Bible Pathway - Feb. 24, 2012

Highlights:

Following one failure after another, the nation regroups and preparation of the new generation to enter the promised land begins. Much can be learned by us from the events disclosed in today's reading. A generation was lost — ALL the adults except Caleb and Joshua. Moses prepares to die and Joshua becomes the new commander-in-chief.

For ye rebelled against My Commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify Me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying, Let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation (Num. 27:14-16).

In prayer, Moses had asked to enter the good land that is beyond Jordan (Deut. 3:25), but the Lord informed the great lawgiver of Israel that he could not enter the promised land.

Moses' life was characterized by the often-repeated words: And Moses did as the Lord commanded him (Num. 27:22). Furthermore, it was said: And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face (Deut. 34:10).

Only one recorded sin kept Moses from the promised land, but Moses represented the Law that cannot allow one exception. For whosoever shall keep the whole Law, and yet offend in one point, he is guilty of all (James 2:10).

Joshua, who was symbolic of Christ, was — by the grace of God — able to lead the undeserving Israelites into the promised land.

Trying to live up to the Law of God was not enough to take anyone — not even Moses — into the promised land. Yet, many people today believe that if they keep the Ten Commandments, God will be satisfied. But Christ said: No man cometh unto the Father, but by Me (John 14:6). For in Christ Jesus neither circumcision availeth any thing, nor uncircumcision, but a new creature. And as many as walk according to this Rule, peace be on them, and mercy, and upon the Israel of God (Gal. 6:15-16). Although one's external conduct may be as nearly perfect as Moses' was, without the indwelling Savior there can be no salvation (John 1:12).

But before faith came, we were kept under the Law, shut up unto the faith which should afterwards be revealed. Wherefore the Law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith (Gal. 3:23-24).

Thought for Today:

And Moses verily was faithful in all his house, as a servant, for a testimony of those things which were to be spoken after (Heb. 3:5).

Christ Portrayed:

By the man (Joshua) who would lead the people like a shepherd (Num. 27:17). Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd. . . . My sheep . . . follow Me (John 10:11,27).

Word Studies:

26:2 the sum, a census; 26:9 strove against, rebelled against; 26:61 strange, unauthorized; 27:13 shall be gathered unto, brought to former loved ones; 27:14 sanctify Me, honor Me as holy; 27:18 lay thine hand, transfer authority; 27:19 give him a charge, commission him as your successor.

Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Micheal Moore • Government Official: Sen. Joe Lieberman (CT) • Country: Sri Lanka (formerly Ceylon) (19 million) an island in the Indian Ocean off the southeastern tip of India • Major languages: Sinhala and Tamil • Christianity suppressed • 69% Buddhist; 15% Hindu; 8% Christian (mostly Catholic); 7% Muslim (mostly Sunni); 1% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Pray through the Name of Jesus Christ for it is by Him that we have access to God in prayer (Eph. 2:18).

Optional Reading: Luke 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Ephesians 3:19