Bible Pathway - Feb. 19, 2010
Highlights:
Israel's 38 years of wasted life; All those men which have seen My glory, and My miracles . . . have tempted Me now these ten times and have not hearkened to My voice (Num. 14:22; see Deut. 2:14); Then 10 times they have rebelled against His Word (Ex. 14:10-12; 15:23-24; 16:2-3,20,26-27; 17:1-3; 32:1-10; Num. 11:1; 11:4-10; 14:2-10). Moses interceded in prayer for the Israelites.
Verses for Today:
I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against Me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die (Num. 14:35).As they left the wilderness of Sinai, the Israelites were led northward until they reached Kadesh-barnea where, for the first time, the people could actually see the promised land lying before them. The march from Egypt, including the stay at Mount Sinai (Horeb), had taken about 2 years. Now they stood on the threshold of that glorious promised land. A leader from each tribe had taken 40 days to spy out the land. They returned carrying a single cluster of grapes so large it took two men to carry it. The grapes were a confirmation of its extraordinary fruitfulness. The Israelites were assured that Canaan was a land that floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it (13:27). Caleb, one of the 12, was quick to say: Let us go up at once, and possess (occupy) it; for we are well able to overcome it (13:30). However, ten of the spies discouraged the people, saying: The people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great (13:28,31). And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried (made loud lament). . . . And all . . . of Israel murmured (grumbled) against Moses and against Aaron . . . Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! . . . Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt (14:1-4).
Little did they realize how this tenth act of rebellion marked the transition of the nation from pilgrims (Heb. 11:13; I Pet. 2:11) being led by God during the first two years to wanderers (Hos. 9:17) in the desert for the next 38 years. During this time, they complained: Would God we died in this wilderness! (Num. 14:2). And He gave them their request (Ps. 106:15).
Satan seeks to divert a Christian from serving the Lord first, having the single eye (Matt. 6:22; Luke 11:34) that puts the Lord first and foremost above other considerations. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Heb. 10:22).
Thought for Today:
Man doth not live by bread only, but by Every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord (Deut. 8:3).
Christ Revealed:
As the glory of God (Num. 14:22). Jesus Christ is the brightness of His glory (the glory of God), and the express image of His person (Heb. 1:3).
Word Studies:
14:33 bear your whoredoms =suffer for your unfaithfulness; 15:30 doeth ought presumptuously =is guilty of a deliberate sin; 15:34 in ward =in custody; 15:38 ribband =thread or cord.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lawrence S. Collins • Staff: George Kopchak • Government Officials: Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY) • Country: Afghanistan (22.7 million) in central Asia • Major languages: Pastu and Afghan Persian (Dari) • Hostile to Christian evangelization. For a Muslim to convert to Christianity is automatic execution • 97.5% Muslim; 1.5% Parsee; .35% Hindu; .1% Traditional ethic; .1% Baha'i; .02% Christian; .02% Sikh; .01% non-Religious • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that our Savior was born (Luke 2:11).
Optional Reading: Luke 6
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:12
