Bible Pathway - Feb. 19, 2012

Highlights:

The pivotal point of the Book of Numbers is revealed by the rebellion at Kadesh. Will the generation of the Exodus be remembered as the generation of conquest? We see the reward of the faithful and judgment of the faithless (Num. 14:22-23,34).

And all the children of Israel murmured (complained) against Moses and against Aaron. . . . And they said one to another, Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt (Num. 14:2,4). It seems incredible that the nation of Israel would ask: Wherefore hath the Lord brought us unto this land, to fall by the sword (14:3)? How could they forget that God had miraculously delivered them from the death angel and from Egyptian slavery?

They had left Egypt, but they still longed for certain luxuries of Egypt. Because of their complaint, God withdrew His presence. Little did they realize how their tenth complaint marked the transition of the nation from pilgrims being led of God to wanderers in the desert for the next 38 years (14:33). During this time, they made no further progress toward the promised land. The Scriptures make no mention of the guidance of God during this time.

When God pronounced judgment upon their unbelief, they confessed: We have sinned (14:40), and they actually attempted to force their way into the promised land without the direction of God (14:44-45).

This loss of the guidance of God has real significance for the serious-minded Christian. Many Christians today are just as determined as the Israelites were to guide their own lives and are no longer pilgrims being led of God, but are wanderers in the world.

Walking with God demands personal sacrifices of things not necessarily evil, but which prevent the full devotion of one's life to God.

The Apostle Paul made us aware of the possibility of being a "castaway," meaning disapproved, rejected, no longer a useful servant. That generation of Israel, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, lost their usefulness and had become a "castaway."But I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway (I Cor. 9:27).

Having therefore these promises, dearly beloved, let us cleanse ourselves from all filthiness of the flesh and spirit, perfecting holiness in the fear of God (II Cor. 7:1).

Thought for Today:

And to whom sware He that they should not enter into His rest, but to them that believed not? So we see that they could not enter in because of unbelief (Heb. 3:18-19).

Christ Revealed:

As the Glory of God (Num. 14:22). Jesus Christ is the brightness of His glory, and the express image of His person (Heb. 1:3).

Word Studies:

14:3 fall by the sword, die in war; 14:10 bade, said; 14:11 provoke, spurn, insult, treat with contempt, disrespect; 14:30 sware, promised; 14:31 know, appreciate; despised, spurned; 14:33 wander, be shepherds; whoredoms, unfaithfulness; 14:42 smitten, defeated; 14:45 discomfited, defeated; 15:3 sweet savour, pleasing fragrance; 15:13 born of the country, native born, native Israelite; 15:14 sojourn, live temporarily; 15:15 One ordinance, The same biblical law; 15:30 presumptuously, through pride, rebellion; cut off, excommunicated; 15:34 in ward, in custody; 15:39 go a whoring, unfaithful to God.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts: In honor of Linda Kennon • Government Official: Rep. Raul M. Grijalva (AZ) • Country: Solomon Islands (455,000) in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: 120 indigenous languages • Religious freedom • 66% Protestant; 17% Roman Catholic; 4% spirit worship, ancestor worship, and sorcery • Prayer Suggestion: Pray and lift up your prayers to God with the spirit of understanding (I Cor. 14:15).

Optional Reading: Luke 6:1

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:19