I am a parent of 2 adult children and 1 almost adult child. As they were growing up, we reminded them to be mindful of the company they surround themselves with. We told them that you will become like those you hang around with. Their behaviour and actions will become the behaviour and actions you do. Their words and language will become the words and language you use. Their associations in activities will also be what people see as acceptable to you. We encouraged them to choose their circle of friends wisely.
Today's reading opens with the negative effects of choosing to surround yourselves with bad influences. Sexual promiscuity, idol worship, and blatant disrespect for morals and leaders caused the Lord to burn with anger. There are always consequences for bad behaviour. Twenty-four thousand people died including Zimri and Cozbi who were literally killed "red-handed" in their act.
Unfortunately, surrounding yourself with good people does not always mean you will make the best choices. As we read in the continuing chapters, even though people were associated with Aaron and Moses, some chose to rebel against them.
This Dathan and Abiram are the same community leaders who conspired with Korah against Moses and Aaron, rebelling against the Lord. 10 But the earth opened up its mouth and swallowed them with Korah, and fire devoured 250 of their followers. This served as a warning to the entire nation of Israel.
God answered their rebellion with flames. But there is always hope...
I like how Zelophehad's daughters admitted their father had died by his own sin but that they were still deserving of an inheritance, just as a son would have been. Laws were changed by their advocacy for their own rights. They had the chance to choose wisely from then on.
Joshua is the hope for the next generation. It would seem that in a community where men were being seduced that men like Joshua were few and far between. However, there were always men who stood firm in their beliefs and became an example and a leader to those around them.
We have hope too. Even in our disastrous life choices and surrounding ourselves with less than stellar influences, we have redemption through Christ:
1 So Christ has now become the High Priest over all the good things that have come.[e] He has entered that greater, more perfect Tabernacle in heaven, which was not made by human hands and is not part of this created world. 12 With his own blood—not the blood of goats and calves—he entered the Most Holy Place once for all time and secured our redemption forever.
Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage: Numbers 28-30 Hebrews 10:1-18
1 comment:
I pray that we and our children will choose to stand for what's right, alone if necessary.
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