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…
nothing… without Him!
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…
grasshoppers beat giants!!!
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…
the humble leader
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…
we need to pray!!!
As Crossroads considers changing its location, and also its ministry focus, the following video of a church plant in Michigan is an inspiring reminder of the need for sincere and serious prayer…
hungry for Jesus
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…
seven last words
This week I am reflecting on words of Jesus on the cross: “Dear woman, here is your son!” and “Here is your mother!” (John 19:26-27). “Father, forgive them, for they do not know what they are doing” (Luke 23:34). “I tell you the truth, today you will be with me in paradise” (Luke 23:43). “My God, my…
the trumpet calls me now!
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 10 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: At the sound of the trumpet, God’s people are mobilized! Jesus talks about something similar, about the end times: At that time the sign of the Son of Man will appear in the sky, and all the nations of the earth will mourn. They will see the Son of Man coming on…
following the Jesus cloud
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 9 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: This reading talks about the Passover, and about how the glory cloud led the people through the wilderness. God makes it plain that the Passover is for everyone, even the unclean and the foreigner. It has a strong message of grace, forgiveness and freedom for all. But that message is not disconnected…
we are His workers
SCRIPTURE: Numbers 8 OBSERVATION/APPLICATION: In the old covenant, God used limited symbols to represent universal truths. The land of Israel represents the whole earth. The temple building represent all people. The nation of Israel represents all the nations of the world. The repeated sacrifices represent the once-for-all sacrifice of Jesus. The designated priests and levites represent…