March 10, Reading Notes

Numbers 14:1-15:16

Num. 14:1-10

When we read this, we have to remember that we are no better than the people here. I'm often tempted to think of these people and the people in Jesus' day as some kind of lower category of dumb humanity. At times, I see this kind of irrationality in me, and being a pastor, I've definitely seen it in churches. Raw obedience and faith rooted in God that is constant and enduring from day to day and situation to situation, is tough for us, even with the Spirit. You can't explain this irrationality with any other word than "sin." It is a small word with power that staggers the imagination.

After the people make their decision in v.4, Moses and Aaron fall on their faces. They know what is coming and there is only one place to appeal for mercy for the people. The people of this generation do not see the cause/effect link between sin and punishment, especially as it has to do with the whole congregation suffering for the sins of the few. The next generation will learn this lesson.

Joshua and Caleb understand what is happening, too, and jump in to try to speak sense to the crowd and direct them to faith in following God. The decision of the congregation to stone Joshua and Caleb was the last straw. God moved in to protect them and now to issue judgment.

Num. 14:11-38

Now, we could spend a couple of days in this section, but it's ok because you'll read this again next year and maybe someone will preach on it in between. You'll learn a lot about Moses in this section. You'll learn more about God. As disciples, we should learn about ourselves and working with others. All of this applies to Christians and Paul refers to this history in dealing with the church at Corinth in 1 Cor. 10:1.

God knew this was going to happen. So, what do you learn about Him? Fulfilling the promise was a valid offer and they could see His power. The people were judged rightly for their sin and rebellion. God uses this entire generation as a lesson for the next generation. The next generation learns the lesson, but at a great cost, lives lost and time lost. God's use of time and people and their rebellion is righteous, but outside of our ability to understand.

God tested Moses' heart and Moses passes. Verses 13-19 are amazing.

V. 20, God pardoned, but punished. What is amazing, is that out of all the men older than 20, only Joshua and Caleb will enter the land. This was a total, heartfelt rebellion of everyone. This means that in 40 years, the oldest man walking into the Promised Land would be only 60.  There were some exceptions, but you get the picture.

Vs. 26-35 The complaint of the people becomes their punishment, and the children they used in their argument will inherit the promise. What interesting years these will be. Someone has figured that for this generation to die in the wilderness, there would have to be 400+ funerals a day for the next 38 years. They would be living in a camp of death. The lessons of following God would be emphasized by the daily mourning in the camp for the ones who rebelled against God.

Interesting that God immediately punished the 10 spies.

Num. 14:39-45

This is kind of typical and very sad.

Taking a break here, there are many things we can learn from what has happened and there are some good positive things to notice. The biggest thing for us as disciples is that God's plans can't be frustrated. He knew what was going to happen and used the rebellion for good. Our challenge is to follow Him as if following is the only goal, and not to be eaten up with considerations of time and money and destination. Things like "success" and "time" and "return on investment" don't mean much to God. God's power has not diminished. His plan since the Fall has not changed. If we can grasp that, as we follow Christ in the harvest, it will give us a lot more peace and security. Our home is in heaven and our life and times are in His hand to work for Him here.

Num. 15:1-16

Not only is it "back to preparing the nation to honor God," but this is ironic. This law was for the grain and drink offerings that were to accompany their sacrifices. These were offerings of thanks and celebration to please the Lord that the people would express for being in the land. How ironic that the Lord would begin to teach a new generation how to express thanks in their sacrifices, when they came into the Promised Land.

Mark 14:53-72

V. 55 is interesting. In the name of God, they were seeking testimony from liars so they could justify killing Jesus, but it wasn't working. How frustrating.

Psalm 53

Paul quotes verses 1-3 in Romans 3:10-12, showing that all men are under the power of sin. What is interesting from this psalm is that this lack of understanding and doing good, is rooted in those who do not believe in, follow, or welcome the God of Israel. Paul's use simply applies to all men, whereas here, it is applied to those who say, "There is no God."

Proverbs 11:4

Amen.

If you’re reading along and don’t have a One Year Bible, click on this link Every Day in the Word. If that doesn't work, go to http://www.gnpcb.org/esv/devotions/ and click on “Every Day in the Word.” 

I'm writing these comments to and for those who are following a One Year Bible and interested in growing deeper as a disciple, following Jesus in the harvest. My hope is to see the growth of a discipleship culture in the church. Groups of 3-4 disciples, meeting weekly, encouraging each other to follow Christ and work to reach out and make disciples who make disciples. The Bible itself is the most universal manual we have and key to our growth and service in Christ. Nothing keeps us more focused on why we are here or what we are to be doing. My comments are only meant to provide some explanation of the events or to show the flow of God's plan of redemption. My comments are in no way exhaustive, but are designed to keep us focused on Christ and our role in His harvest. My hope is that the people in these groups will grow in Christ and be willing, after a year, to find 3 others to meet with and encourage in their growth as disciples, disciples making disciples in the harvest.

If you would like a more descriptive commentary that is still readable and concise, I'd recommend the Bible Knowledge Commentary. It's keyed to the NIV, so the result is, the commentators are constantly telling you what the Greek or Hebrew is. That never hurts.

I am not endorsing any particular One Year Bible; in fact, I read something you don't, die revidierte Lutherbibel 1984.

Anyone reading along with us is welcome to do so and is encouraged to take their own notes and make their own observations. If the comments made do not agree with your particular tradition or understanding, that's OK. Nothing I've written is meant to criticize any point of view, but only to express the truth of what God has written to us, as I understand it.