Daily Bible Devotionals

“When someone sins in any of these ways: If he has seen, heard, or known about something he has witnessed, and did not respond to a public call to testify, he is responsible for his sins.” Leviticus 5:1 (HCSB)

A Sunday school teacher asked her class, “Does anyone here know what we mean by sins of ‘omission’?”

A young girl replied, “Aren’t those the sins we should have committed but didn’t?”

Not exactly. We often think of “sin” as something bad that we do. Because we are committing an act of sin, that is called “sin of commission.” Today’s passage tells us that “sin” extends to a broader context. What it means to “sin” also includes the act of “not doing.” I know that sounds like an oxymoron: the ACT of NOT DOING, but the things we omit but should have done are called “sins of OMISSION.”

Sins of omission are generally more difficult for a second party to notice, for they take humility and disclosure on the sinner’s behalf. They run deep into the hidden INNER character of a person, whereas sins of commission affect the OUTER, the reputation.

In Matthew chapter 5, Jesus addressed both the outer and inner man. He chose Murder, Adultery, Divorce, Oaths, Vengeance, and Loving our enemies as His topics.

Make no doubt about it: God is greatly concerned with our outward acts of sin!

“He will by no means leave the guilty unpunished!” Exodus 34:7b (NASB)

“The Lord is longsuffering and abundant in mercy, forgiving iniquity and transgression; but He by no means clears the guilty…” Numbers 14:18 (NKJV)

But we are fooling ourselves when we limit our sin to things we “do.” Our thoughts, attitudes, and acts of omission also testify to our guilt.

It helps to remember that your reputation (what you do) is based on the part of you that people can see. Your character (your inner self) is the part of you that only God sees.

“The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons: This is the law of the sin offering. The sin offering is most holy and must be slaughtered before the Lord at the place where the burnt offering is slaughtered. The priest who offers it as a sin offering is to eat it. It must be eaten in a holy place, in the courtyard of the tent of meeting.” Leviticus 6:24-26 (HCSB)

“Substitutionary atonement” is when God allows His wrath to be displayed on some equitable third party…as our substitute.

While God is loving, patient, and longsuffering, He is also just. He will by no means clear the guilty.

“Now go lead these people to the place I told you about; see, my angel will go before you. But on the day I settle accounts, I will hold them accountable for their sin.” Exodus 32:34 (HCSB)

But God loves His children, and He remembers they are only human, so He allowed for Israel’s sin to be atoned for a season by slaughtering specific animals. The whole process was intended to communicate the gravity of sin and solicit the response of repentance.

After slaughtering the animal, its flesh underwent the flames of the altar. This signified the judgment of God. It is intriguing how the flesh that once personified sin became useful, even to the point of consuming it as food. It showed how God’s intent has always been to redeem the flesh as something valuable.

The blood of animals was unable to provide long-term atonement because it could never be equitable or valuable enough for such a great atonement. After all, animals have no imputable righteousness.  

Today, our atoning substitute is Jesus. He made permanent atonement for the World by the shedding of His blood; the virtue/value of His sacrifice, in that it pleased God, was made known by the power of His resurrection. Salvation is available for all who would accept it: exclusively through Jesus, yet offered liberally to anyone who would receive it.

“For all have sinned and fall short of the Glory of God. They are justified freely by His grace through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus. God presented Him as a propitiation through faith in His blood, to demonstrate His righteousness, because in His restraint God passed over the sins previously committed. He presented Him to demonstrate His righteousness at the present time, so that He would be righteous and declare righteous the one who has faith in Messiah Jesus.”  Romans 3:23-26 (HCSB)

“This is the law of the sacrifice of peace offerings which shall be offered to the Lord: If he offers it for a thanksgiving, then he shall offer, with the sacrifice of thanksgiving, unleavened cakes mixed with oil or cakes of blended flour mixed with oil.” Leviticus 7:11-12 (NKJV)

Peace offerings, or “thank offerings” (Heb: zebach shelmim/zebachim), are sacrifices made when a person seeks to obtain peace with the Lord. The occasion for making a peace offering is any time one’s heart is filled with joyfulness unto the Lord, either celebrating a happy occasion in life or some important event in connection with one’s family or individual. It is the sacrifice that will endure forever (Revelation 21:24-26), now that we are in the Messianic era because Jesus has atoned for ALL sin and guilt. All we have left to offer is ourselves, to live our lives in thanksgiving to Him!

Here are some examples from the Psalms:

THANKSGIVING for deliverance from sickness and danger: “Oh, that men would give thanks to the Lord for His goodness, and for His wonderful works to the children of men! For He satisfies the longing soul, and fills the hungry soul with goodness.” Psalm 107:8-9 (NKJV)

THANKSGIVING from the fulfillment of a vow made in times of distress: “I will pay my vows to the Lord, now in the presence of the people, in the courts of the Lord’s house, in the midst of you, O Jerusalem. Praise the Lord!”  Psalm 116:18-19 (NKJV)

FREEWILL offering, whenever a heart is moved at the remembrance of God’s mercies: “Bless the Lord, O my soul; and all that is within me, bless His holy Name! Bless the Lord, O my soul, and forget not all His benefits: Who forgives all your iniquities, Who heals all your diseases, Who redeems your life from destruction, Who crowns you with loving kindness and tender mercies, Who satisfies your mouth with good things, so that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.”  Psalm 103:1-5 (NKJV)

Unlike the burnt offering, a peace offering could be either a male or female animal, and only a small part of the peace offering was burnt on the altar. The rest (except for the portions received for the priests) was to be eaten by the person (who offered the sacrifice) and his family guests. It promoted the feeling of solidarity in the nation and strengthened families. It also pointed to dependence upon God for protection and for all the blessings of life.

Samuel’s mother, Hannah, was barren for many years. It was after such a “freewill” offering, while the rest of the family was eating & drinking before the Lord (as God commanded should be done), Hannah, “in the bitterness of soul, and prayed to the Lord and wept in anguish” (1 Samuel 1:9). Eli, the priest, accused her of being drunk, but she replied, “I have drunk neither wine nor intoxicating drink, but have poured out my soul before the Lord” (1 Samuel 1:15b). God answered her prayer and gave her Samuel. After Hannah had weaned the boy, she dedicated him to God and His service! No doubt she ate & drank in thanksgiving at that time…and every year after for the rest of her life!

(Moses speaking to Aaron) “‘You must remain at the entrance to the tent of meeting day and night for seven days and keep the Lord’s charge so that you will not die, for this is what I have commanded.’ So Aaron and his sons did everything the Lord commanded through Moses.” Leviticus 8:35-36 (HCSB)

After all the pomp and pageantry, the blood and sacrifice, what did the Lord tell Aaron and his sons? “Wait for seven days.” Obviously, there was something big coming on the 8th. We have the benefit of reading ahead and knowing God’s presence would fill the Tabernacle, but Aaron knew only to obey and to wait.

This is precisely the directive that Jesus gave His disciples before His ascension: “Wait for seven days.” You won’t find it written directly, but the seven-day wait is abundantly clear if you understand the Jewish calendar.

Jesus was placed in the tomb in the final hours of Passover. He rose three days later.

“After He had suffered, He also presented Himself alive to them by many convincing proofs, appearing to them during 40 days and speaking about the kingdom of God.” Acts 1:3 (HCSB)

After 3 days in the tomb, Jesus spent 40 days appearing to many of His followers. 3 days in the tomb, plus 40 days with His disciples = 43 days.

The festival of Shavuot (Pentecost) is 50 days after Passover. Because Jesus was entombed in the final Passover hours, the tomb’s first day does not count towards the 50-day lead-up to Pentecost.

Now, take 3 days in the tomb, add 40 days with His disciples, subtract 1 day because Jesus was entombed on Passover (Pentecost was 50 days AFTER Passover), and you end up with 8 DAYS between Jesus’ ascension and the day of Pentecost…whew!!

Jesus told His disciples to wait 7 days. On the 8th day, He filled them with His Holy Spirit, just as on the 8th day, God’s presence filled the Tabernacle.  

The account of Moses’ ordaining of Aaron and his sons as priests foreshadows Jesus’ ordaining of the Apostles as “priests” to be sent to the nations. Furthermore, Messiah has ordained ALL believers as “priests” of His gospel, per se. (1 Peter 2: 4-9, Revelation 1: 4-6, 5: 6-10) That includes you & me as well!

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Leviticus 9. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu each took his own firepan, put fire in it, placed incense on it, and presented unauthorized fire before the Lord, which He had not commanded them to do. Then flames leaped from the Lord’s presence and burned them to death before the Lord. So Moses said to Aaron, ‘This is what the Lord meant when He said: “I will show My holiness to those who are near me, and I will reveal My glory before all the people.’ But Aaron remained silent.” Leviticus 10:1- 3 (HCSB)

“Don’t boast about tomorrow, for you don’t know what a day might bring.” Proverbs 27:1 (HCSB)

Several summers ago, my son Wyatt and I went surfing in Newport Beach, CA. I had tagged along on his Christian school’s 6th-grade beach trip. There was a bunch of us! I recall over 60 kids and several adult/parent chaperones.   An African family was next to us, camped out on the beach. They were missionaries to the US from Kenya, and because they were also believers in Jesus, we hung out with them all day. Our kids played on the beach with their kids—one in Messiah.

Toward the end of the day, there was a commotion. Everyone was cleared from the water. Someone was in trouble. I ran towards the water’s edge and arrived at the shoreline just as two lifeguards dragged the African father onto the beach. After a frantic fight for the man’s life, it became apparent that he could not be revived. One moment, he was playing on the beach with his family and our students. The next moment, he was lying on that same beach, lifeless. Life can change abruptly for us all.

This was Aaron’s experience. As he, the High Priest, was moving about in his magnificent robes and performing the solemn duties of his exalted office, how elated he must have been! But what began as Aaron’s greatest day ended tragically. On the very day of the Tabernacle’s consecration, Aaron’s sons traded God’s calling for a momentary whim. Scripture does not indicate whether Nadab and Abihu consulted Moses or Aaron, so some scholars believe the boys disregarded their elders out of jealousy. They didn’t trust that God was speaking to Israel directly through Moses. Perhaps they asked themselves, “When will these men die? How long must we wait before we get to lead the congregation on our terms?” Who knows? The end came so quickly that they could not testify their motives.

One thing is sure: impious ambition led them to depart from God’s Word and commit an unhallowed action. This departure called down terrible retribution in a lightning flash!

It is incumbent upon us to seek God’s Word and not turn from it to the right or the left. We should take Scripture as it is and not live our lives more conservatively or liberally than the Lord requires.

“For I am Yahweh your God, so you must consecrate yourselves and be holy because I am holy. You must not defile yourselves by any swarming creature that crawls on the ground. For I am Yahweh, who brought you up from the land of Egypt to be your God, so you must be holy because I am holy.”  Leviticus 11:44-45 (HCSB)

The first ten chapters of Leviticus contain “The Law of the Sanctuary” in the stricter sense of the term. Except for some paragraphs here and there, the remainder of the book deals with what might be described as “The Law of Daily Life.”

For the past couple of decades, the Church has had an ongoing debate over Sacred vs. Secular. As a recording artist, I am weary of discussions over whether an artist should pursue the “Christian” market or the general market with their music.

The Torah (first five books of the Old Testament) views the whole of human life as its province; in the eyes of the Torah, nothing human is secular. It penetrates the home of the Israelite and aims at controlling even the most intimate relations of his domestic existence.

As the Bible directs us, what does it mean to be “in but not of” the world? How do these concepts of “clean and unclean” agree with the belief in Jesus? How can modern-day believers be separate from the world and yet go into it with the gospel?

Jesus prayed to the Father, “I have given them Your word. The world hated them because they are not of the world, as I am not of the world. I am not praying that You take them out of the world, but that You protect them from the evil one. They are not of the world, as I am not of the world. Sanctify them by the truth; Your word is the truth.”  John 17:14-17 (HCSB)

As God called Noah, Abraham, and Israel out from the nations…to be “consecrated” (set apart), so He calls us to come forth and be separate from the world. We are to present ourselves as “living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God.” (Romans 12:1-5)  

The whole “in-but-not-of” directive is impossible for us apart from the Holy Spirit, Who guides us through God’s Word. The Bible divides soul and spirit and washes our minds clean with the truth. It directs us on how to be set apart from the world, not to be affected by its philosophy, and yet completely saturated in the culture, to impact it with the gospel.

“When her days of purification are complete, whether a son or a daughter, she is to bring to the priest at the entrance to the tent of meeting a year-old male lamb for a burnt offering, and a young pigeon or a turtledove for a sin offering.” Leviticus 12:6 (HCSB)

Chapter 11 is a reminder of our fallen World and man’s dealings with it. It describes a World of clean and unclean, a World in which many of its parts must be shunned because they are not clean. But don’t forget that it is also a World in which many of its parts are wholesome and good for men. Man can avoid the unclean and be “holy,” set apart to God. And (to some extent) men can be like Him.  Provision had been allowed by God to counter the effect of the fall, as far as mankind was concerned.

Here, in chapter 12, comes a reminder of another consequence of the fall: How the fall affected womankind. Childbirth was now inevitably connected with ‘uncleanness.’ Through the discomforts of childbirth, God chooses to remind women of Eve’s part in the fall (Genesis 3:16). It stands as a reminder that every time a child is born, another sinner is born into a sinful world.

So, in every case of childbirth, there was no avoiding uncleanness. It was not a question of choice. It was something that had to be endured. Birth inevitably involved sin because the birth process had been affected by sin, and the child born into the world was now subject to sin. Indeed, he (or she) being born is a sinner by nature. (Compare: Romans 5.14; Psalm 51.5; 58.3) Therefore, the very process of birth falls short of perfection and must be deemed ‘unclean.’ That is why the woman, being in the process of producing a sinner, was prevented from approaching the holiness of God. She had to be purified, along with the child.

Any person observing or participating in the birth of a child can see God’s point quite clearly. When a child is born, it is covered with blood and mucus. It comes out ‘unclean.’ This does not contradict the (Luke 2:23) statement that “every child who opens the womb shall be called holy to the Lord.” The latter verse communicates that the first newborn child is seen as set apart for Yahweh’s service, not that it is ‘ritually holy’ at the point of birth. In the grace & mercy of God, while it enters the world ‘unclean,’ the firstborn is also set apart as His.

Because of the grace of God, it was recognized that the uncleanness of a woman during childbirth would be temporary and not permanent. Therefore, by following God’s command, the woman and the child could come out of their period of uncleanness in childbearing and return to “cleanness” and the light of God’s holiness, with all traces of sin being put behind them. That is the process described in today’s passage. It is also a picture of salvation through Jesus and the necessity of being “born again.” (John 3:16)

“The person afflicted with an infectious skin disease is to have his clothes and his hair hanging loose, and he must cover his mouth and cry out, ‘Unclean, unclean!’ He will remain unclean as long as he has the infection; he is unclean. He must live alone in a place outside the camp.”  Leviticus 13:45-46 (HCSB)

Sociologists have described this generation (especially the 18-25 yrs) as the “most narcissistic” in history. That is to say, everything in our culture is focused on the individual. Our “I-centered” culture is quickly losing all sense of Biblical community.

