s favor can never be taken for granted. Those who have walked with Him in friendship and blessing (sometimes for many years) can still be disqualified by unbelief or public sin.

The very real potential for God’s discipline is what concerned Paul in 1 Corinthians 9:27. “I discipline my body and keep it under control, lest after preaching to others, I myself might be disqualified.” He feared, and rightly so, being excluded from continued service and blessing, a loss of privilege and power in an intimate friendship with God.

David felt the heat of God’s fierce discipline. After Bathsheba/Uriah event, his family was consumed with the fire of ongoing trouble. God removed His protection. See 2 Samuel 12:10.

In our reading today, Moses experienced it, too. Having endured thirty-eight years of delay and frustration in the desert, Moses and a new generation came again to Kadesh. Hopeful moment! Sadly, when no water was found, rebellion and discontent surfaced in this generation, just as it had in their parents.

In a flash of anger and self-entitlement, Moses scolded the people and ignored the instruction of God. Using the rod, which for years has been a symbol of his humility, he struck the rock in a display of angry self-assertion. Just as the people failed to keep their eyes on the Lord (gave way to their fears), Moses failed to keep his eyes on the Lord (gave way to his anger and weariness).

God judged him for it, declared that Moses would not enter the land with his people. It was a judgment tempered with sympathy (Moses was allowed to see the land before he died, and years later he was sent back to stand in the land with the Lord. See Matthew 17:2). Even so, it was a VERY painful consequence.

Note to self. The condition for continued friendship with the Lord is continued faith. No excuses are allowed. I must keep my eyes on Him and the finish line.

“Keep me true, Lord Jesus, keep me true. There’s a race that must be run, there’s a victory to be won. Every hour, by Thy power, keep me true” (Old hymn).

“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the course. . .in the future there is laid up for me a crown”(2 Timothy 4:7-8).