Be Humble, Not Proud 02.24.08

Hello My Friend/Guest,

It is Sunday February 24, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers. Please read Numbers 26 -- 27 in your Bible or Click Here to read it online. In today's lesson we will read and learn about a second numbering (census) of the Israelites; the law of inheritance; and Joshua is to succeed Moses.

Almost 40 years had passed since the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. All the 603,550 men included in that first census, except Joshua, Caleb, and Moses had died. This second generation was now near the promised land. "And it came to pass after the plague, that the LORD spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, Take the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward, throughout their fathers' house, all that are able to go to war in Israel." (Numbers 26:1-2).

Another major event was to take place before the Israelites could enter the promised land. Moses was not able to enter the promise land while he was alive. Because of his anger and actions in the desert Zin all Moses could do was look over at the promise land. God then appointed Joshua to become the new leader (shepherd)
"And the LORD said unto Moses, Get thee up into this mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people, as Aaron thy brother was gathered. For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin. And Moses spake unto the LORD, saying, Let the LORD, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation, Which may go out before them, and which may go in before them, and which may lead them out, and which may bring them in; that the congregation of the LORD be not as sheep which have no shepherd. And the LORD said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit, and lay thine hand upon him; And set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation; and give him a charge in their sight." (27:12-19).

Despite his rebuke and his great disappointment in not being allowed to enter the promised land, Moses did as the LORD commanded. And, without hesitation, Moses stepped down from leadership and announced that his helper Joshua would become his successor to lead the Lord's people. "And Moses did as the LORD commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation: And he laid his hands upon him, and gave him a charge, as the LORD commanded by the hand of Moses." (27:22-23).

God has said that Moses was the meekest (humblest) man on earth. One test of meekness is our willingness to yield our prominent position to another. As a follower of Christ, we are taught to let nothing be done through strife (anger) or vainglory (pride), but through lowliness (meekness). "Fulfil ye my joy, that ye be likeminded, having the same love, being of one accord, of one mind. Let nothing be done through strife or vainglory; but in lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves. Look not every man on his own things, but every man also on the things of others." (Philippians 2:2-4).

We need to recognize that since we are set apart to magnify the Lord, we must live righteously before an unholy world as one who has been saved from eternal hell. Regardless of how influential, God cannot permit a chosen one to live above the Law and do things out of emotion or self pleasure. Disobeying God's Word brought tragic results in the past and still carries serious consequences today. However, we are blessed that we have our Lord, Jesus Christ as our Saviour and because we are saved we will see the promised land. All we have to do is repent and we are forgiven.

In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through Joshua who would lead the people like a shepherd. (Numbers 27:17). Jesus said: "I am the good shepherd: the good shepherd giveth his life for the sheep." (John 10:11).

Today's Psalm: 69:21-32
"This also shall please the LORD better than an ox or bullock that hath horns and hoofs. The humble shall see this, and be glad: and your heart shall live that seek God."

Today's Prayer: from 61:1-4
Dear Lord,
Hear my cry, O God; attend unto my prayer. From the end of the earth will I cry unto thee, when my heart is overwhelmed: lead me to the rock that is higher than I. For thou hast been a shelter for me, and a strong tower from the enemy. I will abide in thy tabernacle for ever: I will trust in the covert of thy wings. I ask this is Jesus' name....Amen.

Enjoy the rest of your day/night and have a wonderful day of the Lord.
God Bless you,
Christina

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