Perhaps that is why “community” ranks high on the aspirations of so many people. “Me-centric” worlds promote profound loneliness. Who can you trust to have your best interest in mind when everyone lives only for himself? Perhaps a more important question is: Does God most value the individual or the community? I say both.

Jesus prayed for all believers, “I wish that they were one, as You and I are One.” John 17:22b-21a (NKJV)

Given our breakdown of community, is it any wonder why chapters like this one in Leviticus seem so foreign? We tend to feel sorry for the individual and picture ourselves running through the streets screaming, “Unclean!”

Try taking an elevated view of what God is doing for a moment. He is protecting Israel, preserving the PEOPLE (community) of the promise. He is also showing the importance of separating sin from the community. He is teaching the importance of accountability and, perhaps more importantly, making provisions for restoration.

Jesus told His disciples, “Beware of the leaven of the Pharisees.” Matthew 16:6 (NKJV)

Leaven is a symbol of sin, which spreads. Perhaps Leaven is more synonymous with a philosophy than an action because it grows secretly. An excellent picture of “leaven” is mold or a virus…something you cannot see, yet grows to a point where it cannot be denied.

There are times when people with persistent sinful philosophies, ideas, and willful actions MUST be put out of the church…hopefully, for just a season. It protects both the COMUNITY and the INDIVIDUAL. Individuals are then to be observed by the leaders. Unrepentant or unbelieving people will never return to a Godly community.

True believers cannot survive long-term, away from a Godly community. Eventually, they will repent. Godly church leaders should recognize true repentance and receive the returning prodigal with great joy. A repentant sinner, restored, is now a potentially productive member of the community.

“The Lord spoke to Moses: ‘This is the law concerning the person afflicted with a skin disease on the day of his cleansing. He is to be brought to the priest, who will go outside the camp and examine him. If the skin disease has disappeared from the afflicted person, the priest will order that two live clean birds, cedarwood, scarlet yarn, and hyssop brought for the one who is to be cleansed.’”  Leviticus 14:1-4 (HCSB)

We need to understand that the procedures outlined in today’s passage do not constitute a cure for leprosy. The verse describes a ceremony to restore a person who has already been healed. Only God can cure a person, not a ritual. That is what separates voodoo from true religion.

In what may seem like an otherwise benign ritual concerning skin disease (something we would defer to a dermatologist today), we actually have a clear picture of Jesus’ suffering on the Roman cross. Let’s examine the elements.

First off, the whole act was to take place outside of the camp:

“Therefore Jesus also suffered outside the gate, so that He might sanctify the people by His own blood.” Hebrews 13:12 (HCSB)

Next, the birds and articles (required for the ceremony) were not provided by the leper himself. The priest summoned the articles to be brought. Otherwise, the articles would be unclean for the priest to touch. Similarly, Jesus was the substitute for our sin offering. Atonement comes completely from His gracious provision and not from our good works, what we “bring to the table,” so to speak.

The scarlet wool and hyssop are symbols of the Passover lamb, which was sacrificed, and its blood “painted” on the Israelites’ doorposts with the hyssop branches. It is also a picture of Jesus, our Passover lamb. (1 Corinthians 5:7)

The cedar wood evokes the image of the cross.

In verse 5, one of the two birds is to be killed. Then, the living bird (along with the other articles) was to be “washed” in the blood of the sacrificed bird. This is meant to show a contrast to the other bird, which was allowed to live, thus representing the state of death from which the leper had escaped. This reminds us of how we are “washed in the blood” of Jesus, who atoned for our sin so that we may live. (Revelation 7:14)

Running water (literally: living water) in verse 5 symbolizes mikveh (baptism), being washed clean. Jesus said to the woman at the well, “If you knew to Whom you are speaking, you would ask, and He would have given you living water.” John 4:10

Finally, in verse 7, the leper is pronounced clean, and the living bird is let go. So, too, are we free, indeed, through Messiah Jesus! (John 8:36)

“When a woman has a discharge of her blood for many days…”  Leviticus 15:25a (HCSB)

From a chapter that has made 8th-grade boys snicker throughout the ages, we find the setup for one of the most profound miracles of Jesus’ ministry on earth.

“A woman suffering from bleeding for 12 years had endured much under many doctors. She spent everything she had and was not helped at all. On the contrary, she became worse. Having heard about Jesus, she came behind Him in the crowd and touched His robe. For she said, ‘If I can just touch the hem of His garment, I’ll be made well!’  Instantly, her flow of blood ceased, and she sensed in her body that she was cured of her affliction.”  Mark 5:25-29 (HCSB)

Doctors are not healers. They are keen observers. Modern medicine is the byproduct of centuries of medical & scientific observation. Persistent observation leads to improved diagnosis and treatments, resulting in heightened probabilities of recovery. Yet, even before the insurance papers are processed, it is God Who allows the healing to happen.

None of us would willingly select civil-war-era dentistry, much less 1st-century Church-era medical practices! Can you imagine the methods of treatment this woman had undergone before she connected with Jesus?

While there is much to say about this woman’s healing (and Jesus’ response to it), I want to focus on one item:  Having reached the end of the World’s options, she had nothing to lose by reaching out to Jesus in faith.   In a word, she was “desperate.”

In this observation of her desperation, we are reminded of the great “constant” of evangelism: People do not come to faith in Jesus because of convenience but rather out of desperation. Ask yourself, what circumstances led you to reach out to Jesus in faith? (That is, given that you have reached out to Him.)

People only accept a savior when they recognize they need salvation. I go surfing quite often. Every time I walk into the surf with my surfboard, I try to make eye contact with the lifeguard. I generally wave as I walk by. I want him to know I’m in the water in case I need him later. Having identified the lifeguard (and knowing he has acknowledged me), if I were drowning in the surf, you’d better believe I would call out to that lifeguard!!! And I wouldn’t be ashamed if, while I was drowning among dozens of skilled surfers, He asked, “Which one of you guys called out to me?”  

That is how illogical our fear of reaching out to Jesus is. Why not reach out to Him today? Salvation is only a prayer away for those who are humble enough to admit they need it, for those who are faithful enough to call out. When we call to Him, we are simply asking Him to do what He came to do: save people who realize they’re drowning in sin to the point where they are willing to humble themselves and call out for Him to rescue them.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Leviticus 16. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“For the life of the flesh is in the blood, and I have given it to you upon the altar to make atonement for your souls; for it is the blood that makes atonement for the soul. Therefore, I said to the children of Israel, ‘none of you shall eat blood, nor shall any stranger who dwells among you eat blood.’” Leviticus 17: 11-12 (NKJV)

If you ever travel to Israel, one thing you’ll find out quickly is how awful the beef tastes! Why? It has been drained of all its blood and stripped of most of its fat. It must be so to be certified “kosher” by the rabbis who inspect the meat processing plants and restaurants.

Unlike the laws of clean & unclean animals (Acts 10:9-15), the command to “not eat blood” has never even been suggested to have been repealed by the Lord. At least, Scripture does not indicate such. Perhaps this poses a challenge to us:  How rare can we get that steak before it’s considered “eating blood”?

As a young follower of Jesus, I wondered, “What’s the deal with all of the talk and focus on the ‘Blood’ of Jesus?” I understood suffering, and I get how He paid the penalty we deserve. I understood resurrection, proving the power and will of God to do miracles. But the blood…?

In today’s passage, we find some clarity. The practice of shedding animal blood for sin atonement was given to Israel by God. Why? Perhaps the best explanation is that “blood sacrifice” provides a vivid picture of the serious deadliness of sin observed by the individual worshipping. It lets them consider how their sin looks to God and the punishment awaiting them if their sin is not atoned for.  

Almost everyone thinks their children are saints compared to everyone else’s kids. We justify our sin to ourselves but condemn others. Sometimes, it is good to separate from ourselves and get a detached, elevated, and objective view of our lives...a view from God’s perspective of how we measure up to His standard.  

In what seems like cruel performance art, God shows Israel (and now us) that sin sheds blood. And it is OUR blood that sin sheds. By choosing to sin, we are literally killing ourselves. Apart from Messiah, we work toward sinful goals, and the wages of that labor are death.

“For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Messiah Jesus, our Lord.” Romans 6:23 (NKJV)

In His gracious mercy, God allows us to view sin as He sees it through the commandment of the blood sacrifice. He has given life in blood. Because Jesus is eternal, through Jesus’ blood, we are offered eternal life. When we consider the Roman cross on which Jesus died, we see what WE deserved yet were spared through Jesus’ atonement. And we understand the urgency of sharing the gospel with non-believers!

“Do not defile yourselves by any of these practices, for the nations I am driving out before you have defiled themselves by all these things. The land has become defiled, so I am punishing it for its sin, and the land will vomit out its inhabitants. But you are to keep My statutes and ordinances. You must not commit any of these detestable things—not the native or the foreigner who lives among you. For the men who were in the land prior to you have committed all these detestable things, and the land has become defiled.” Leviticus 18:24-27 (HCSB)

History tells us that just before the fall of every major empire, there was a “libertarian” view towards sexuality throughout the culture—one of the last allowances being open acceptance of homosexuality.

Interestingly, chapter 18 is devoted almost entirely to sex and its perversion. Then the Lord warns Israel to stay away from those things because He is expelling Canaan’s inhabitants because of those very same perversions! God says they have defiled the land, causing it to vomit them out.

Leviticus is about the calling out of a people to be separate. It was not enough to call Israel out of Egypt. God also commanded Israel to drive “Egypt” out of itself!  

This is not dissimilar to our situation as believers today. First, we are called out of the World to follow Jesus.   Next, we are called to live “holy and presentable to God.” Many followers of Jesus take a passive view of morality. I often hear from believers, “My salvation is secure, so I can live however I wish.” That is not true.  

While the true believer’s salvation is secured by God’s righteousness (not their own righteousness), the one who sins deliberately and habitually should do some healthy self-examination to determine if they are genuine believers at all. Believers are not sinless, but they should desire to sin less…and less as they progress in their relationship with Him.  

In the days of the prophets, the Lord drove Israel out of the land because they failed to heed His warnings to be separate, choosing, instead, to follow the ways of the pagans.

Likewise, Jesus shared a conversation that will take place between Himself and “pseudo-Christians” at the end of time: “Not everyone who says to me, ‘Lord, Lord!’ will enter the kingdom of Heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in Heaven.” Matthew 7: 21 (HCSB)

“And the Lord spoke to Moses, saying, ‘Speak to all the congregation of the children of Israel, and say to them: “You shall be holy, for I the Lord your God am holy. Every one of you shall revere his mother and his father, and keep My Sabbaths: I am the Lord your God. Do not turn to idols, nor make for yourselves molded gods: I am the Lord your God.’” Leviticus 19:1-4 (NKJV)

I find it interesting how chapter 18 deals with the sinful behavior that caused the Canaanites to be expelled from the land. Chapter 19 begins as chapter 18 ends with a challenge to be holy, that is, “separate” from other nations and customs.

Also intriguing is how immediately following God’s reason for expelling the Canaanites from the land and His command of holiness, God reminds Israel of the 5th commandment.

“Honor your father and mother, so that you may LIVE LONG IN THE LAND which the Lord is giving you.” Exodus 20:12 (HCSB) (Emphasis mine)

The beautiful irony is that the 5th commandment is the only commandment with a promise directed towards longevity in the land.

So, let me clarify:  Sexual sin becomes increasingly more perverted and eventually leads to expulsion from the land. Honoring your father and mother ensures longevity in the land.

Perhaps we should look closer at what it means to “honor” your father and mother.

Honoring one’s parents means more than simply “obeying” them. You bring honor to your parents when you honor the Lord. For instance, if both your parents are unbelievers and strongly oppose your belief in Jesus, the best way to “honor” them is by disobeying their wishes and becoming a believer! Your following the Lord brings honor to your mother and father, even if it goes against their wishes.

“Sexual sin” and “honoring your parents” are diametrically opposed because God is concerned with both familial and spiritual legacies. The fruit of sexual relations is in our offspring. When we honor the Lord with our lives, we ensure that we produce not only good works unto the Lord but also that our offspring will do so, as well. Obedience to God and the continuation of a God-honoring legacy throughout the generations are inseparable.

From holy people come children who, when raised in a God-honoring environment, grow into a strong community that honors God.   Carnal people bear offspring who, outside of God’s intervention, will continue in a downward moral spiral.

So, be holy! Surrender yourself to the Lord and His ways, and let Him establish your legacy of holiness. And your first step is to surrender to Messiah Jesus.

“You must not follow the statutes of the nations I am driving out before you, for they did all these things, and I abhorred them. And I promised you: You will inherit their land, since I will give it to you to possess, a land flowing with milk and honey. I am the Lord your God who set you apart from the peoples.” Leviticus 20:23-24 (HCSB)

Here’s a joke for you.  

Q: What did the fool say just before he died?

A: Hey, y’all! Watch this!

Q: What did his best friend say just before he died?

A:  Aww, I can do that better than he did!

It has been said that the definition of insanity is doing the same thing over and over, expecting different results. Doesn’t that sound like us? The Lord saves people, yet many folks turn back and begin sinning in the same ways they did before they were saved! It is as if they are repeating those sins, hoping they will somehow lead to fulfillment instead of disappointment.

God informed Israel that He would deliver them to Canaan and told them how He would drive out the Canaanites. He also told Israel WHY the Canaanites were being driven out: their sinful ways.

That information, alone, should have been enough to teach Israel to honor the Lord, ensuring their perpetual possession of the Promised Land. God went further and instructed the Israelites to separate themselves from the ways and beliefs of the Canaanites.

Why would Israel turn to the ways of Canaan’s former inhabitants? Perhaps it is because of their concept of “blessing.” Maybe they got into the land, and conditions were more challenging than Israel thought they might be. I think this may have been the case because God informed the children of Israel that the Promised Land would be “flowing with milk & honey.”

I have four children. I am aware that milk does not flow from a mother until after the painful delivery of the baby. I have also seen how honey is harvested, contending with nagging, stinging bees!

Could it be that God was telling Israel that Canaan would be fruitful but that cultivating the fruit would involve nagging, stinging, painful work? Doesn’t that remind you of the joy we receive after employing the discipline of living holy and separate lives unto God in our generation? Discipline is what being a “disciple” is all about, and it seems fruitless if we lose sight of the goal of our laboring. We are called to honor the Lord, longing to enter into the place He has prepared for us, receiving His great commendation, “Well done!”

“The Lord spoke to Moses: ‘Tell Aaron: None of your descendants throughout your generations who has a physical defect is to come near: no man who is blind, lame, facially disfigured or deformed….” Leviticus 21:16-18 (HCSB)

Jesus healed. That is a Biblical fact, accepted even by many unbelievers.

Before John the Baptist was beheaded, he sent his disciples to ask Jesus if he was the “One” or if they should look for another messiah. Jesus answered that people were healed. That was the evidence He gave of being Messiah: healing.

I never really considered much why Jesus healed people. I figured He had compassion for people, so He made them well. But could there have been other reasons Jesus healed beyond the well-being of the person needing healing?    

I have had terrible eyesight since I was in grade school. Many times, I have prayed that God would heal me. As a young man, I often wondered why Jesus would heal some people and not others. In the end, I leave healing up to His wisdom and surrender my will to His choices for me because He always chooses rightly. After all, He has given me eyeglasses that enable me to see 20/20.    

