SCRIPTURE: Numbers 33
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
This chapter recounts the stages of their journey through the wilderness to the promised land. If finishes with a warning not to be enticed by the culture and religion of the land. Compromise will be deadly! This may seem harsh, but only if we underestimate the poisonous corruption and cruelty of the Canaanite culture and religion. It’s sensuous practices were enticing, but deadly; they promised pleasure but ultimately brought pain.
This is the constant challenge for Jesus-followers. As we journey through the wilderness of this world, we are enticed by deadly delights and painful pleasures. How many Jesus-followers have succumbed to the devil’s lies and shipwrecked their faith? “Again, the devil took him to a very high mountain and showed him all the kingdoms of the world and their splendour. ‘All this I will give you,’ he said, ‘if you will bow down and worship me.’ Jesus said to him, ‘Away from me, Satan! For it is written: Worship the Lord your God, and serve him only.'” [Matthew 4:9-10]
Like Jesus we will be tempted by the devil towards deadly pleasures. They sing their beautiful love songs like the deadly sirens in Greek mythology, but the end result is misery and death. They will become barbs in our eyes and thorns in our sides, giving us trouble in life. Think of people who have been wooed by sexual infidelity, easy money, the high of drugs or alcohol, etc. Where does this path lead?
Like Jesus, we must resist and put to death the temptations that lure us away from God and from good. This is no laughing matter. It’s because Christians do not take this threat seriously enough that so many of us lose our way and crash. God is no killjoy, He is protecting us from the joy-killers.
Compare Israel’s 40 years in the wilderness with Jesus’ 40 days. Jesus resisted the devil’s lies, they did not. We experience ‘wilderness’ when we compromise our faith and convictions and morality.
PRAYER:
Lord, today I say with determination, ‘away from me Satan!’ Come close to me, Lord, and help me to stand firm.
And the people wandered throughout the 40 years being led. God was their Guide and they had no permanent residence – no permanent home. I too am journey through this life being led by God realizing that my pilgrim’s progress does have a final destination – the promised land. Do I realize from day to day His faithfulness and guidance and strengthening powers? Do I see that He supplies all my needs? Happiness is walking in His light, following His direction, seeing His presence, singleness of mind.
When they reached the promised land they were to exercise the ban otherwise the lifestyl of the ‘rich and famous’ they would covet and the Canaanites punishment would also become theirs. Stay away from sin and fear the Lord and follow His ways is this stark reminder for me. Walk in His light always.
Stay in the Way. Be GodStrong and carry the Light.
Grace and truth shall mark the way
Where the Lord His own will lead,
If His Word they still obey
And His testimonies heed.
He who walks in godly fear
In the path of truth shall go;
Peace shall be his portion here,
And his sons all good shall know.