March 3rd

Today's readings from the One Year Chronological reading plan are Numbers 14:1-15:41.

Chapter 14 is truly a frustrating and heartbreaking chapter. What a huge price the people of Israel paid for their grumbling and their lack of trust in God. They tested Him ten times (Num 14:22 - the NIV Life Application Study Bible lists all 10!) - they just never learned.

Despite all the miracles they had seen God perform on their behalf (walking on the ground of the Red Sea should've been enough all by itself!), despite the promise God had made to Abraham and confirmed to Isaac and Jacob and Moses, despite the fact that they were literally at the threshold to the promise being fulfilled - they lost faith in God. They act like it would be impossible for God to do what He said He would do.

And when Joshua and Caleb plead their case, they turn their fury on them, desiring to kill them.

The result is fascinatingly similar to the result of the Israelites worshiping the golden calf. The Lord wants to strike them and disinherit them (Exodus 32:9-10, Numbers 14:11-12), Moses implores God on the people's behalf (Exodus 32:11-13, Numbers 14:13-19), the Lord relents (Exodus 32:14, Numbers 14:20), but the people still bear the consequences of their sin (Exodus 32:28&35, Numbers 14:21-36).

And like children that have been caught doing wrong, they are now willing to do the right thing, not because they are remorseful, but because they want to avoid the consequences for their sin. And so they go up to fight the Amalekites and the Canaanites, without the ark, without Moses, without God - and they fail miserably.

A good reminder for us parents to not let our kids off the hook when they are willing to do what's right only in order to avoid discipline. That would not teach them anything!

What a huge testament to the character and faith of Joshua and Caleb who stood up against the crowd (and a large crowd it was!), who stood for what they believed in. Great lesson on teaching our children to do what's right even if no one else does.

And what a disgrace to the other leaders who did not stand up. What happened to the 70 leaders?

Interesting to note too that the other 10 spies died in the plague. They were leaders who made a huge error and they paid a huge price for it. Another reminder that with leadership comes greater responsibility and accountability.

Chapter 15 adds a new detail to the burnt offerings and peace offerings - they were to be accompanied by meal, oil and wine. From my ESV Study Bible....

This may be because such materials were not available in the wilderness. But when you come into the land (Num 15:2), the situation will be different. Then these other products will be available and (along with animal sacrifices) must be offered to God. The imagery of sacrifice is drawn from that of a meal: the worshiper must act as the generous host and give to God all that he would give an important guest (Gen 18:1-8). It was not that God needed food, but these gifts showed the worshiper's devotion (Ps 50:12-15). The giving of these laws at this point is very telling. The entry into Canaan has just been delayed 40 years, and an attempt to enter has failed (Num 14:20-45), so the question could be asked: would Israel ever enter the Promised Land? These laws empathically answer yes. It is not a question of if they will enter the land, but rather when they will come in. In this way the laws reaffirm the land promise. Further, the continuing instructions shows that God has indeed retained Israel as his people. But more than that, the laws are an assurance that their harvests in the land would be abundant, as they stipulate that large quantities must be offered with each animal.

I love that point. These laws are a reminder to the people that God has not abandoned them, He will still fulfill His covenant with them, in spite of their lack of faith. God's purposes can never be thwarted! But we can miss out on His blessings when we go our own way, just like the Israelites did.

Tomorrow's readings: Numbers 16:1-18:32.