It is easy to see how healing benefits the recipient, but what does that have to do with Jesus being the Messiah? The Old Testament tells how the Messiah will heal the iniquities of His people, so I understand how Jesus’ healing fulfills prophecy.  

“‘Here is your God; vengeance is coming. God’s retribution is coming; He will save you.’ Then the eyes of the blind will be opened, and the ears of the deaf unstopped. Then the lame will leap like a deer, and the tongue of the mute will sing for joy, for water will gush in the wilderness and streams in the desert; the parched ground will become a pool of water, and the thirsty land springs of water.” Isaiah 35:4b-7a (HCSB)

Considering today’s passage, for the Jewish people who were declared unworthy to serve, Jesus’ healing also allowed them to enter into corporate worship and minister to others. On the one hand, people might be offended that God would exclude people from serving simply because of physical defects. But they must consider that God can also heal, thus making it possible for anyone to serve if He so chooses.

When Jesus healed, it was as if He said, “You can’t serve because you’re blind? You can’t serve because you’re lame or deformed? Well, I can fix that!”  Our sin has separated us from God. By paying our sin debt, Jesus has made us clean. He atones for our sin as if we have never sinned. He completes what is lacking on every level and restores us to a right relationship with God, regardless of any prior limitation. And He has a plan for you, as His “priest.” (1 Peter 2:9)  He has fulfilled all your requirements and offers forgiveness, free of charge. So, do you WANT to be healed?

“You are to keep My commands and do them; I am the Lord. You must not profane My holy Name; I must be treated as holy among the Israelites. I am the Lord Who sets you apart, the One Who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God; I am the Lord.” Leviticus 22:31-33 (HCSB)

A few years ago, my wife and I were visiting New Orleans. I recall passing by one of the T-shirt stores and seeing a shirt with this logo: “Jesus is coming. Everybody look busy!”  It seemed funny, like the “Jesus is my homeboy” apparel. But it begged the question: How well do we rate (as both individuals and our Church culture) when it comes to revering the NAME of the Holy God of all creation?

Although spoken about the priests as the appointed guardians of the Sanctuary, this commandment (both in its positive and negative forms) was applied to the whole of Israel. We should be exceedingly guarded in our actions so that we do not tarnish or degrade in any way the Name of the Lord.

In some of the rabbinic writings of Orthodox Judaism, the faithful observer is warned against any misdeeds against a non-Jew as an unpardonable sin because it gives a false impression of the moral standard of Judaism. In short, wrongdoing against anyone tarnishes God’s Name. The idea is that every Jew holds the honor of his God, his faith, and the entire Jewish community in his own hands.

God chose to LOVE us through Messiah Jesus, even while we were yet sinners. But His affiliation with us does not make Him any less Holy. His desire to be close to His created people only heightens our understanding of an aspect of His Holiness, and it causes us to worship Him with tremendous gratitude and respect.    

Today, I don’t want to drone on & on. I simply want to ask you to consider the question:  How well are you doing in 1) Regarding the Lord as Holy, to the extent that it changes how you live according to His Word and 2) As a co-inheritor with Jesus, how well are you representing the Family, the NAME you have inherited by Messiah’s atonement?

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Leviticus 23. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Now the son of an Israelite mother and an Egyptian father was among the Israelites. A fight broke out in the camp between the Israelite woman’s son and an Israelite man. Her son cursed and blasphemed the Name, and they brought him to Moses. (His mother’s name was Shelomith, a daughter of Dibri of the tribe of Dan.) They put him in custody until the Lord’s decision could be made clear to them. Then the Lord spoke to Moses: Bring the one who has cursed to the outside of the camp and have all who heard him lay their hands on his head; then have the whole community stone him.” Leviticus 24:10-14 (HCSB)

The sole aim of the Book of Leviticus is to communicate the importance of being sanctified set apart. Sanctification is stressed for both the community and the individual. Therefore, when anyone presumes to desecrate the Lord’s Name, the penalty must be ruthless.

It is common knowledge that a “mixed multitude” left Egypt along with the Israelites. The mixed multitude represented two spiritual realities: 1) Many in Egypt, apart from the Hebrews, believed in God and desired to follow Him, and 2) Just because Israel left the land of Egypt doesn’t mean they left their intimacy with the ways of Egypt. This “half-breed” son was emblematic of Israel’s love affair with Egypt and foreshadowed Israel’s problems with spiritual infidelity.

To “blaspheme” the Lord’s Name meant to treat it with contempt and dishonor. Orthodox (non-Messianic) rabbinic commentators remark that this man’s genealogy is recorded to impress upon the Israelites that a man’s life is not alone to do with as he pleases. His disgrace is also that of his parents, tribe, and people. Sin bears collateral damage. We have lost much of this sense of “community” in our Christian culture. In seeking to stress the rights of the individual, our society runs the risk of sacrificing accountability, which is necessary to protect itself.

The Torah ordained, “Thou shalt not revile God” (Exodus 22:27). But no penalty had been mentioned in that connection. Now, the Lord has spoken: The offender was to be stoned.

Notice how those who were direct recipients of the blasphemy were to literally have hands-on participation in executing the Lord’s judgment. Again, people were called to be personally concerned about the offense because the blasphemous words had fallen upon their ears. They were, therefore, discharging their duty by bringing the culprit to justice.

We live in a church culture that seems preoccupied with “not offending” people. My observation is that many pulpits would rather preach on the virtues of reconciliation and ignore the fact that there are times when conflict is necessary, especially in cases where sin is so blatant that it must be confronted to protect the community of believers.

“If your brother becomes destitute and cannot sustain himself among you, you are to support him as a foreigner or temporary resident, so that he can continue to live among you. Don’t profit or take interest from him, but fear your God and let your brother live among you. You are not to lend him your silver with interest or sell him your food for profit. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan and to be your God.”  Leviticus 25:35-38 (HCSB)

Interdependence:  1) Unable to exist or survive without each other  2) Relying on mutual assistance, support, cooperation, or interaction among constituent elements or members.

Much of our modern culture has been built on the idea of “independence.”  In American society, people who are “dependent” are generally frowned upon as weak. Children are taught to be independent, not needing anything from anyone. Growing up, I was taught that taking a handout or charitable assistance was shameful.  

Interestingly, I was also taught that if a person was needy, they were probably lazy. There was a stigma of sin attached to poverty. We were led to believe that if we gave someone charity, we were perhaps enabling them to continue in their laziness. We were taught that people should work hard, and money was our reward for keeping for ourselves.

That’s the theory I was taught. Then, one day, I needed charity...

I’ve searched the Scriptures, and someone corrects me if I’m wrong, but I have yet to find an instance where God honors independence.  

God’s design for society is that men would completely depend on Him. He designed for His “dependants” to live interdependently among each other in the community. The purpose of community is to make our weaknesses ineffective. When someone covers your weakness, it frees you to operate in the strengths God has endowed you with.

Nobody is an island, self-sustaining and all-comprehensive unto themselves. Hard times will fall on everyone. God doesn’t just provide spiritual (internal) peace; He also offers physical and emotional comfort through the community of believers. He primarily provides for His people through the generosity of other people.

Lesson: Don’t be too ashamed to receive charity, and don’t be too self-absorbed to withhold it from others in need. As in everything, our rule should be: As the Lord leads.

“Yet in spite of this, while they are in the land of their enemies, I will not reject or abhor them, so as to destroy them and break my covenant with them, since I am the Lord their God.  For their sake, I will remember the covenant with their fathers, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt in the sight of the nations to be their God; I am the Lord.”  Leviticus 26:44-45 (HCSB)

Recently, I was asked this question by some friends in Hawaii who receive our daily devotions: Do the Jews believe in the same God as Christians?

The question stems from a great theological debate that suggests that since “Non-believing” Jews have rejected Jesus (Yeshua), they are not accepting the “wholeness of God.” Thus, the God whom non-believing Jews accept is not the same as the God Christians believe in. By not receiving the Tri-unity of God, they definitely do not understand Him as they should, i.e., as He designates for all people to know Him.

The New Testament, speaking of Jesus, informs us that there is “no other name under Heaven by which men must be saved.” Jesus said in John 14:6, “I am the way and the truth and the Life, and no man comes to the Father except through me.” Whether Jew or Gentile, accepting Messiah Jesus is the essential component of Salvation. The first chapter of John speaks clearly of Jesus’ deity. In that sense, knowing Who Jesus is brings the essential understanding of Who God is.

But since Jesus is a member of the Trinity (God’s existence as three “Persons”), wasn’t He present when God spoke these (above) words to Moses?

The “Christian” understanding of Israel’s understanding of God takes a back seat to God’s understanding of His plan for the redemption of Israel (and the redemption of the nations, as well). This was the basis for Paul’s message to the Roman Messianic (Christian) congregation.

“I ask, then, have they (Israel) stumbled so as to fall? Absolutely not! On the contrary, by their stumbling, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. Now if their stumbling brings riches for the world, and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full number bring? Now I am speaking to you, Gentiles.  In view of the fact that I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my own ministry, if I can somehow make my own people jealous and save some of them. For if their being rejected is world reconciliation, what will their acceptance mean but life from the dead?”  Romans 11:11-15

God’s covenant with Israel is with those who, by faith, believe. His faithfulness is the foundation for the security of our salvation. Perhaps a more important question than, “Do Jews believe in the same God as the Christians?” is the question: Does the God of all creation keep His covenants, and did He fulfill His promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob through Messiah Jesus? Scripture testifies that He did.

“These are the commands the Lord gave Moses for the Israelites on Mount Sinai.” Leviticus 27:34 (HCSB)

Many years ago, when I read the Torah (the first 5 books of the Old Testament) for the first time, I was shocked to learn that God gave Moses more than 10 commandments. He gave 613, to be exact. These are not the commands of men but from God Himself.

The “Ten Commandments” act as overriding principles, while the remaining 603 commands act as practical situational guides, teaching Israel how to honor God by living out the Ten Commandments in day-to-day life.

In religious (Orthodox) Judaism, several literary sources are drawn from. First, there is the Torah and the Haftorah. (The Law and the Prophets) aka: the Tanakh, or “Old Testament.” These are the Divinely-inspired Scriptures.

In His sermon on the mount, Jesus said, “Don’t assume that I came to destroy the Law or the Prophets. I did not come to destroy but to fulfill. For I assure you: Until Heaven and earth pass away, not the smallest letter will pass from the law until all things are accomplished. Therefore, everyone who breaks one of the least of these commandments and teaches people to do so will be called the ‘least’ in the kingdom of Heaven. But whoever practices and teaches these commandments will be called great in the kingdom of Heaven.”  Matthew 5:17-19 (HCSB)

In addition to the Tanakh, there are other Jewish literary sources: Talmud, Mishna, and Kabbala. These are volumes of rabbinical teachings and interpretations of the Tanakh. Imagine all the great Christian teachers, Moody, Spurgeon, Wesley, etc. Imagine all the greats, every sermon, compiled throughout the ages. Well, that’s basically what these extra-Biblical volumes are: rabbinic commentaries.

The problem rabbinic Judaism faces is that so much of its religious practice is based on the teachings of men. Most rabbis spend the majority of their studies buried in the commentaries instead of the Torah!  

I have challenged you (and myself) to aggressively read the Bible because the Church tends to have the same problem as the Orthodox (non-Messianic) Jewish community. Christians tend to elevate teachers above the Scriptures. Paul addressed this problem, even in the early Church. (1 Corinthians 1:10-17)

We should study the Bible so that we can weigh the value of Bible teachers instead of the other way around...studying Bible teachers to weigh the value of the Bible.

“Take a census of the entire Israelite community by their clans and their ancestral houses, counting the names of every male one by one. You and Aaron are to register those who are 20 years old or more by their military divisions – everyone who can serve in Israel’s army. A man from each tribe is to be with you, each from his ancestral house. These are the names of the men who are to assist you...” Numbers 1:2-5a (HCSB)

One month after the erection of the Tabernacle, Moses is commanded to muster all the men of military age, i.e., those twenty years of age and upwards. It’s time for war! Can you imagine the spiritual and national inertia that had built to this moment?  

Let’s refresh: Creation, the fall of man, the flood, Abraham, the “Covenant,” Isaac, Jacob, Joseph sold into slavery, the redemption of his kinsmen, Egyptian captivity, Moses, the plagues, the Ten Commandments…plus 603 more commandments.  

This entire time, everything has pointed to God’s promise to the patriarchs that Israel WILL inherit the land. “Numbers” begins with a military census. Israel’s forceful acquisition of Canaan looks imminent; excitement is in the air!

That’s a lot of backstories leading up to this moment, but a greater story is told here in Numbers, chapter 1. It is the story of World history, from The Creation to The Revelation. “Where?” you may ask.

It’s in the NAMES. Every Hebrew name has a meaning, and when we combine the meanings of Israel’s tribal leaders (and their fathers) in their recorded order, we see not only the history of Israel but the history and hope of the World. Check it out...

Elizur: God is my rock – Shedeur: Shaddai is light – Shelumiel: At peace with God – God is my friend; Zurishaddai: My rock is Shaddai – Nashon: serpent, God inspires; Amminidab: The divine Kinsman is generous; Nethanel: God hath given; Eliab - God is our Father; Helon: God perseveres; Ephriam - God multiplies;  Elishama: God hath heard; Ammihud: The Divine Kinsman is glorious; Gamaliel: God is my reward – Pedahzur: The Rock has redeemed; Abidan: The Father has judged; Gideoni: God is a warrior; Ahiezer: The Divine Brother is a help; Ammishaddai: The People of Shaddai – The lot (or fate) of God – Given By God – God hath added – God is a friend – The Divine Brother is a friend.

Victory in Canaan was assured if the men whom God assembled would march out in faith, living up to the characters of the NAMES they had inherited. How well are YOU living up to the character of the Name YOU have inherited, having been adopted as a co-inheritor with Messiah?

“The Lord spoke to Moses and Aaron: ‘The Israelites are to camp under their respective banners beside the flags of their ancestral houses. They are to camp around the tent of meeting, at a distance from it:” Numbers 2:1-2 (HCSB)

As we learned in Leviticus, God is very concerned with order. The Lord wants things separate, set apart, and holy. Also, He is as interested in FORM as He is FUNCTION. The “way” Israel worshipped was as important as the fact that they were worshipping at all.  

This idea of “form” is somewhat lost on our generation. Ours is the generation that rejects formality. (perhaps, rightly so in some cases) Our parents and grandparents lived in a culture where women wore white gloves and hats, and men almost always wore suits and ties. We live in a generation where people wear T-shirts, jeans & sandals to church.

For many folks from the older generation, dressing up for church became more important than why they were attending church in the first place. The formality of religion trumped a personal relationship with God in many instances. It was dry and stiff, especially compared to the “If it feels good, do it!” mantra of the Hippie movement. Eventually, their children rebelled.

Today, I sometimes wonder if the pendulum hasn’t swung too far toward the casual. In its efforts to create a comfortable, laid-back environment, has today’s church lost too much of its reverence? Is there a level of formality that is essential? Where is that balance between reverence and relevance? Know this: The balance can only be found in the Bible.

