Bible Pathway - Feb. 18, 2011
Read Numbers 12
Numbers 12Highlights:
A valuable lesson in today's reading is the frightening dangers of disbelief as the Lord is prevented from providing His blessings when the 12 men spy out Canaan and give their report.
As the Israelites neared the promised land, the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Send thou men, that they may search the land of Canaan, which I give unto the children of Israel. . . . So they went up, and searched the land. . . . and came unto Hebron (Num. 13:1-2,21-22). The spies stood on the very site where Abraham had built an altar unto God (Gen. 13:18). It was at Hebron that Abraham had pleaded with God not to destroy Sodom (18:23) and later bought the cave of Machpelah and buried Sarah (23:17). But the thrill of standing where these events had occurred did not enter into their report. And they returned (and reported). . . . the people be strong . . . and the cities are walled, and very great (Num. 13:25,28). Because of their unbelief, they could see only the high walls and the giants. If they had recognized that God is Almighty, as Joshua and Caleb did, they could have conquered and possessed this promised land.
Caleb had a heavenly view of the giants in the land. He knew God was able to subdue every enemy. Caleb had learned to trust his God. Caleb . . . said, Let us go up at once, and possess it; for we are well able to overcome it (13:30).
A two-fold principle for believers to recognize is that Satan is always present to discourage and seeks to defeat every desire of the believer to trust in the Lord. Spiritual victories are never obtained without the faith of Caleb who said: Let us go up at once. The high walls and the giants were a test revealing their lack of faith. Those who trust in God have no need to fear the giants and high walls regardless of what they represent in their lives. The believer has learned to rely on God and to trust Him for every outcome. We can inherit the promised land. The enemies without and within the heart will fall, as did the walls of Jericho, when we have faith to believe the promises of God.
The believer dare not presume to possess the promises of God by worldly means or schemes, as did Israel when they decided they would enter the promised land (14:44-45). Later they unsuccessfully attempted to take Ai without the direction of God (Josh. 7:4).
The weapons of our warfare are not carnal (worldly), but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds (II Cor. 10:4).
Thought for Today:
Who through faith subdued kingdoms, wrought righteousness, obtained promises, stopped the mouths of lions (Heb. 11:33).
Christ Portrayed:
By Moses, who was very meek (humble), above all the men which were upon the face of the earth (Num. 12:3). Jesus said: I am meek (gentle, mild) and lowly in heart (Matt. 11:29).
Word Studies:
12:8 dark speeches difficult-to-understand proverbs; similitude visible form, which does not imply likeness; 13:20 fat or lean sertile or barren.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Government Official: Rep. Brett Guthrie (KY) and Rep. Eliot Engel (NY) • Country: Togo (5 million) in western Africa • Major languages: French and several African languages • Limited religious freedom • 41% belief in false gods and voodoo; 32% Roman Catholic; 19% Muslim; 8% Protestant • Prayer Suggestion: Ask according to the will of God and you will receive (John 16:24).
Optional Reading: Luke 5
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:4
