Tag: leadership

numbers

Week 2: Day 5- Numbers 14:17-19

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

This Weeks Passage: Numbers 14:5-19

17 And now, I beseech thee, let the power of my lord be great, according as thou hast spoken, saying, 18 The Lord is longsuffering, and of great mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression, and by no means clearing the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers upon the children unto the third and fourth generation. 19 Pardon, I beseech thee, the iniquity of this people according unto the greatness of thy mercy, and as thou hast forgiven this people, from Egypt even until now.

Numbers 14:17-9

Explanation:

Moses is interceding to God on behalf of these people who want to hurt him and disobey God. He appeals to God’s character. He admits that there are consequences to their sin that will impact the people for generations to come. Yet, he also believes, because of God’s track record, that God will be compassionate and forgiving. He desired and asked that God would continue to do what He had been doing- showing mercy and forgiveness.

Application:

This is a good model for intercessory prayer. For Moses to pray this he had to have a heart of forgiveness for his people. He knew God and appealed to God passionately, but with what could be God’s will.

We should have a heart for people, and pray for them.

Response:

Take some time to pray today for someone other than yourself. Pray only for others during this time.

numbers

Week 2: Day 3- Numbers 14:11-12

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

This weeks passage: Numbers 14:5-19

11 And the Lord said unto Moses, How long will this people provoke me? and how long will it be ere they believe me, for all the signs which I have shewed among them?12 I will smite them with the pestilence, and disinherit them, and will make of thee a greater nation and mightier than they.

Numbers 14:11-12

Explanation

God asked Moses two questions:

  1. How long will they provoke me?
  2. How long will they not trust me after all I have done for them?

What had he done for them?

  • He had freed them from Egypt!
  • He had delivered them from slavery!
  • He had delivered them by taking them through the Red Sea!
  • He had provided for them physically!
  • He had promised to give them a new land and a new future!

God promised to judge these rebellious people. Why? Because despite all He had done for them, they were so enraged at Moses, Aaron, Caleb and Joshua that they were picking up stones to stone them.

Application

People will be held accountable for their actions. It may not seem like it, but they will. We must be careful on both sides of this issue.

  • We may see ourselves as Joshua and Caleb int he story, willing to speak the truth courageously, and if we are like them we must realize that others may not like us because of it.
  • We may actually be the rebellious jews in the story, forgetting what God has don and defying the people God has given to lead me.

Response

  1. Take some time to pray and thank God for what He has done for you.
  2. Take some time to think about how leaders in your life are trying to lead you. Are you cooperating with them or fighting against them?
numbers

Week 2: Day 2- Numbers 14:10

On By Ben JenningsIn DevotionalLeave a comment

This Weeks Passage: Numbers 14:5-19

10 But all the congregation bade stone them with stones. And the glory of the Lord appeared in the tabernacle of the congregation before all the children of Israel.

Numbers 14:10

Explanation:

The children of Israel did not buy into the speech that Joshua and Caelb gave. What they said was true, logical, life giving, and to be preferred. Yet fear is a powerful thing. Fear lead to rebellion. Rebellion lead to a desire to judge the messenger. Stoning was the penalty for being a false witness. These people were making a statement about Joshua and Caleb. They were denying that they were speaking God’s will. They had every intention of stoning Joshua and Caleb, but God protected them when the people of Israel saw his glory.

So here’s the progression:

  • Joshua and Caleb spoke up for the Lord and for the people.
  • Joshua and Caleb were judged by the people.
  • Joshua and Caleb were about to be executed by the people.
  • God stepped in for their protection.

Application:

No matter how logical and right one’s position may be, if fear grips the heart, or someones mind is set against you, they may seek to judge and to fight. God will protect His kids, but it may not always be in the way we want him to or in the timing that we desire. This is a sobering thought.

God knows what is best and it is good for us to trust Him. We must be courageous and stand up for what is right no matter the consequences.

Response:

  1. Are you right with the Lord?
  2. Are you fearful to stand up for what is right? Be courageous.
numbers

Week 2: Day 1- Numbers 14:5-9

On By Ben JenningsIn Devotional, Leadership, Ministry2 Comments

This Weeks Passage: Numbers 14:5-19

5 Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation of the children of Israel.6 And Joshua the son of Nun, and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, which were of them that searched the land, rent their clothes:7 And they spake unto all the company of the children of Israel, saying, The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land.8 If the Lord delight in us, then he will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which floweth with milk and honey.9 Only rebel not ye against the Lord, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the Lord is with us: fear them not.

Numbers 14:5-9

Explanation:

In verses 5-6 Moses and Aaron went face down in response to the rebellion of the people. Joshua and Caleb, two of the twelve spies that entered in to the land, ripped their clothes off- a sign of passion and distress. Their message took four main thoughts.

First, they said that the children of Israel were blessed to have the opportunity of the good land that they had spied out. Second, they said God would give them the land. Third, they pleaded with the people not to rebel against God because of fear. Lastly, they pleaded with the people not to fear the people of the land, for they are “bread”, or God’s provision, for them in this new land.

Joshua and Caleb’s faith in God and desire to obey lead them to courageously and articulately stand up to this crowd of people. Ultimately this crowds decision lead to dire consequences, but Joshua and Caleb were brought through these consequences. God used them despite the decision of the majority.

Application:

Whether or not we can win the argument that God wants us to make is not a factor in standing up for what is right. The potential that others may not listen to us should not keep us from making that argument. Just because it is God’s will or desire doesn’t ensure that the people will buy in. Yet, if it is what God wants us to say, we should say it clearly and passionately.

  • We should passionately pursue discovering what God desires.
  • We should passionately obey what God desires.
  • We should passionately proclaim what God desires.

Response:

  1. What scares you or keeps you from standing up for what is right?
  2. Are you a Joshua and Caleb, or are you a scared spy?
  3. Are you passionately pursuing, obeying and proclaiming God’s desires for your life?