As for Israel, God wanted to maintain the individuality of each tribal family while at the same time maintaining the unity of the nation. How was that accomplished, and what could we do to foster that balance of individuality and corporate unity in our congregations today?

Paramount, at the center of Israel’s national life, was the ark of God’s covenant. Inside the ark were the tablets containing the Ten Commandments. Above the ark, God Himself met with Moses. Promise, Precepts, and Presence constituted His relationship with His people.

Believers in Messiah Jesus may congregate as varied denominations, expressing their worship and gratitude in different ways. Yet, unity exists among ALL true believers as long as they share the same central focus: salvation through faith in Jesus alone and the authority of His Word to govern our intents and actions. Unity exists when we share the Promise of His Covenant, the Presence of His Spirit, and the Guidance of His Precepts, the Bible.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Numbers 3. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Moses, Aaron, and the leaders of Israel registered all the Levites by their clans and their ancestral houses, from 30 years old to 50 years old, everyone who was qualified to do the work of serving at the tent of meeting and transporting it. Their registered men numbered 8,580. At the Lord’s command, they were registered under the direction of Moses, each one according to his work and transportation duty, and his assignment was as the Lord commanded Moses.” Numbers 4:46-49 (HCSB)

“Steve, you can be president someday.”  I remember those words from my elementary school teacher. She really believed in me and saw in me things that I didn’t even see in myself. Foundational to the “American dream” is the notion that if you work hard, you can do & be whatever or whoever you want to be.

In America, a poor electrician from Memphis can become the King of Rock and roll. “5 & 10 Cent Store” owners can build Walmart empires, and geeky pre-teens can develop Microsoft &Facebook.  

Our freedom to pursue happiness is part of what makes Americans unique and proud. I am blessed to have been born & raised in the United States. My Dad retired as a Lt. Colonel in the Air Force. I can wave the flag with the best of them.

American followers of Jesus should especially take special note of this chapter. Honoring God with your life is not about what you “could” do. It’s about what you “should” do.

If studying the Bible has taught me anything, it is that God constantly reinforces the theme of His “calling.” That is, He calls specific people to specific places to perform specific tasks for specific periods of time.  

We have each been created with a purpose. Quite frankly, I am relieved to know God doesn’t just call us “out from” the World. He also calls us “into” a specific relationship with Jesus. Furthermore, He leads us on paths designed for us to serve Him by serving others in His Kingdom.

Could I be president? Maybe. I’d appreciate your vote! The real question is: Should I be president?  

“Lord, how do You want to use me?” Now, that’s the greatest question.

“The Lord spoke to Moses: ‘Tell the Israelites: When a man or woman commits any sin against another, that person acts unfaithfully toward the Lord and is guilty,” The person is to confess the sin he has committed. He is to pay full compensation, add a fifth of its value to it, and give it to the individual he has wronged.” Numbers 5:5-7 (HCSB)

In life, there are basically two kinds of relationships: Horizontal and vertical.  

HORIZONTAL relationships are between other people and us. It is essential to have healthy horizontal relationships because we all have to get along.

If history has a theme, it should perhaps be, “Men don’t naturally get along.” Its subtitle might be: “How selfishness destroys community.” Watch the news. Men of selfish ambitions (personal or national) are always battling, to some degree.

VERTICAL relationships are between men & God. Mankind generally recognizes the idea of God, although most do not worship the true God. There are many worldwide campaigns for sincere spiritual discovery. Sadly, most of those searches are sincerely wrong. How can I be so bold as to suggest someone’s genuine faith is in vain? Because God has prescribed how His creation should worship Him. It’s not my opinion. It’s the truth of the Bible. (Proverbs 14:11-12)

How a person’s Horizontal and Vertical relationships interface is very telling of their spiritual condition.

When asked what the “greatest commandment” is, Jesus replied by quoting Deuteronomy 6:5: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, and all your mind.” Jesus quickly followed up his reply by referencing Leviticus 19:18. He said, “The second (greatest commandment) is like it: Love your neighbor as yourself.”

Put simply:  Love God and love people. You cannot separate the two.

Numbers 5 teaches us that when we sin Horizontally, we are also sinning Vertically.  When we sin against people, it is also unfaithfulness towards the Lord. That’s why the priests could seek the Lord’s judgment on secret interpersonal sin. All sin is a sin against Him, thus within His knowledge…perhaps an insight into omniscience.  

If we don’t love our neighbor as ourselves, we do not love the Lord, our God, with all we have. Inversely, if we don’t love the Lord with all we have, we will never be able to truly love people.

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Tell Aaron and his sons, “This is how you are to bless the Israelites. Say to them: The Lord bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine on you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace.” So they will put my name on the Israelites, and I will bless them.’” Numbers 6:22-27 (NIV)

This blessing, with which the Lord commanded Aaron to bless the people, is known as the “Aaronic” Blessing. In Jewish culture, it is also known as the Birkat Kohanim or “Priestly” Blessing.

Here’s an interesting item for all Star Trek fans. Remember Spock’s “Live long and prosper” sign? Well, if you do it with both hands and join the thumbs together, you’ll form the gesture that rabbis make while giving the Priestly Blessing. Who would have thought that in a galaxy far, far away, William Shatner and Leonard Nemoy would be Jews, copping the Priestly Blessing down to the hand sign? I’m sure many a Jewish geeky pre-teen giggled at the Semitic space reference back in the ’60s!

What I find most interesting is the idea of “putting God’s Name on the Israelites.”  In ancient Near Eastern culture, the family was everything. When people had children, the boys were celebrated over the girls. I’m not saying that’s the way it should be. It’s just that it was important to have boys because boys carried on the family name.

The Third Commandment is:  Do not take the Lord’s Name in vain.  

Almost every time I have heard the third Commandment taught from a pulpit, it has been explained as a command against cursing or swearing. While it is never a good idea to use dirty language or invoke the Lord’s name in some demeaning manner, I’m not sure that’s precisely what the Third Commandment is about.

The Third Commandment literally translates: Do not receive/use the Lord’s Name in vain.”

When we see the Priestly Blessing in light of the 3rd Commandment, we understand the importance of honoring and respecting the fact that the Lord was transferring His Name to the people. The people who accepted the blessing were literally receiving God’s Name and committing to being His inheritance. Followers of Jesus understand the concept of being adopted or co-inheritors with Messiah (Romans 8:17). It is another way to comprehend the vast richness of blessing bestowed to those to whom God gives His Name.

Let’s not receive it in vain.

“So Moses took the carts and oxen and gave them to the Levites. He gave the Gershonites two carts and four oxen corresponding to their service, and gave the Merarites four carts and eight oxen corresponding to their service, under the direction of Ithamar son of Aaron the priest. But he did not give any to the Kohathites, since their responsibility was service related to the holy objects carried on their shoulders.” Numbers 7:6-9 (HCSB)

There are many different tasks involved in running a church. It’s not all preaching and Bible study, you know. Whenever a church grows, so do the jobs that accompany the ministry. One day, while working for a church in California, I arrived at work only to find one of our church maintenance guys repairing the lock on my office door. (Apparently, vandals had squirted superglue into several locks on campus.)  So, there I was, waiting for the lock to be repaired because my locksmith skills were feeble.  

That is when it hit me how specialized our ministry had become. Each church employee and volunteer has a specific task, often needing specialized tools. It doesn’t make sense to give the janitors laptop computers, although I’m sure they’d each like one. It also doesn’t make sense to give socket wrenches to the teaching staff. We provide our staffers with what they need to accomplish their specific tasks.

On the day Moses dedicated the Tabernacle, the tribal leaders donated 6 carts and 12 oxen for the service of the Tabernacle. The Levites divided the items among themselves, except for Aaron’s family, the Kohathites. Why? The Kohathites were to carry holy objects on their shoulders. Now, it seems inefficient to carry things when you have free carts & oxen. So, why would God disallow them this labor-saving gift?

Perhaps it is because the holiest things in our lives must also be the most personal. Some ministry tasks can be accomplished with time-saving gadgets, but the most important job, our efforts toward discipleship through personal interaction with God, must be done on our own. For instance, you can Google the answers to most Bible questions, but that is not a substitute for the time spent with the Lord through personal Bible study, to the extent that you simply know the answers because you know God and His Word personally. It seems our culture is more interested in knowing God’s guidance than in getting to know the Guide, Himself!  

I love hearing great preaching and reading Bible commentaries, but nobody else can pray the prayers God has laid aside for me to pray or read the Bible on my behalf. I must “shoulder” those responsibilities myself. There are simply some things, which cannot be carted along by the labor of others.

Furthermore, it is our personal dedication to the Lord that will carry the gospel. No TV program, hit song, or Hollywood blockbuster will impact the lives of those close to you more than the testimony of your personal dedication (or lack thereof) to God.

“The Lord spoke to Moses: ‘In regard to the Levites: From 25 years old or more, a man enters the service in the work at the tent of meeting. But at 50 years old he is to retire from his service in the work and no longer serve. He may assist his brothers to fulfill responsibilities at the tent of meeting, but he must not do the work. This is how you are to deal with the Levites regarding their duties.’”  Numbers 8:23-26 (HCSB)

I have friends who are real estate investors. Presently, they are building retirement communities for young (young-at-heart) retirees. Part of the secular “American Dream” is to work hard, be diligent with your money, and spend your retirement years playing, more or less. I don’t see such a lifestyle even suggested in the Bible.

Two of my favorite friends working on church staff are over 8o years old. One is a WWII veteran, and the other is a former industrial engineer. If you ask them about retirement, they’ll tell you that followers of Jesus never retire from serving the Lord. Put simply, when it came time to retire from their occupations, they began working full-time on their preoccupations, namely, sharing the gospel.

Track with me momentarily: almost every church I have attended has been (or soon became) a megachurch. I’ve visited smaller congregations, but I seldom find much gospel synergy in small churches. I tend to be attracted to the excitement and opportunity present in thriving congregations. And growing churches have dynamic leaders.

That being the case, every organization must face the eventual exit of its founder or leader. Our culture loves to follow personas. We are naturally drawn to celebrities. So, whenever a charismatic persona leaves a congregation, it can lead to its collapse. Why? Because charisma kills vision. What I mean is when a church relies too much on its leader to save the day (instead of relying on the Lord), they generally spend inadequate amounts of time building up young leaders to take their place in the pulpit. Then, when the leader is gone, there is nobody in reserve. Israel needed a Joshua to follow Moses. Every Elijah needs an Elisha in the wings…and your church (or ministry) needs a successor, too.

God saw this potential for leadership implosion in Israel, and He set up guidelines to perpetuate leaders and managers throughout the generations. Leadership magnate John Maxwell says, “Success is defined by the successor.” He means that it’s not enough to build a big organization. More important is building an organization that would thrive in your absence. That means your organization must be founded on and supported by values and principles rather than the charisma of a leader.

Jesus said, “Go make disciples.” Perhaps that element of discipleship is the heart of the Levitical “mandatory retirement” policy. Every Levite got his day in the sun, and then he was commanded to spend the rest of his life preparing and enabling the next generation.

“Whether it was two days, a month, or longer, the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out. They camped at the Lord’s command, and they set out at the Lord’s command. They carried out the Lord’s requirement according to His command through Moses.” Numbers 9:22-23 (HCSB)

While traveling around the world in a Christian rock band, I stumbled into a few exciting situations and met some amazing people. One such encounter happened at the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, CO.  

Our concert at the Academy happened to fall on the induction weekend for the new Academy plebes. Shortly after our band’s soundcheck, an upperclassman gave me the “psssst…” sign. I inclined his invitation. After we walked around the corner, he asked, “You want to see something cool?” Of course I did! He led me to the projection room of a theater where they were “hazing” the underclassmen.

Then, the hazing stopped abruptly, and they began projecting patriotic and battlefield images onto the theater’s movie screen. This group of sleep-deprived and thoroughly hazed late teens went wild! The energy and patriotic fervor were quite remarkable. The upperclassmen reminded the newbies of America’s tradition of military superiority and exactly why the “United States” is worth fighting for.

The book of Numbers describes how God regimented Israel into a disciplined nation. After the tabernacle was assembled and the Levites consecrated, the Lord’s first command was for Israel to remember. They were to observe the Passover. The Lord knew that Israel’s remembrance of their slavery, their bitter tears, and His deliverance was imperative to make their wilderness “boot camp” endurable.

An interesting phenomenon occurs in boot camp: All personal identity is diminished, and the “company” identity develops. Everyone gets the same haircut, the same uniform, and endures the same hardship. Nobody has a predictable sleep or eating schedule. It makes no sense, except that everyone goes through it together. That’s how war is. Likewise, God generally chooses to bond His people through adversity. That’s how life is.

Adversity produces better followers than miracles produce. This is simply because the individual undergoing adversity learns to listen to and obey the leader’s voice. Additionally, the individual learns to work alongside like-pursuant members of their Christian community.

Take a moment to remember life before your personal deliverance through Jesus. Now, commit yourself afresh to trust & follow Him wherever, whenever, and however He leads. Remember, the Lord has a plan, and He always chooses rightly.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Numbers 10. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“The mixed multitude among them had a craving for other food. The Israelites cried again and said, ‘Who will feed us meat? We remember the free fish we ate in Egypt, along with the cucumbers, melons, leeks, onions, and garlic. But now our appetite is gone; there’s nothing to look at but this manna!’” Numbers 11:4b-6 (HCSB)

“Out on the road today, I saw a Deadhead sticker on a Cadillac. A little voice inside my head said, ‘Don’t look back…you can never look back.’” - Don Henley

One year after their miraculous deliverance, the Israelites are starting to yearn for dear old Egypt. In some ways, they were not unlike the Grateful Dead fans in Don Henley’s “Boys Of Summer.” He wanted his free-spirited Hippie youth without forfeiting his yuppie Cadillac.

Israel wanted both their freedom and the benefits of Egypt. They chose to remember the positive aspects of Egypt, somehow forgetting the whole “slavery” thing.

God’s response: You can’t have your manna and Egypt too! (It was funny to me…)

To be fair to Israel, it wasn’t the whole nation who was grumbling, at least at first. It all started with what the Bible calls the “mixed multitude.” These were the foreigners who came out of Egypt along with the Israelites. They had no enduring relationship with God yet benefited from Israel’s blessed deliverance.

As we learned at the end of chapter 10, there is a shared blessing for any Gentile who partners with Israel. On Mount Sinai, God gave the same directions for both Israelites and foreigners living among them to worship Him.  If the foreigner disobeyed, he would be put out of the community or killed!

However, God’s miracles were too soon forgotten. Hunger always determines the behavior of the ungodly. Pretty soon, many in the “mixed multitude” complained about God’s rules of holiness and shucked the kosher laws for some unclean dinner! Those Israelites close to them disobeyed, as well.

In American culture, being “separate unto God” is not honored…even among many who profess to be believers. It never surprises me when followers of Jesus choose to live on the “border” of the Church and the World, then fall into moral disrepair. Their demise is foretold in numerous Bible accounts, such as today’s chapter.

Our greatest strength is found when we are closest to that section of God’s people who seek the Lord without abandon. When THAT section moves out to impact the World, it is harder for the enemy to pick them off…because they move out as a group, not as individuals.

