The Lord is awe-inspiring, fearsome, fascinating, intriguing, majestic, and full of splendor: breathtaking! Here is what I saw of him today and what came to my heart and mind in Numbers 17:12-13,
"The Israelites said to Moses, 'We will die! We are lost, we are all lost! Anyone who even comes near the tabernacle of the Lord will die. Are we all going to die?'"
Here is the response of the Israelites to the budding of Aaron's staff. Due to a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and thus the Lord himself, the Lord had Moses gather staffs from each of the leaders of the tribes of Israel to demonstrate, yet again, who it was that the Lord chose to lead the nation. Moses placed them in the tabernacle and overnight Aaron's rod had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.
What strikes me this morning is the response of the Israelites. It sounds as though they were scared to death of what the Lord might do to them - and rightfully so! Yet Israel continued in their rebellion against the Lord and the choices the Lord made. In chapter 21, for instance, we will read of yet another rebellious episode where the Israelites spoke against God and Moses resulting in the Lord sending venomous snakes among them.
It seems as though no matter the fevered pitch of fear and dread God's response to their rebellion brought them, they continued in their rebellious ways. Sin and rebellion absolutely dominated their lives as demonstrated in their terror of what God might do to them for it, and yet, persist in it. They were utterly mastered by sin.
We all share in that proclivity to sin. However, the Lord has made a way for us. Paul tells us, "But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." Romans 6:17-18. How wonderful is that?!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
"The Israelites said to Moses, 'We will die! We are lost, we are all lost! Anyone who even comes near the tabernacle of the Lord will die. Are we all going to die?'"
Here is the response of the Israelites to the budding of Aaron's staff. Due to a rebellion against Moses and Aaron, and thus the Lord himself, the Lord had Moses gather staffs from each of the leaders of the tribes of Israel to demonstrate, yet again, who it was that the Lord chose to lead the nation. Moses placed them in the tabernacle and overnight Aaron's rod had budded, blossomed and produced almonds.
What strikes me this morning is the response of the Israelites. It sounds as though they were scared to death of what the Lord might do to them - and rightfully so! Yet Israel continued in their rebellion against the Lord and the choices the Lord made. In chapter 21, for instance, we will read of yet another rebellious episode where the Israelites spoke against God and Moses resulting in the Lord sending venomous snakes among them.
It seems as though no matter the fevered pitch of fear and dread God's response to their rebellion brought them, they continued in their rebellious ways. Sin and rebellion absolutely dominated their lives as demonstrated in their terror of what God might do to them for it, and yet, persist in it. They were utterly mastered by sin.
We all share in that proclivity to sin. However, the Lord has made a way for us. Paul tells us, "But thanks be to God that, though you used to be slaves to sin, you have come to obey from your heart the pattern of teaching that has now claimed your allegiance. You have been set free from sin and have become slaves to righteousness." Romans 6:17-18. How wonderful is that?!
Anything of the Lord capture your heart from Scripture today? Share what moved you about him from your Bible reading today. I'd love to hear from you!
If you have someone you would like to receive these ruminations, send me their email address. I'm happy to add them to the list. If you are receiving this and would like to be removed from the list, just reply and let me know.
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