Author: Norm

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 16 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: Can you feel the sense of betrayal? Here we have fellow leaders, Levites who shared in the calling and blessing of the Lord’s work, opposing Moses and Aaron. And listen to Dathan and Abiram, they describe their bondage in Egypt as a land flowing with milk and honey. Do they honestly think…

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 15 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In Numbers 15, the narrative shifts without explanation. It describes how every sacrifice must be accompanied by a grain (bread) and drink (wine) offering. I see this as sacramental, a symbolic picture of fellowship with God (pictured by a meal of bread and wine) restored through the death of the substitute. It also…

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 14 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: I see several important lessons in this reading. I see the poisonous effect of negativity and despair, and how many people are hurt because of it. I see how God holds these poison spreaders accountable (see Luke 17:1-2] I see the consequences of doubting God, missing out on the blessings He wants to…

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 13 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: “I am sending you out like sheep among wolves.” [Matthew 10:16] Jesus spoke these words to His twelve disciples when He sent them on their first mission. Moses could have said the same thing to the twelve tribes of Israel as they were preparing to enter Canaan. The spies come back from their…

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 12 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In Numbers 11 we see the Spirit of the Lord resting on the 70 elders, to assist Moses in leading the people. When two of them receive the Spirit in a different way, Joshua wants to clamp down on them, but Moses is not worried. He is not looking for his own glory. He…

SCRIPTURE: Numbers 11 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This is not the first time the people have grumbled, but now the Lord punishes them. Harsh, or finally saying ‘enough!’ Up until this point the Lord has provided for all their needs – though not their wants. No doubt about it, this was not a pleasure cruise (have you seen the…