“Then the Lord descended in a pillar of cloud, stood at the entrance to the tent, and summoned Aaron and Miriam. When the two of them came forward, He said: ‘Listen to what I say: If there is a prophet among you from the Lord, I make Myself known to him in a vision; I speak with him in a dream. Not so with My servant Moses; he is the only one faithful in all My household. I speak with him directly, openly, and not in riddles; he sees the image of God. So why are you not afraid to speak against My servant Moses?’” Numbers 12:5-8 (HCSB)

“Envy” is pride wounded in competition. Whenever I see someone consumed with envy, I start looking for where the competition is because somehow, they respond from that vulnerable place of realized or impending defeat.  

For Cain & Abel, the competition was over God’s favor of their offerings. For Jacob & Esau, it was over birthright and blessing. I’ve seen it between recording artists in the marketplace and between ministers and congregants. There was a serious competition going on between Moses’ siblings.

Moses’ brother, Aaron, was the oldest, and by birthright, it was his responsibility to lead the family spiritually. As High Priest, he was indeed leading Israel spiritually. Perhaps he also wanted to lead them militarily & administratively.  

Miriam was Moses’s older sister, and she followed Moses’s baby basket down the Nile, straight to Pharaoh’s daughter. Miriam negotiated for Moses’ own mother to nurse and raise him! It must have been hard for Miriam to submit to Moses without seeing him as a child who needed care.

God saw past their pseudo-righteous indignation and spoke directly concerning their envious hearts. Miriam & Aaron’s dispute wasn’t over Moses marrying an Egyptian woman. It was over his authority. God cut straight to the issue, never mentioning the Egyptian woman.

There is a profound lesson concerning prophecy and faithfulness in God’s pronouncement. There are several Biblical instances where people who aren’t particularly righteous prophesy. Even Balaam’s donkey prophesied! All that meant was that God wanted to send a message, and the righteousness of the messenger didn’t limit him.

Most profound is God’s statement about faithfulness. When we are faithful, God’s messages don’t come to us abruptly or untimely. He speaks directly and openly to the faithful. Paul says we should strive for such a relationship with God above all else! (1 Corinthians 14:1) Leadership is not necessarily about age or experience. It is a matter of faithfulness. Be faithful and keep seeking God’s “revelation” as you read His Word.

“Then Caleb quieted the people in the presence of Moses and said, ‘We must go up and take possession of the land because we can certainly conquer it!’ But the men who had gone up with him responded, ‘We can’t go up against the people because they are stronger than we are!’ So they gave a negative report to the Israelite community about the land they had scouted: ‘The land we passed through to explore is one that devours its inhabitants, and all the people we saw in it are men of great size.’” Numbers 13:30-32 (HCSB)

Any courtroom attorney will tell you that an eyewitness account is not always dependable. Sometimes, circumstantial and forensic evidence is better. In clinical studies, where several people are subject to experience a random event, the post-occurrence interviews can vary greatly.

When faced with a challenge, people respond from one of two positions: Scarcity or Abundance. We see both responses in today’s chapter. This is the dilemma of the return of Israel’s spies.  

Joshua and Caleb approached the “promised land” from the position of abundance. They matched their human experience with God’s promise. When they weighed the “abundance” of God’s power and presence against the “scarcity” of giants who trusted in false gods, they saw the apparent outcome of the impending war…that it would favor Israel. In short, they were men of faith.

Of course, the ten other spies saw Israel’s situation from the scarcity standpoint. They were faithless and chose to trust only the resources they could see. There was no room in their plan for God’s miraculous intervention.

If being a part of the stadium outreach events of Greg Laurie taught me anything, it was that where God guides, He provides. (And usually in that order!)  For that matter, the Harvest events’ enduring impact on the “Church-at-large” will most certainly extend beyond scores of converts, which is a number that can be counted. The hidden influence of the events is that the Harvest organization acted as a “Caleb or Joshua,” encouraging local congregations with the message, “We can take this land!” That encouragement is infectious!      

There is another overriding moral of this story. Before God said, “Take the land,” He said, “Send the spies.” Perhaps the perspective God was providing Moses was not, “Is the land worth fighting for?” but instead, “Is Israel faithful enough to fight for the land?”

When we study the Bible, and faithfully seek God, we sow the “seeds of readiness.” In this way, we will be prepared to respond faithfully whenever God says, “GO!” trusting He will provide what is lacking to accomplish what He commands today.

“All the Israelites complained about Moses and Aaron, and the whole community told them, ‘If only we had died in the land of Egypt, or if only we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land to die by the sword? Our wives and little children will become plunder. Wouldn’t it be better for us to go back to Egypt?’ So they said to one another, ‘Let’s appoint a leader and go back to Egypt.’” Numbers 14:2-4 (HCSB)

It is a common misunderstanding that the United States is a democracy. It is not. The United States is a republic with a democratically elected government. The difference between a republic and a pure democracy is simple. A pure democracy is basically “mob rule.”  Whatever the majority group members decide, with no governing principles to override the group, the majority wins.

A republic may hold democratic elections but is based on foundational creeds and principles, which may override the mob. Our republic is based on a constitution that outlines and protects fundamental human rights. These “rights” were written down by our country’s founding fathers…written as they saw fit, themselves being primarily Christians whom the Ten Commandments personally governed. Throughout the generations, no matter how the public opinion sways, our country’s actions and decisions must be governed by the Constitution…and its course altered if found in contempt of it.  

For instance, in the “Wild West,” if someone were accused of a crime, a lynch mob would form to hunt that person down and hang him without trial. Then came frontier justice and circuit-riding judges who stood between the accused and the mob. A fair trial is based on evidence, weighed against the law as upheld by the Constitution.  

As long as men are willing to abide by the foundational principles supporting our Constitution, the United States should fare well…primarily because those foundational constitutional principles are the Ten Commandments!

For Israel, things were not much different. Theirs was a Theocracy (God-centered government), not a republic…but the basic standards were similar with two exceptions: 1) Only one religion was tolerated. 2) Leaders were chosen by God instead of by the people.  

God’s commandments acted as their “constitution,” so to speak. If Israel chose to follow the Lord and live within His commands, following His lead, things would go well. But when Israel decided not to trust God and His leader, Moses, their natural inclination was to “…appoint a leader and go back to Egypt.”

No matter where we live or under what form of government we may find ourselves, it is always incumbent upon us to seek and follow the Lord and His Word, first and foremost.

“The Lord said to Moses, ‘Speak to the Israelites and tell them that throughout their generations they are to make tassels for the corners of their garments, and put a blue cord on each tassel at each corner. These will serve as tassels for you to look at, so that you may remember all the Lord’s commands and obey them and not become unfaithful by following your own heart and your own eyes. This way you will remember and obey all my commands and be holy to your God.” Numbers 15:37-40 (HCSB)

Jesus said to some of the religious leaders of His day, “You make your tassels long and phylacteries large, and pray loudly on the street corner because you love to be seen and greeted loudly in the marketplace.”  Essentially, God-given displays of spiritual identity had become objects of egocentric attention for some worshipers.  

Prayer, phylacteries, and tassels are outward religious displays, supposedly reflecting an inward devotion to the Lord. Phylacteries are tiny boxes affixed by leather straps to the head and hands. Inside these boxes are scriptures, specifically, Exodus 13:1-10, 11-16, and Deuteronomy 6:4-9; 11:13-21.

When a phylactery is enlarged, a prayer is shouted on a street corner, or a tassel is elongated, attention is thus drawn away from personal worship and toward the worshipper. The observer is led to believe the size of the vestment is proportional to the piety of the worshipper. Grandiose displays may be impressive to humans, but God is more concerned with sincerity than sensationalism. Quality of worship wins out over quantity.

Personally, I like the idea of reminders. Most people like reminders, too, or else the “Post It” note company would be out of business! God is concerned with our remembrance. This extends beyond an annual holiday or weekly Sabbath rest. He wants us to continually remember Him, as He continually remembers us: through His Son, Who is ever before Him as our testimony and advocate.

The Hebrew word for tassel is: “Tzitzit.”  In Hebrew, each letter has a numerical value. The letters of the word tzitzit, added together, equal 600. Each tzitzit has eight cords and five knots. This gives a total of 613, the number of all the commandments in the Torah.

As we focus our worship on God, He does not simply want us to remember the Ten Commandments but all of 613. The over-arching statement is that God wants us to remember to follow Him completely. Our complete devotion is not so our worship will be for show; rather, it will be for Him.

“Just as he (Moses) finished speaking all these words, the ground beneath them split open. The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them and their households, all of Korah’s people and their possessions. They went down alive into Sheol with all that belonged to them. The earth closed over them and they vanished from the assembly.” Numbers 16:31-33 (HCSB)

There is much said about God’s love. It is true that He IS love and that He sent Messiah Jesus so sinners might be saved. (John 3:16) But in no way does God’s LOVE negate the fact that God is also JUST. He will by no means clear the guilty. (Numbers 14:18, Exodus 34:7, Nahum 1:3)

Often, we can confuse God’s “love” with His “long-suffering.” That is, when God is slow to wrath, we tend to believe He either doesn’t see our sin, doesn’t care, is powerless to act, or that His LOVE for the sinner prohibits His chastisement/rebuke of their sin. He does care, and today’s chapter clearly shows the Lord’s judgment of sin.

Remember that TWO things confound a fool: how SLOW God is to arrive, and how QUICKLY He shows up!

In sharing the gospel of the Messiah with Jewish people, you may run into those who say they don’t believe in Satan or do not believe in a literal Hell, where God sends people who refuse to believe in Him. I suggest you share Numbers 16 with them.

Chapter 16 also gives us a very clear picture of Hell. Men went down into Sheol (the grave/abode of the dead) with all that belonged to them. And they say you can’t take it with you. Notice the Scripture reads that Korah’s family (and the families of his allies) went down ALIVE into Sheol. It wasn’t that they died and were committed to Sheol. They went down alive. Hopefully, this account lends urgency to your calling to share the gospel because we can plainly see that the Bible teaches there is a literal Hell, and people can and will go there.

We often think of those believers who will be alive at the time of Jesus’s return and how they will be “taken up in the twinkling of an eye.” But today, we get an often-neglected view of the non-believer who will be on the earth at the time of Jesus’ second coming and how they will be judged and descend (alive) as quickly as the living believers are taken up.

“Now this I say, brethren, that flesh and blood cannot inherit the kingdom of God; nor does corruption inherit incorruption. Behold, I tell you a mystery: We shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed— in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, and the dead will be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.” 1 Corinthians 15:50-52 (NKJV)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Numbers 17. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“The Lord told Aaron, ‘You will not have an inheritance in the land; there will be no portion among them for you. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites.” Numbers 18:20 (HCSB)

Zionism is essentially the belief that Jews have a birthright to the land of Israel. That is, by virtue of being born, they have inherited the right to the land of Israel. This belief is founded by God’s promises to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob…promises often repeated throughout the Bible.

Zionism is obviously easier to believe if you are Jewish, but what of the Middle Eastern non-Jew? Welcome to the Mid-East conflict.

It is easy to understand conflict when there are two claimants, but what if there is a THIRD party? Where do Christians fit in, as it pertains to any claim to the land of Israel? I bring up the question simply because some Christians believe the Church has replaced Israel in the eyes of God. To them, Gentile Christians have not merely been grafted into the “vine” with Israel. Instead, Christians have replaced Israel altogether. Of course, Jesus is the true Vine, and I’m just glad to be here by His grace!

In the Middle Ages, Christian profiteers crusaded to free the “holy land” of Jews and Muslims. These Crusaders believed the land of Israel should be the sole possession of Christians. That plan did not work out well.

So what is the Gentile Christian’s inheritance, and more importantly, what does it mean to be a co-inheritor with Messiah Jesus? If followers of Jesus (Jew or Gentile) were to relate to a particular Israelite tribe, it would be the tribe of Levi. The New Testament speaks of all believers being part of a holy priesthood. (1 Peter 2:9) Yet, followers of Jesus should not yearn to build an earthly kingdom but the Heavenly one.

Question:  Whenever Israel was driven from the land by a conqueror, which tribe got to keep their inheritance?

Answer:  The Levites.

Levitical inheritance was not earthly. Neither is the heritage of followers of Jesus. God gave the Levites a birthright from which they could not be driven. They were given the privilege of serving the Lord.

No matter where a follower of Jesus may wander (or be led), their obligation, inheritance, and joy should be to serve the Lord by serving others, without regard for building personal kingdoms on earth.

“For the purification of the unclean person, they are to take some of the ashes of the burnt sin offering, put them in a jar, and add fresh water to them. A person who is clean is to take hyssop, dip it in the water and sprinkle the tent and all its furnishings, and the people who were there. He is also to sprinkle the one who touched a bone, a grave, a corpse, or a person who had been killed.” Numbers 19:17-18 (HCSB)

The majority of commands in the Torah make perfect sense by today’s medical and scientific standards. For instance, the kosher dietary laws have been proven to direct people into healthier eating patterns. Concerning matters of personal hygiene, the Lord directed Israel to avoid mold spores and contagions centuries before the microscope was invented.

Forgive me for not detailing the practical nature of all 613 Torah commands. My point is simply that it took great faith for the community of Israel to follow what seemed like senseless orders from Moses. There was only God’s Word, with no practical science to support it. Only later (many generations later) did scientists begin to discover practical, observable scientific foundations for God’s instruction.  

I wish I could identify with Moses more in the Book of Numbers. Sadly, I find myself empathizing with the grumbling Israelite community. This was especially true when I was a younger disciple. So many of God’s commands seemed needlessly inefficient and laborious.   I wondered when I would ever enter that life of “freedom and abundant joy” I heard other followers of Messiah talk about.  

Shortly after choosing to follow Jesus, I found myself longing for (and taking a few) day trips back to “Egypt,” so to speak, just to remember the good old days of guiltless abandon. Those short returns to Egypt never really turned out like I wanted, and eventually, I learned to appreciate God and take Him at His Word.

I’m writing this to encourage you to trust Jesus by faith and stick with it. (Proverbs 3:5-12)

That said, let’s return to today’s (above) passage, Numbers 19:17-18. How does ash from an offering mixed with water purify a man and his household? Is it purely symbolic, or is there some medicinal property to this elixir? I have no idea. I simply know to trust the Lord’s Word over my instincts. Ultimately, my instincts have failed me, yet the Word of the Lord will always prove to be right. So, let’s hold on, pressing on until the end!

“The entire Israelite community entered the Wilderness of Zin in the first month, and they settled in Kadesh. Miriam died and was buried there.”  Numbers 20:1 (HCSB)

“The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Take the staff and assemble the community. You and your brother Aaron are to speak to the rock while they watch, and it will yield its water.’”  Numbers20:7-8a (HCSB)

“So Moses took the staff from the Lord’s presence just as He has commanded him. Moses and Aaron summoned the assembly and said to them, ‘Listen you rebels! Must we bring water out of this rock for you?’  Then Moses raised his hand and struck the rock twice with his staff, so that a great amount of water gushed out, and the community and their livestock drank.”  Numbers 20:9-11 (HCSB)

“But the Lord said to Moses and Aaron, ‘Because you did not trust Me to show My holiness in the sight of the Israelites, you will not bring this assembly into the land I have given them.’”  Numbers 20:12 (HCSB)

“Take Aaron and his son Eleazar and bring them up Mount Hor.  Remove Aaron’s garments and put them on his son, Eleazar. Aaron will be gathered to his people and die there.’”  Numbers 20:25-26 (HCSB)

I have included so much Scripture here so you can see Numbers 20 as a complete thought. Generally, all these instances (combined with Edom’s refusal to let Israel pass through) are taught as individual lessons. The general theme of Numbers 20 is the end of the Mosaic era and the continuance of God’s leading. The central lesson is gleaned from the story of Moses’ drawing water from the rock at Meribah. Moses’ sister, Miriam, has just passed away, no doubt prompting Moses to question his own mortality and his legacy. Up to this point, whenever a miracle was performed, it was at Moses or Aaron’s hand, through their staffs.

