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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise Jesus told Nicodemus, “As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, so must the Son of Man be lifted up, that whoever believes in him may have eternal life. For God so loved the world, that he gave his only Son, that whoever believes in him should not perish but have eternal life” (John 3:14–16). I praise you today for the gift of your Son! He is the cure for my sin, and in Him, I have eternal life. Hallelujah! Today in Your Word Today you told me about the deaths of Miriam and Aaron. Almost 38 years had passed since the rebellion at Kadesh-Barnea, and Israel was back where it started. Most of the exodus generation had passed away, and their children now formed the majority of the congregation. You deliberately withheld water from them to see if they would trust you, but they assembled themselves against Moses and Aaron just like their parents before them (cf. Exod 17:2–3). How important it is to set a godly example for our children! You instructed Moses and Aaron to speak to the rock, but they did not obey you. Moses struck it with his rod instead. Their sin against you was great, for the rock that followed them was Christ (1 Cor 10:4). That single instance of not treating you as holy in the sight of Israel cost them what they longed for the most—entry into Canaan. This shows me that even the greatest leaders are held accountable for their sins, and none of us are exempt from your judgment (Rom 2:11). You also tested Israel by forcing them to march south around Edom’s territory, which was in the opposite direction from Canaan. Instead of patiently following your leadership, they grew irritable and rebellious: “There is no food and no water, and we loathe this worthless food [manna]” (Num 21:5). You sent fiery serpents among them, and many died before they repented and looked to the bronze serpent for salvation. Reflection I can relate to the Israelite’s impatience. How many times have I grown frustrated with your timing and wanted an immediate solution to my problems? Request Father, help me remember that growth and success only come by trusting you. Give me the grace I need to wait patiently on you and to be satisfied with your daily provision. Thanksgiving Thank you for going to the effort to train and discipline me. I know that you want to transform me into the image of your Son, and I’m grateful for the privilege of being your child! In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “There is Life for a Look” by Amelia M. Hull. Meditation Verse: Numbers 20:12. |