Pastor Leon’s SOAP:  Scripture, Observation, Application, Prayer
February 27, 2023: SOAP #4834: Numbers 21-23; Mark 6-7

SCRIPTURE:  Numbers (NIV) 23:19 God is not a man, that he should lie, nor a son of man, that he should change his mind. Does he speak and then not act? Does he promise and not fulfil? 20 I have received a command to bless; he has blessed, and I cannot change it.

OBSERVATION:  In Numbers 14 we read that Israel refused to enter the Promised Land.  God was angry with them and told them that they would be wondering around in the wilderness for 40 years until all that generation died.  Then they decided they wanted to enter, but it was too late and they were defeated because God was not with them. (Numbers 12:42-45)   In their wonderings they came close to the country of Moab ruled by Balak. He was afraid of them and hired a prophet to come and curse them. 

But the prophet would only speak what God gave him to say, and God refused to curse Israel.  They had sinned.  God was punishing them, but God would not curse them!   Back in Abraham’s day, God had promised that the Messiah would come through his descendants.  And God would not break that promise even though Israel had rebelled against His will.  They would have trouble and a whole generation would die in the wilderness, but God refused to curse them! 

All that God did in delivering them from Egypt was preparation for entering the Promised Land.  How soon they forgot His mighty acts! 

APPLICATION: We can rejoice in knowing that God’s blessings are on His children.  He may correct us, and punish us, but He does not curse us!  He will work out His will for us. When the 40-year detour for Israel was completed, God appointed Joshua to lead His children into the Promised Land.  God kept His promise!  

PRAYER:   Lord, when my enemies rise up against me, help me remember that you are for me! Your favor brings comfort to my heart.  Your blessings are greater than their cursing.  I am blest to be your child.  Amen.

Pastor Leon
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