The “staff of Moses” had become more synonymous with Moses’ power than God’s. In a greater sense, it represents how men worship the “leader” of worship over the “object” of worship (The Lord). The Lord instructed Moses to do a NEW thing: Take the staff, but don’t use it. “Speak forth” the water. The preacher may pass away, but the Word of God endures forever. (Isaiah 40:8; 1 Peter 1:24-25) It sustains the generations, regardless of the persona, charisma, or gimmicks of any leader.

Sensing his impending mortality, Moses decided his legacy and reputation among the Israelites would be something fantastic…and decidedly from Moses! He disobeyed God, literally trying to upstage Him by striking the rock twice to cause a GREAT flow of water. Moses achieved his desired result but to his own self-determined fate. He never entered Canaan. Aaron did nothing to stop Moses or explain to the people how Moses sinned. They would go down in history as Israel’s “dynamic duo,”… yet they didn’t finish well. It would be faithful Joshua whom the Lord chose to lead Israel into the Promised Land.

“The people then came to Moses and said, ‘We have sinned by speaking against the Lord and against you. Intercede with the Lord so that He will take the snakes away from us.’  And Moses interceded for the people. Then the Lord said to Moses, ‘Make a snake image and mount it to a pole. When anyone looks at it, he will recover.’  So Moses made a bronze snake and mounted it to a pole. Whenever someone was bitten and he looked at the bronze snake, he recovered.”  Numbers 21:7-9 (HCSB)

I recently flew home from a five-day ministry event. I traveled across the entire nation, literally coast-to-coast, with two other musicians when we received news of weather delays in Dallas. We had already experienced two delayed connections, so it was frustrating to hear our final flight would not depart on time.

When faced with difficulty, people generally have a choice as to how they will respond. Furthermore, our personal responses can set the tone for a whole group of people.  I turned to those traveling with me and said, “Our job is to bring joy to this airport.”

Remembering our overriding mission as believers helped us determine our response to the situation. We set the emotional and spiritual tones for ourselves, and then we went about the task of ministering to those around us: flight personnel, shop workers, and fellow passengers. We even pulled out our guitars and sang a few songs for whoever would listen.

Israel did not have a very good history of controlling its responses to adverse circumstances. Whenever you are around someone negative, almost every comment is like a snake’s bite, full of venom. Did you know that a negative attitude can be a sin?  That’s what God says.

In this chapter, the Lord directed Moses to fashion Israel’s sin as He sees it. It is as if God were saying, “If you want to be venomous with your comments, your judgment will be literal venomous snakebites.” Not until you see your sin, as God sees it, will you recognize your need for healing/salvation.

Jesus said to Nicodemus, a Pharisee who came to him at night during the Passover season, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that whoever believes in Him may have eternal life.”  John 3:14-15 (HCSB)

Picture Jesus, bloody, beaten, and crucified. That is what we allow sin to do to us. Only when we see our sin as God sees it do we appreciate His method of salvation and the great value of Jesus’ atonement.

“Then the Lord opened the donkey’s mouth, and she asked Balaam, ‘What have I done to you that you have beaten me these three times?’  Balaam answered the donkey, ‘You made me look like a fool. If I had a sword in my hand, I’d kill you now.’  But the donkey said, ‘Am I not the donkey you’ve ridden all your life until today? Have I ever treated you this way before?’  ‘No,’ he replied. Then the Lord opened Balaam’s eyes, and he saw the Angel of the Lord standing in the path with a sword drawn in His hand.”  Numbers 22:28-31a (HCSB)

What is a donkey? It is simply a beast of burden. It carries your load (and sometimes yourself) wherever and whenever you want. A donkey, although stubborn by nature, exists solely to serve men.

For Balaam, his donkey was a metaphor for his relationship with God. Balaam wanted the benefits of God’s power and wisdom without being accountable to Him.  Balaam was a bit of a braying donkey, himself in that sense!

What I find interesting in Balaam’s conversation with his donkey (and the subsequent dialogue with the Angel of the Lord) is how merciful God was towards Balaam (at that moment). The Lord is basically saying, “What have I done to you, that you would mistreat me, mistrust my leading, and attempt to assert your will upon My prophetic Word when you know it is impossible to change circumstances once I have spoken?”

I believe Balaam - a non-Jew - had a real shot at a relationship with God at that moment. In the end, he chose an affiliation over a relationship. Balaam knew “about” God, but he never really “knew” Him.  That is, Balaam never surrendered his will to God’s Lordship. In the same way, there are many who affiliate with the Church, know of Jesus, have had spiritual/worshipful moments in Christian assembly, and, perhaps, claim to follow Him.  Yet they don’t know Jesus in a saving way. They wish to reap the benefits of associating with Jesus but never surrender to His Lordship and the Spirit’s leading.

Perhaps we should ask ourselves how God has loved us (while we were yet sinners- Romans 5:8) the next time we are tempted to choose our personal gain over the Lord’s promises. Could it be that we have merely affiliated with God (as opposed to surrendering to His Lordship) and, in doing so, have denied ourselves a true (and completely obtainable) relationship with Him? How we choose to continue following Jesus, listening to the Holy Spirit, and seeking His Word, regardless of the circumstances, is perhaps our truest indicator of the genuineness of our faith – that a true spiritual transformation has occurred and is leading us onward, sanctifying us, as it were, to serve the Lord, void of our personal agendas.

“God is not a man who lies, or a son of man who changes His mind. Does He speak and not act, or promise and not fulfill? I have indeed received a command to bless; since He has blessed, I cannot change it.” Numbers 23: 19-20 (HCSB)

Balaam tried his best to curse Israel, to do more than God instructed, or to speak beyond what God put into his mouth.

Why would Balaam continue to angle against the Lord? Balaam was a “for-profit” prophet.

In recent history, Americans have witnessed the advent of the “celebrity defense attorney.” These lawyers generally choose high-profile clients who are clearly guilty. Utilizing courtroom theatrics and a keen understanding of the weak points of the law, they somehow win their clients’ freedom.

When these attorneys study the law, they aren’t looking for ways to serve justice. They are searching for loopholes that will circumvent justice because that’s what their clients pay them to do! Balaam would have made a great criminal defense attorney.  

Balaam’s biggest problem was, perhaps, that he never understood the connection between obedience & blessing. That is because Balaam was driven by money, pride, and who knows what else? He consistently refused to do what God told him to do. He always chose the “seen” over the “unseen.”  Faith is the evidence of things “unseen.” (Hebrews 11:1)

Balaam wanted to have a relationship with God, to be able to bless and curse, to be a real prophet—but he never wanted to obey. He wanted all the benefits and none of the responsibilities.

Balaam illustrates a person who has access to the truth, who reads the Bible continually, yet never obeys it. These people have access to and knowledge of the truth, but they are never willing to put it into practice because they insist on doing what they want to do.

It is admirable that you would join me in reading a chapter of the Bible each day. REMEMBER: The benefits of the Bible come not from simply reading but from living out what you read.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Numbers 24. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Phinehas, son of Eleazar, son of Aaron the priest, has turned back my wrath from the Israelites because he was zealous among them with My zeal, so that I did not destroy the Israelites in My zeal. Therefore, I grant him My covenant of peace. It will be a covenant of perpetual priesthood for him and his descendants because he was zealous for his God and made atonement for the Israelites.’” Numbers 25:10-13 (HCSB)

I find it interesting how the enemy of Israel summoned a foreign prophet to curse Israel, but they were unsuccessful because the Lord would not allow Israel to be cursed. The end of chapter 24 has Balaam and Balak going their own ways, frustrated over God’s blessing of Israel despite their attempts.

Of course, all of this plotting was taking place outside of Israel’s awareness. Perhaps more interesting is how (unaware of Balaam & Balak) the men of Israel were doing a fine job of cursing themselves! Their enemies were wondering where Israel’s weakness was, and Israel was engaging in open sexual sin with the women of Moab. In today’s chapter, the Bible exposes that Israel’s sexual sin was itself Baal worship.

Lesson: Israel’s enemy is not from among the Nations. The enemy of God’s children is Satan. This also applies to His children in Messiah, Jesus.

“For our battle is not against flesh and blood, but against the rulers, against the authorities, against the world powers of darkness, against the spiritual forces of evil in the heavens.” Ephesians 6:12 (HCSB)

Make no doubt: Spiritual forces affect human attitudes and actions. But where men will give up the fight, the “enemy” never relents. Balak & Balaam walk away confused and defeated, but Satan entices the men of Israel with the oldest trick in the book.

Were it not for the zealousness of Phinehas, grandson of Aaron, God’s wrath would have destroyed Israel.

Often, we compartmentalize our lives. We have individual compartments for work, family, religion, etc. When we say we give our lives completely to God, we often mean we give Him “all” of that particular compartment, which bears His label.

God is jealous to consume ALL of your life, and we should be zealous to drive sin out of our own lives. Whether our sin is hidden or openly flaunted, we should respond as Phinehas and purge that sin from our midst.

“These are the ones registered by Moses and Elazar the priest when they registered the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across Jericho. But among them there was not one of those who had been registered by Moses and Aaron the priest when they registered the Israelites in the Wilderness of Sinai. For the Lord said to them that they would all die in the wilderness. None of them was left except Caleb, son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.”  Numbers 26:63-65 (HCSB)

“Hey Moses, turn the lights out when you leave!”

Have you ever been the last one in line? You know, it’s halftime at the football game, and you wanted to watch the marching band, so now you’re stuck for 30 minutes trying to get a hot dog, only to find out the guy in front of you bought the last hot dog. It’s a bummer to wait for something and then be denied. That was the story of almost all the Israelites who had left Egypt. All but two: Joshua and Caleb.

The generation of Israelites who had been delivered from Egypt had grumbled, complained, and turned from the Lord. They had refused to enter the Promised Land by faith, so the Lord told them they would not enter at all. The whole generation was to die in the desert within 40 years. Only Joshua and Caleb were to enter. They were the only ones who declared, “We can defeat the inhabitants of the land because God is with us!”  

In addition, Moses & Aaron disobeyed the Lord by refusing to “speak” water from a rock, choosing instead to strike it with Moses’ staff. In return for their poor leadership, God barred Moses and Aaron from leading Israel into Canaan.

As Moses got the results of the census, one thing must have been going through his mind:  I’m the last guy. End of an inning,  

Every one of the adults (from the generation who left Egypt) had passed away, just as God had declared. Soon, Moses would be gone, but according to God’s promise, Israel would enter the much-awaited “Promised Land.”

Something I love about Jesus is how He has entered Heaven before us. Not only will He lead us into Heaven, but He has also defeated the enemy! Moreover, He prepares a place for us where we will by no means be cast out.

“When the community quarreled in the Wilderness of Zin, both you and your brother Aaron rebelled against My command to uphold My holiness in their sight at the waters. Those were the waters of Meribah of Kadesh in the Wilderness of Zin. So Moses appealed to the Lord, ‘May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, appoint a man over the community who will go out before them and come back in before them, and who will bring them out and bring them in, so that the Lord’s community won’t be like sheep without a shepherd.” Numbers 27:14-17 (HCSB)

Among church congregations, leadership and succession are of high importance. That is, “Who will lead us?” and “Who will replace our leader when he is gone?”

Most churches are governed by boards of elders or deacons. These boards exist because of a high concern that a renegade pastor may amass too much power. Under this system of governance, the preacher works under the authority & advisement of a group. The “group” government only works to the extent that the group seeks the Lord and shares a clear vision of God’s leading.

Other congregations allow the pastor greater authority. This form of government is called the “Moses” model. The “Moses” model only works to the extent that the leader is humble, seeks the Lord’s will above his own will, and receives wise counsel from others.

The purpose of either congregational leadership model is to uphold the Lord’s holiness in the sight of the people. Any leadership model that fails to uphold God’s holiness will ultimately fail in its attempt to lead the congregation to realize all that He desires for them. A flawed component of earthly leaders is that they are human! No human (or group of humans) will ever completely uphold God’s holiness. Still, God chooses to install human leaders. Furthermore, we should submit to leaders because they are God’s provision.  

Let’s consider the kind of leader Moses petitioned the Lord for on behalf of Israel: one who had gone out and come back in. Moses came out of Egypt (exile) and then returned to Egypt to lead Israel out. Sadly, Moses was unable to lead Israel into the Promised Land. Interesting to note is that Moses had never been to Canaan. But Joshua had. Joshua and Caleb had both been there. They were the scouts who gave a faithful report. Their report also earned them the right to re-enter Canaan and lead others there.

Jesus’ name, “Yeshua” is the Hebrew equivalent of the name Joshua, meaning “God saves.” Jesus - the “greater” Joshua - came from Heaven, and by virtue of His resurrection, He has returned there. Jesus told His disciples He was going to prepare a place for us and that He would return to bring us back with Him.  

The first Joshua led God’s people, Israel, to an earthly “promised land.” And Jesus, the greater Joshua, will lead His people, both Jew and Gentile, to the “Promised Land,” the New Jerusalem. (John 14:2-3; Revelation 21:1-3)

“The Lord spoke to Moses, ‘Command the Israelites and say to them: Be sure to present to Me at its appointed time, My offering and My food as My fire offering, a pleasing aroma to Me.’” Numbers 28:1-2 (HCSB)

I grew up in a church environment where people spoke of “giving to the Lord” in two terms: Tithe and Offering. The tithe was defined as giving 10% of one’s income, which was considered the minimum required to donate. An offering was defined as anything over and above the tithe.  

If you were to add up all the tithes and offerings in the Torah, you would find yourself giving over 60% of your income. Part of the reason for this high number is that Israel was a “theocracy.” The religious leaders ran the government, social relief, courts, the army, etc.

Statistics indicate that most “churchgoers” give less than 10% of their income. As a matter of fact, about 20% of church members foot the bill for 80% of the ministry. This statistic is roughly the same as the percentage of wealthy Americans who pay the most taxes. It may be easy to disdain the rich, but they’re toting the note for the rest of us.

What I find interesting in this chapter is how “offering” begins close to the heart and then radiates outward. The prescribed offerings begin with daily devotion. From there, it grows to weekly, monthly, and annually. I don’t believe the Lord listed these offerings in this order arbitrarily.

People who devote themselves to daily personal worship are likelier to attend weekly church services. In addition, they are more likely to volunteer in the church on a monthly scheduled basis. Of course, they will celebrate the yearly holidays. And it will be more special to them because it is a continuance and culmination of how their lives are consumed with worshipping the Lord throughout the year!

