Deut. 7-9

God went before His people and prepared the victory for them, but He challenged them to actively take possession of the Promised Land. He fought for them and directed them, but He insisted upon their obedience and advancement.

Faith without works is dead, so says James. [Jam. 2:20] Faith is revealed through active obedience. Talk is cheap. Deeds and actions show forth God’s power and give Him something to live in.

One Christmas I took the Redeemer Church choir and support cast to the mall to perform our evangelistic musical. I distinctly remember the Lord’s presence overcoming me as we began the program. I felt He told me, “When you step out in faith to do what I’ve asked you to do, I will be there waiting for you and will give you grace to enact your deeds of righteousness.”

To obey is better than sacrifice.

Deut. 5, 6

(Sorry. I experienced a retina detachment last Tuesday evening and had eye surgery Thursday evening. I’m recovering. So, I resume the devotionals.)

So many aspects of our relationship with God is like a marriage. In the New Testament, the Church is referred to as the Bride of Christ. God uses the marriage relationship which we understand to teach us about what He desires in our relationship to Him. He is jealous over us … He doesn’t want to share our heart with anybody or anything else. Hence, the laws concerning idolatry and faithfulness.

The next time something pulls you away from God, remember that He is jealous over you and is waiting for you to come back to Him.

Deut. 3, 4

Moses was prohibited from entering the Promised Land because he did not sanctify the Lord’s name at Meribah (by allowing God to produce water from the rock rather than Moses striking the rock). God gave him a look at the land from the top of Mt. Nebo near Pisgah. Moses then gave final instructions to the nation as they commenced to enter and take the land. They were to stay true and loyal to the Lord by following His Commands and refusing to worship the false gods of the inhabitants. If they did so, God promised to fight for them and give them the land.

When we take matters into our own hands and fight, we forsake God’s power and ability to give us His Kingdom. He will fight our battles as we pray and praise Him.

“Fear not, little flock; for it is your Father’s good pleasure to give you the kingdom.” -Jesus [Luke 12:32]

Deuteronomy 1, 2

As the children of Israel entered the Promised Land, they encountered giants and hostile people groups who were imposing and fearsome. God, however, struck fear in the hearts of their enemies and gave them victory when they trusted Him.

Likewise, God gives us victory over every obstacle set before us … WHEN we trust Him and live in obedience to His Word.

Num. 34-36

God instituted a strong system of inheritance in the Hebrew culture. Each family was to pass down to its offspring its land and possessions. This engendered family cohesiveness and care. Belonging to a family was to be valued and cherished.

The inheritance God passes to us through Christ is far more valuable than mere lands and material objects. He has given us His Kingdom and a place at His Table … His Family is the richest in the universe. Christ is our brother and God our Father. Eternal benefits beyond description await us when we pass from this life.

Numbers 32, 33

The tribes of Reuben and Gad wanted to stay just outside of the Promised Land in an area where their flocks could have better room to graze. Moses and the leaders were OK with that, except they had to agree to join the rest of Israel when it came time for war … to drive out the sinful inhabitants of the land.

In a similar sense, ALL CHRISTIANS should take their part in the prayer struggle we have against ungodliness in OUR land. This is a issue where we can and should unify … praying against sin and for a spiritual renewal.

Num. 30, 31

After the Israelites had plundered the Midianites, they were instructed to purify their bounty by fire or by water. The cleaning process was mandatory if you were to use it.

God purifies us for use. It’s a painful process to be purified, but it yields a life ready for Christian service.

And He shall sit as a refiner and purifier of silver: and He shall purify the sons of Levi, and purge them as gold and silver, that they may offer unto the Lord an offering in righteousness. [Mal. 3:3]

Num. 27-29

The offerings to appease the Lord were to have a pleasing aroma. (Who doesn’t like steak on the grill?) We don’t much discuss God’s ability to smell. However, it was an important criteria for acceptable offerings.

The most pleasing aroma to the Lord is that of a life that pleases Him. Every thought, deed, and motive we perform creates an aroma that God is aware of. This should be a plenty effective stimulation to live clean lives before Him.

For we are unto God a sweet savour of Christ. [2 Cor. 2:15]

Num. 25, 26

The book of Numbers pays attention to family trees. Every Israelite can theoretically trace their bloodline back to one of the twelve tribes.

Patty has been working on her family tree. We look at the pictures of ancestors and wonder what kind of a person they were. What kind of a reputation does our family have?

God sees EVERYTHING and EVERYONE at the same time. He ties us together with our ancestors. Jesus gives everyone a chance to “clear the slate” through the cleansing of His Blood. Additionally, those whose family heritage includes Godliness will experience extra wind in their spiritual sails.

Num. 23, 24

God would not let Balaam curse Israel. In fact, He caused him to bless Israel.

When your life pleases the Lord, He makes even your enemies to be a peace with you. They will be constrained to bless you rather than curse you.