God ‘s Ongoing Grace

God ‘s Ongoing Grace

The Israelites had failed in their test of faith and believed ten of the twelve spies who had given exaggerated and distorted reports, instead of believing God. This was getting to be a pattern for these people.  They were descendants of Abraham,  it’s true; but they had lived their entire life in Egypt.  Their sin nature appeared to be stronger than their faith in Yahweh!

So, when God had given His sentence of death for that generation before they entered the Promised Land; the people mourned and decided on their own to take the land!  “But they presumed to go up the mountaintop.  Nevertheless, neither the ark of the covenant of the Lord nor Moses departed from the camp.  Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who dwelt in that mountain came down and attacked them and drove them back as far as Hormah.” Numbers 14:44-45

The next chapter of Numbers  sounds like God had changed His mind and was going to let them go into the Promised land after all.  Listen: “And the LORD spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the children of Israel, and say to them:   ‘When you have come into the land you are to inhabit, which I am giving to you….'”  (Numbers 15: 1,2)

But, “For the LORD to say this, (just) demonstrates His ongoing grace to His erring people.   Israel’s future was there.  And even though the adult generation had been sentenced to die before reaching the Promised Land (Hebrews 3:17,18), the next generation would need to understand the covenant ‘ s requirements, including the system of offerings ” David Jeremiah page 195 Jeremiah Study Bible

One of my favorite parts of Numbers is also found in Numbers chapter 15 “The Lord said to Moses,  “Speak to the Israelites and say to them: ‘Throughout the generations to come you are to make tassels on the corners of your garments, with a blue cord on each tassel.  You will have these tassels to look at and so you will remember all the commands of the Lord, that you may obey them and not prostitute yourselves by chasing after the lusts of your own hearts and eyes. Then you will remember to obey all my commands and will be consecrated to your God.   I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.”  Numbers 15:37-44 NIV

This is the basis for the prayer shawl worn by Jewish men yet today.  Our Bible Study Ladies had a study with Beth Moore where we wore blue bracelets with tassels on!   God knows our hearts and how much we need to be constantly reminded in order to keep Him central in our life!  Thank you, Father.  We know You are always there!!

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