On the other hand, if we don’t offer ourselves daily, we have a decreased chance of being consistent with weekly worship. Our lesser commitment means we probably won’t volunteer and commit to any scheduled service. Sadly, annual holiday attendance winds up being burdensome and often filled with guilt.

Where your investment is, there your heart will be. Every day and everything belongs to Him. So, out of gratitude for all that he has done for you, offer yourself and your possessions freely in response to His Word.

“You are to hold a sacred assembly in the seventh month, on the first day of the month, and you are not to do any daily work. This will be a day of jubilation for you.” Numbers 29:1 (HCSB)

Isn’t it amazing that the Lord has to tell us to rest? Not only does He tell us to rest, but He actually made it a command! It is as if we would not rest unless some penalty were involved.

When I was a kid, I hated school. I did all I could to avoid my schoolwork…right up to testing time. Whenever it came time for testing, my laziness caught up with me. The test was about to expose my lack of initiative.  

School grades are indicators of progress, not intelligence. No matter how smart I may have thought I was, that was not the point. I had not seized the opportunity to improve.

When test time came around, I spent all my energy developing schemes to cheat. Sometimes, I would write notes on my arms. Perhaps I would look at someone else’s paper. Somehow, I would cheat the system because I thought I was smarter than the system.  

Did you know it takes twice as much energy to cheat as it does to study? Plus, you have to carry all that needless anxiety until you get your grade. How smart is that?

Do you know what the kids who studied a little bit every day do the night before the test? They rest. They don’t have to cram. They don’t have to cheat or worry if their schemes will go undetected. They simply recite what they have learned, and they pass the test.

Why do we have to be commanded to rest? Possibly, it’s because we’ve been lazy in our daily devotion to the Lord. Perhaps we have cheated God, and we lack what He provides to the faithful. It could be that we are busy trying to be our own providers instead of trusting God to provide an increase beyond our efforts.

Whatever the excuse, whatever our situation, we are COMMANDED to rest. Jesus said:

“Come unto me all who are weary and heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew 11:28 (NKJV)

The faithful should celebrate His rest, and the sinner should turn from his ways and enter into His rest.

“But if her father prohibits her on the day he hears about it, none of her vows and none of the obligations she put herself under are binding. The Lord will absolve her because her father prohibited her.” Numbers 30:5 (HCSB)

“But if her husband prohibits her when he hears about it, he will cancel her vow that is binding or the rash commitment she made, and the Lord will forgive her.” Numbers 30:8 (HCSB)

“Every vow a widow or divorced woman puts herself under is binding on her.” Numbers 30:9 (HCSB)

“These are the statutes that the Lord commanded Moses concerning the relationship between a man and his wife, or between a father and his daughter in his house during her youth.” Numbers 30:16 (HCSB)

I’m betting that not many “women’s rights” rallies begin with citing these (above) passages…perhaps a closer look is in order. Numbers 30 gives practical direction for the time it was written and provides a greater metaphor of God’s relationship with Israel, extended to Messiah’s relationship with the Church. In short, it speaks to us.

Often in the Bible, Israel is referred to as a “virgin” (Jeremiah 31) or a “wife” (Hosea 2:19-20). The Church is called the “bride of Messiah” (Romans 7:4), and potential followers are depicted in the parable of 10 virgins. (Matthew 25:1-13)  God is known as both “Father” and “Husband.”

I believe Numbers 30 is less a commentary on the impetuous nature of females and more a testimony of the absolution and redemption God directs towards His “beloved.” Whenever a virgin (young girl) or a wife committed herself in a rash and binding manner, her father (or husband) had the option of canceling her vow, as long as he acted the moment he found out about it. This passage is not intended to shame females but to show God’s great grace & mercy. Numbers 30 is a picture of how we, the “virgin daughter” of God, or “bride” of Messiah, impetuously commit ourselves to sin. Yet, when we confess and make that sin known to God, He is willing to forgive us, canceling sin as if it never happened.

“If we confess our sin, He is faithful and righteous to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” 1 John 1:9 (HCSB)

You’ll never get yourself into some “deal with the devil” that God can’t undo. Who is NOT covered under this arrangement? Widows & divorcees. Keeping with the metaphor, Jesus is alive forever. His bride will never be widowed, but Satan’s will. Jesus promised never to leave or forsake us; hence, His bride will never be divorced. Satan will leave you in a heartbeat. In short, while salvation is offered to all who would receive it, those without a personal saving relationship with the Messiah have no access to absolution/forgiveness. Their vows to Worldliness are legally binding...along with the consequences thereof.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Numbers 31. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“The Gadites and the Reubenites replied, ‘What the Lord has spoken to your servants is what we will do. We will cross over (the Jordan) in battle formation before the Lord into the land of Canaan, but we will keep our hereditary possession across the Jordan.’ So Moses gave them – the Gadites, Reubenites, and half tribe of Manasseh son of Joseph – the kingdoms of Sihon king of the Amorites and Og king of Bashan, the land including its cities with the territories surrounding them.”  Numbers 32:31-33 (HCSB)

Ever since Abram left his hometown to follow the Lord to “The place I will show you,” one thought has been at the forefront of the Hebrew mindset. One thought sustained Isaac when he was about to be sacrificed; one thought sustained Jacob through his trouble. One thought gave birth to a nation, and one hope encouraged that nation to endure 400 years of slavery and 40 years in the desert: God’s promise can be trusted.  

God had promised Canaan to Abraham’s descendants.

Israel was standing at the banks of the Jordan, getting ready to receive the fulfillment of God’s promise, when a chunk of their fighting force said, “We’re good. We don’t need to enter in.” Why would they have such a lukewarm reaction to the Promised Land?

In a word, I would say their issue was “value.” They appraised their surroundings, compared Canaan, and then chose to value the land east of the Jordan. Their evaluation seemed to be void of anything spiritual. It simply made better human sense to them.

To understand this passage, we must consider the difference between “information” and “value.” Information is raw data. Value is determined by the degree of consideration (trust) you pay to the source of that data.  

When I was a kid, my dad said, “Rotate your car’s tires every 3000 miles.”  That was good information. Sadly, I didn’t value that information until I had to replace my 1st set of prematurely worn tires!!!

Reuben, Gad, and the warrior clans of Manasseh knew that Canaan was God’s provision. They knew many generations had longed to enter in, suffering to lay the foundation for what was now offered by grace. Yet, the “value” wasn’t transferred. Value is transferred by personal relationships or personal experience. Perhaps the blame goes to their parents.  

We know that sin kept the generation that left Egypt from entering Canaan. I suggest that Reuben, Gad, and the half-tribe of Manasseh’s response was telling as to sin’s effects on their elders’ ability to communicate “value” for God’s Word. They knew God’s promise but simply did not esteem it. Perhaps it was because they did not esteem the source of God’s Word: their faithless parents.  

You can attend a church and participate in what worshippers do, leaving you unimpressed. But unless you surrender yourself to experience God in a personal way, you will never develop an enduring value for Him, His promises, or His people. And that is why we spend time with Him daily, reading His Word and getting to know Him (and His values) personally.

“But if you don’t drive out the inhabitants of the land before you, those you allow to remain will become thorns in your eyes and in your sides; they will harass you in the land where you will live. And what I planned to do to them, I will do to you.” Numbers 33:55-56 (HCSB)

The image of the “promised land” can mean many different things to people. I was raised in the South. In many ways, the South always felt like my “promised land.” When I lived in Southern California, my wife and I watched “Gone with the Wind” every New Year’s Day. My wife made fried chicken and biscuits! Grief is good for the soul but bad for the waistline.    

For others, the “promised land” might be a relationship, a job, or anything so elusive that only God could provide it.

Have you ever considered the “promised land” as a metaphor for your own body? Consider that when God created man, he simply took a handful of dust and breathed life into it. We are, in essence, God-breathed land.

All of mankind is born into sin. Because of Adam’s sin, all flesh is corrupted. Before people enter into a saving relationship with Jesus, they are ruled by sinful fleshly desires. For the believer, those desires represent the “former inhabitants” of our “land.”  

Jesus bridged the gap between man’s sinful flesh & God’s holy standard by supplying what we lack in terms of holiness, a difference of 100%. When Jesus suffered on the cross, He paid our sin debt, and His resurrection proved the eternal value of His sacrifice. Furthermore, He is alive today and offers salvation (deliverance) free of charge to all who will turn from their sin and receive salvation.

For a moment, imagine salvation in terms other than “Heaven.”  Imagine deliverance as an opportunity to live life here on earth abundantly. Being “born again” is much the same idea as being delivered back to our “flesh,” but now as new creations. Same old flesh, brand new “you” inhabiting it, along with the Holy Spirit and Jesus as roommates.

Once delivered back into our “land,” it then becomes our job to drive out those “former inhabitants.”  The old sinful attitudes and actions cannot remain. They will torment us unless we destroy them completely.

Notable is how, when Jesus paid our sin penalty, He experienced the crown of thorns in His brow and the spear in His side, images from today’s chapter. Our iniquities were truly laid upon Messiah Jesus! (Isaiah 53)  We have been delivered. Now, fight to drive out those former inhabitants!

“So Moses commanded the Israelites, “This is the land you are to receive by lots as an inheritance, which the Lord commanded to be given to the nine and a half tribes. For the tribe of the Reubenites and the tribe of the Gadites have received their inheritance according to their ancestral houses, and half the tribe of Manasseh has received its inheritance. The two and a half tribes have received their inheritance across the Jordan from Jericho, eastward toward the sunrise.” Numbers 34:13-15

My wife and I used to be members of the Biltmore Society, a group of individuals who share a common concern over the preservation and continuance of Biltmore Estate in North Carolina. Built by George Vanderbilt at the turn of the 19th Century, Biltmore Estate is truly America’s castle.

Society members received invitations to exclusive events and activities on the estate grounds. I recall wandering the mansion one evening, gazing into an oil portrait of George Vanderbilt. I wondered what he was like that he would leave such a beautiful architectural legacy.

A friend of mine, close to the Vanderbilt family today, shared some personal insight into the “old family.” He said, “Of all the wealthy industrialist families of the 19th and 20th centuries, the Rockefellers, Fords, Gettys, Guggenheims, Carnegies, and such, the Vanderbilts were the least charitable. Except for a few college endowments and buildings, Vanderbilt money was mostly spent on the Vanderbilts. Their enduring legacies are monuments to themselves; hence, compared to their potential impact, their contribution to society was primarily benign.” It is one thing to inherit great wealth. It is a whole other thing to shrug your shoulders at (or squander) an inheritance, having not realized its purpose and great potential for the community.

My favorite country to visit is Israel. I love taking people there and watching the “lights come on” as they walk and minister in the footsteps of Jesus. Israel is the most disputed plot of real estate in history. Something that never comes up in world politics is disputes over the territories of Reuben, Gad, or Manasseh’s 1/2 tribe. The Lord allowed them to choose to settle before entering the Promised Land, but their choice was not a wise one. Eventually, that poor choice led to confusion and conflict between their Israelite brothers and themselves.  

Within a few generations, because of regional conflict spurred on by their separation from the greater community of Israel, these “settling tribes” were absorbed back into Israel properly, having spoiled their claims to any land inside Israel’s border.  

Just because God allows us to choose our path doesn’t mean it’s the path He’ll bless.

“A wicked man hardens his face, but as for the upright, he establishes his way.”  Proverbs 21:29 (NKJV)

“Do not defile the land where you are, for bloodshed defiles the land, and there can be no atonement for the land because of the blood that is shed on it, except by the blood of the person who shed it. Do not make the land unclean where you live and where I reside, for I, the Lord, reside among the Israelites.” Numbers 35:33-34 (HCSB)

Following the institution/instruction concerning cities of refuge, the Lord completed the thought by stating that murder is more than a sin against humanity & Himself. Murder is also a sin against the land itself.

In the book of Genesis, the Lord told Cain He knew about Abel’s murder because his blood cried out from the ground.

“Then He said, ‘What have you done? Your brother’s blood cries out to Me from the ground! So now you are cursed, alienated, from the ground that opened its mouth to receive your brother’s blood you have shed. If you work the ground, it will never again give you its yield. You will be a restless wanderer on the earth.’” Genesis 4:10-12 (HCSB)

Leviticus tells us of a Sabbath rest for the land every 7th year.

“But there will be a Sabbath of complete rest for the land in the seventh year, a Sabbath to the Lord: you are not to sow in your field or prune your vineyard.” Leviticus 25:4 (HCSB)

At the end of the 2 Chronicles, the Lord tells Israel that He has expelled them from the land to give the LAND the “Sabbath rests” that had been denied by Israel.

“This fulfilled the Word of the Lord through Jeremiah, and the land enjoyed its Sabbath rest all the days of the desolation until 70 years were fulfilled.” 2 Chronicles 26:31 (HCSB)

Why is there such an intimate link between mankind and the land? Perhaps it is because Adam came from the ground (God-breathed dust). Either way, ever since the fall of man, creation has groaned!

Our sin has ripple effects that we may never understand. In many ways, our environment is groaning from the way people who came before us have mismanaged it and how we are mismanaging it ourselves. Inversely, our faithful commitment to Messiah has positive ripple effects. When we follow Jesus as He commands, we may never fully realize our long-term positive Kingdom impact, but we should continue to follow Him faithfully.  

While the world does not revolve around us individually, our personal righteousness (or lack thereof) leaves its mark wherever we go. Your impact on the world can be very profound. Isn’t it interesting how Jesus’ righteous blood fell to the ground, atoning for our sin, including our sins that affect the land? I look forward to that day when this sin-stained earth passes away, and the New Jerusalem descends from heaven! (Revelation 21:1)

“The daughters of Zelophehad did as the Lord commanded Moses. Mahlah, Tirzah, Hoglah, Milcah, and Noah, the daughters of Zelophehad, married cousins on their father’s side. They married men from the clans of the descendants of Manasseh, son of Joseph, and their inheritance remained within the tribe of their father’s clan. These are the commands and ordinances the Lord commanded the Israelites through Moses in the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.” Numbers 36:10-13 (HCSB)

Middle and Far Eastern cultures don’t have the best reputation when it comes to women’s rights. The images of women in the Arab world, broadcast in recent years, have been very demeaning, to say the least.  

Personally, I can understand why men would be interested in Islam. It favors them greatly. But I can’t understand why any woman (who had a choice) would choose the Moslem way if they were aware of the freedom offered to them by Messiah Jesus. Women get nothing out of Islam, even in paradise, their version of heaven.

Similarly, Hindu and Buddhist communities give women a humiliated place in their cultures. In India, baby girls are so devalued that some tribes wrap them in honey-soaked clothing and set them outside to be devoured by insects or wild animals. Abortion of female babies is encouraged in Communist China, where parents of boys receive tax credits unavailable to the families of baby girls.

Of all religions, the Judeo-Christian view of women is the most honoring. Religious rabbis consider the woman sacred partially because they believe every Jewish womb has the potential of birthing the Messiah. Of course, we know Messiah has already come, and His name is Jesus.  

The New Testament also speaks kindly of women. Jesus showed respect, compassion, and friendship to many women. The Scriptures reveal that “many prominent women” followed Him. His apostles, especially Paul, showed a similar consideration to women, which must have been a foreign idea in ancient Middle Eastern culture.

