February 24: Numbers 14-16; Mark 3

The Promise-Keeper

Scripture: Numbers (NIV) 15:1 The LORD said to Moses,
2 "Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘After you enter the land I am giving you as a home
3 and you present to the LORD offerings made by fire…

Observation: Israel had dis-believed God. Even after seeing all the miracles less than a year before when God led them out of Egypt, they refused to believe that God was able to defeat those presently living in the land God had promised them. So God sent them back into the wilderness. However, then they decided that it was OK to go into the Promised Land, and took it upon themselves to move ahead. They were soundly defeated and driven back.

So what is God’s next move? He gives them instruction for when they do enter the Promised Land. It is still His plan! He has not given up on His plan! They are still His people! He keeps the "dream" of a homeland before them by giving them an assignment. It is not "if" they will enter, but "when" they will enter.

God had made a promise to Abraham that this land would belong to Israel. Because one generation did not have the faith to take what God was giving, did not mean that God was giving up on His promise.

Application: Anything I read or hear in the news about the Jews living in the Promised Land should build faith in my heart that God keeps His promises!

Prayer: Lord, I can count on You! You are the original Promise-Keeper! Amen.

Pastor Leon

Making friends for time and eternity!