Read Numbers 26
Highlights:
Hurting from one failure after another, the nation regroups and the new generation prepares to enter the promised land. A generation lost — only Caleb and Joshua left. Moses to die. Joshua the new commander-in-chief.
Why must Moses die before entering the promised land? Certainly it was not because he had grown physically or mentally feeble. His eye was not dim nor his natural force abated (Deut. 34:7). Moses prayed that he could go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan (3:25). The Lord said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. For ye rebelled against My Commandment . . . to sanctify Me at the water before their eyes (Num. 27:12-14).
Although his prayer was rejected, the meekness in Moses is revealed when he does not complain.
David is another illustration that, regardless of how influential, God cannot permit a chosen one to live above the Law for his own pleasure. David said . . . I have sinned. . . . Nathan said . . . The Lord also hath put away thy sin. . . . Howbeit, because by this deed thou hast given great occasion to the enemies of the Lord to blaspheme, the child also that is born unto thee shall sure die (II Sam. 12:13-14). Thus saith the Lord . . . the sword shall never depart from thine house; because thou hast despised Me, and hast taken the wife of Uriah the Hittite to be thy wife (12:7-10). The believer was bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body, and in your spirit, which are God's (I Cor. 6:20). Therefore personal abilities and possessions can no longer be regarded as our own.
We need to recognize that since we are set apart to magnify the Lord, we must live righteously before an unholy world as those who have been saved from eternal hell. Be not deceived: neither fornicators . . . nor adulterers, nor effeminate, nor abusers of themselves with mankind, Nor thieves, nor covetous . . . nor revilers . . . nor extortioners, shall inherit the Kingdom of God. And such were some of you: but ye are washed, but ye are sanctified (6:9-11). Whether therefore ye eat, or drink, or whatsoever ye do, do all to the glory of God (I Cor. 10:31).
Thought for Today:
For the Word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth (Ps. 33:4).
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 sum census; 26:61 strange unauthorized; profane; unlawful; 27:4 done away from among his family withdrawn; lost to his family; 27:19 give him a charge commission him as your successor.
Prayer Needs:
Pray for Staff: Jannah Kennon • Government Officials: Sen. Joe Lieberman (CT) and Rep. John Shimkus (IL) • Country: Tuvalu (11,000) nine islands in the southwestern Pacific • Major languages: Tuvaluan and English • Religious freedom • 92% Protestant; 5% Baha'i; 2% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for boldness to tell others about the Lord (Acts 4:29).
Optional Reading: Luke 11
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:5