The last thought of the Book of Numbers is the well-being of women. The daughters of Zelophehad came seeking justice, and they received it from the Lord. God is understanding and considerate of even the most remote outcast in society. There is no person, need, or detail too trivial for Him. He is the defender and comforter of the weak, meek & lowly. Rest assured that He is involved in our lives today to ensure the well-being of generations to come, should He tarry. Even so, come quickly, Lord!

“When the Lord heard the sound of your words, He grew angry and swore with an oath: ‘None of these men in this evil generation will see the good land I swore to give your fathers, except Caleb the son of Jephunneh. He will see it, and I will give him and his descendants the land on which he has set foot, because he followed the Lord completely.’ The Lord was angry with me also because of you and said: ‘You will not enter there either. Joshua son of Nun, who attends you, will enter it. Encourage him, for he will enable Israel to inherit it.’” Deuteronomy 1:34-38 (HCSB)

Some say, “I’ll believe in Jesus if I could see Him.” That is, they would believe if they could understand Him. When it comes to following Jesus: Seeing is not believing. Believing is seeing. Joshua and Caleb believed God’s promise and saw the victory BEFORE the battle.

I love roller coasters, but I used to be terrified of them. Even as an adult, I would perform concerts at theme parks and watch my bandmates enjoy the rides. They’d say, “Come on!” But I’d always find some excuse not to. All the while, I was paralyzed by the terror of being out of control and something tragic happening. Isn’t that silly?

Here’s how I overcame that phobia. My wife made me! We were given VIP (meaning we didn’t have to wait in line) passes to the Universal theme park, and she made me ride the rides with her! After a few rides, I was having the time of my life. All it took was for me to BELIEVE everything would be OK, then I SAW the fun I had missed out on all those years.

It’s much the same with following Jesus. Many are paralyzed by the fear of what might happen if they left everything familiar in the world and trusted Jesus. Some things cannot be known “this side of the cross.” You simply have to trust the Bible and the testimony of believers around you, matched by their observably changed lives. Then, you must believe and go for it!

Like Caleb and Joshua, believing is seeing. Because they believed God’s Word, despite the overwhelming odds, they saw the victory. God honored their faith, and He punished the faithlessness of those of Israel whose fear overrode their faith.

How small was the remnant of Israel from the generation that Moses led out of Egypt? The remnant consisted of 2 guys: Caleb and Joshua. Many were left out, and very few entered. So, let’s focus on our generation. Will you receive the reward that awaits the faithful, or will you suffer the rebuke of most faithless people in our midst... those who lay aside God’s Word in favor of their own “expert analysis”...those deceived, who claim to have faith in Jesus, yet have practiced only Jesus-themed paganism?

“Many will say to in Me that day, ‘Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in Your name, cast out demons in Your name, and done many wonders in Your name?’ And then I will declare to them, ‘I never knew you; depart from Me, you who practice lawlessness!’” Matthew 7:22-23 (NKJV)

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Deuteronomy 2. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“‘Go to the top of Pisgah and look to the west, north, south, and east, and see it with your own eyes, for you will not cross this Jordan. But commission Joshua and encourage and strengthen him, for he will cross over ahead of the people and enable them to inherit this land that you will see." So we stayed in the valley facing Beth-Peor.’” Deuteronomy 3:27-29 (HCSB)

It has been said that success is defined by the successor. That is, it’s not enough to create a big organization. The true test of ministry success is whether you can build something that would thrive in your absence. Every organization that is dependent on a founder/leader’s charisma must cope with the eventual absence/extraction of its charismatic leader.

Healthy organizations are built on principles, products, ideals, and ideas that are bigger than any particular leader.

One scenario that is particularly tense is how a leader copes with their eventual passing. Do they mentor a young leader, pick an older colleague as a successor, or leave the organization unfit for the future? This was Moses’ test. The Lord told him he would die soon, and Joshua would succeed him.

Remember how God told Abraham he would not enter the land, but His offspring would? Abraham trusted the Lord. For him, simply knowing the future was the same as living it. He died in peace.

On the other hand, Saul knew David was anointed as his successor. Saul did not delight in God’s provision for Israel. He wanted his son Jonathan to be king and even rebuked Jonathan for accepting David’s eventual kingship. So, Saul tried to kill David.

At the time of Jesus’ birth, Herod tried to prevent Messiah from reigning by murdering the male babies in Bethlehem.

Moses had to decide to either honor the Lord or give himself over to envy. The Lord told Moses that Joshua would accomplish Moses’ dream: Joshua would lead Israel into Canaan. Furthermore, God also commanded Moses to encourage and strengthen Joshua.

It is a testimony of Moses’ humility that he obeyed the Lord. Standing on top of Mount Pisgah was enough for Moses to see the future…a prosperous future without Moses. By the way, it is impossible to view the entire Promised Land from where Moses stood. (Believe me, I’ve been there many times.) So, the Lord must have enabled Moses to see (as Abraham was enabled) what is impossible for men.

Christian leaders must set their hearts on the betterment of the community of believers (above personal agendas) to ensure the next generation thrives in the Lord.

“Today, recognize and keep in mind that the Lord is God in heaven above and on earth below; there is no other. Keep His statutes and commands, which I am giving to you today, so that you and your children after you may prosper and so that you may live long in the land the Lord your God is giving you for all time.” Deuteronomy 4:39-40 (HCSB)

The 5th commandment is the only commandment with a direct promise: Honor your father and mother, and you will live long in the land the Lord is giving you. It almost stands alone among the other commandments, like a bookend without its mate.

To me, the 5th commandment always seemed void of the responsibility of parents. That is, how can children honor their parents unless the parents train them up rightly? I often wondered why the 5th commandment didn’t say, “Parents, teach your children well, and children, honor your parents by obeying them.”

If the 5th commandment needs another bookend to complete the set, that bookend is found in today’s verse.

God is saying that when parents keep His statutes and commands, their children will follow. He uses the words “so that,” which conveys “cause and effect.”

Notice how God isn’t directing the parents to simply relay His standard by mere words. He wants parents to LIVE His statutes and commands.

Have you ever heard the saying: “Do as I say, not as I do”? Many parents will take their kids to church and tell them to honor God. All the while, those same parents pursue worldly affections. And parents wonder why their kids won’t seek God.

I say it often, but problems in the families of believers are not necessarily ones concerning the lack of Biblical information. The problems involve the lack of VALUE for Biblical information. Few of us really have a hard time understanding what the Bible says. We have a hard time DOING what the Bible says. The parent/hypocrite is the worst enemy of the next generation.

The 5th commandment assumes parents are modeling God’s standard; thus, the responsibility is on the children to follow suit. It also makes a profound statement that even if your parents dishonor you and the Lord by withholding from you the value of following God, it is still incumbent upon you to honor Him, independent of the quality of parenting you received.

In doing so, you honor your parents by “covering” their failings. God honors that kind of humility.

“Moses summoned all Israel and said to them, “Israel, listen to the statutes and ordinances I am proclaiming as you hear them today. Learn and follow them carefully. The Lord our God made a covenant with us at Horeb. He did not make this covenant with our fathers, but with all of us who are alive here today. The Lord spoke to you face to face from the fire on the mountain. At that time I was standing between the Lord and you to report the word of the Lord, because you were afraid of the fire and did not go up to the mountain.” Deuteronomy 5:1-5a (HCSB)

I encourage people to read the Bible a chapter a day because most people who call themselves “believers” don’t even consistently read the Bible. Consequently, they don’t share their faith. As a matter of fact, only 11% of all Christians in America have read the Bible cover to cover, and only 9% have read it more than once! Because of this, a very small percentage of Christians do all the kingdom-building.

Kingdom-building takes a significant amount of faith. The Bible teaches that “faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God.” To have the maximum impact on our generation, we must ALL become Biblically literate. This is not just because we need Biblical content to share with others. It is also because the FAITH we need to draw from, which emboldens us to evangelize (and to do so from a proper Biblical contextual understanding and application), comes exclusively from God’s Word.

In today’s passage, Moses instructs Israel concerning God’s commands and exhorts them to listen and learn. His words are similar to our “read the Bible every day” challenge.

With the giving of God’s Commandments, Israel’s covenant with God enters into a new stage. Previously, the covenants between God and the patriarchs had simply been a covenant of “righteousness by faith.” Here, the covenant has become “codified.” There is now a written standard from which “faith” will be measured.

While it is a “new” covenant, it is actually a continuance, a “God v 2.0”, as it were. It’s not that it was new in that it replaced the former covenant. It simply explained, in further detail, what God’s heart and intentions for His people had always been. This new covenant improved general faith in God, but it was never intended to supply salvation. It exposed (to a greater extent) man’s inability to meet God’s standard.

On a soul level, Israel already knew they were inadequate to personally commune with God. They preferred for Moses to “stand in the gap” and mediate between them and God.

The “New Testament” is actually the “New Covenant” (B’rit HaDashah in Hebrew). (Jeremiah 31:31) The New Testament is the narrative and exhortations concerning salvation by grace through faith in Messiah Jesus alone. It expands Abraham’s faith beyond Moses’ Commandments and adds “atonement for sin” through belief in the death, burial, and resurrection of the Messiah.

“When your sons ask you in the future, ‘What is the meaning of the decrees, statutes, and ordinances, which the Lord our God has commanded you?’ tell him, ‘We were slaves of Pharaoh in Egypt, but the Lord brought us out with a strong hand. Before our eyes the Lord inflicted great and devastating signs and wonders on Egypt, on Pharaoh and all his household, but He brought us from there in order to lead us in and give us the land that He swore to our fathers. The Lord commanded us to follow all these statutes and to fear the Lord our God for our prosperity always and for our preservation, as it is today. Righteousness will be ours if we are careful to follow every one of these commands before the Lord our God, as He commanded us.” Deuteronomy 6:20-25 (HCSB)

It has been said the most powerful tool of evangelism is the testimony. Skeptics will argue the existence of God, the deity of His Son, the authority of the Bible, etc. The one thing nobody can refute is your experience. Nobody can take away your testimony, combined with the observable change in your life, your “I once was blind, but now I see.”

Deuteronomy 6:20-25 is basically a scripted testimony. It is the predictable conversation between a father and son. This scenario assumes the father is faithfully obeying the Lord, thus prompting the son to ask, “Why?” If you have never had this conversation with your father (or children), I can guarantee there is a breakdown somewhere in Biblical paternal leadership.

I love the innocence of the child’s question. I remember the first time my kids asked why we have a parental block on our TV, and I had to explain that not everyone loves God. My kids have always been in safe, open Christian communities, so we literally have to teach them not to trust everyone.

In today’s passage, the child has known nothing but freedom and God’s blessing. He has to be taught about bondage and slavery. Who better to teach a son than a father? What more believable testimony than from the one who should be most trustworthy?

This testimony is also a reminder that when we share our faith, we should include three elements: Past, Present, and Future.

“I was ONCE in bondage, but God delivered me.” “The Lord commanded us to follow Him for our prosperity and preservation as it is TODAY.” Righteousness WILL BE ours if we follow Messiah (who fulfilled the commandments for us), as we are commanded.”

“The Lord your God will drive out these nations before you little by little. You will not be able to destroy them all at once; otherwise, the wild animals will become too numerous for you. The Lord your God will give them over to you and throw them into a great confusion until they are completely destroyed.” Deuteronomy 7:22-23 (HCSB)

How do you eat an elephant? One-bite-at-a-time.

Perhaps, someone will approach you today with this challenge: “Let’s eat an elephant.” You’d think they were crazy! But what if they said, “We’re going to eat as much elephant as we can today. Then, we’ll put the rest in the freezer. We’ll keep eating elephant every day, and in a year, we’ll have eaten it all.”

That’s a reasonable plan, primarily because humans don’t have the capacity to hold a whole elephant in their stomachs!

The inhabitants of Canaan were Israel’s “elephant.” They were bigger and stronger than Israel, but that wasn’t why God delayed Israel’s conquering them. God destroyed Egypt in a day, and He could destroy any nation, any day, if He desired. Israel had to learn that God’s promise could be trusted even if gratification was delayed. It was a test of faith, of patiently enduring.

God staggered Israel’s conquests for practical reasons, as well. For instance, millions of rotting corpses would attract wild animals. These beasts would grow and multiply on the flesh of the slain. Having developed a heightened taste for humans, these animals would have become too numerous and voracious for the Israelites. That’s just one example.

Our generation could learn much from this chapter. First off, deliverance (eternal salvation) does not mean your spiritual battles are over. In many ways, they’ve just begun. It’s not like you were resisting the flesh much before you were saved by Jesus!

The “former inhabitants” of our flesh are the carnal, fleshly desires we were once enslaved. Once delivered from their authority, the Lord gives us the command to drive out those old desires, thoughts, and actions.

The new believer is much like Jesus’ friend, Lazarus. Once Lazarus was raised from the dead, Jesus charged Lazarus’ friends to take off his “grave clothes.” Little by little, layer upon layer, believers must fight (alongside others in a healthy Christian community) to rid ourselves of our “old masters.”

Here’s the encouragement: If you fight the battle as He commands, the Lord ENSURES your victory. It shouldn’t be enough to have your eternity secured by grace through faith. God also wants us to enjoy an abundant life on earth. Sometimes, an abundant life must be seized through a personal spiritual battle. God supplies the victory when we employ faithful perseverance to see the battle won.

“You may say to yourself, ‘My power and my own ability have gained this wealth for me,’ but remember that the Lord your God gives you the power to gain wealth, in order to confirm His covenant He swore to your fathers, as it is today.” Deuteronomy 8:17-18 (HCSB)

I have been in the music business all my adult life. Since 1990, I have been recording music for commercial release, and I suppose I will do it forever. So much of my identity, how people know and value me, is due to my success as an artist.

My most successful season in the music business was with a band called “Big Tent Revival.” Having been the chief songwriter and lead vocalist of that group, it seemed logical to me that when we disbanded for a season (2001-2012), I would have success as a solo artist. Not so.

In 2002, I released a solo project. “SO-LO” is right! It was “so low” on the charts that almost nobody knew I had a CD! I remember thinking, “It’s the same voice and songwriter people were buying last year, so what’s the deal?” While there may have been more strategic marketing things we could have done, the bottom line is that the Lord didn’t prompt favor for my CD in the marketplace. It took a long time for me to accept that.

At the core of God’s lessons for me during that particular “wilderness” period was the reality that my success never had anything to do with my “talent.” Sure, God has gifted me to see things from creative angles, and He has given me the ability to sing, but success (or lack thereof) is completely under God’s sovereign control. Here are a couple of verses to back up that thought:

“It’s not by might or by power, but by My Spirit, says the Lord.” Zechariah 4:6 (NKJV)

“Unless the LORD builds the house, They labor in vain who build it” Psalm 127:1 (NKJV)

Why would God keep me from selling records? I don’t know, but I’ll ask Him when I see Him if I’m not caught up worshipping Him for all eternity! Personally, I believe He “dried up my stream” to teach me some lessons and direct me to where I am now, writing you this devotional. Years ago, I never would have chosen to work for churches, teach coffeehouse Bible studies, or any number of other things I have done recently, simply because I am not consumed with the music business anymore. And He has led me here, sitting at my computer, sharing my wilderness lessons with you.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Deuteronomy 9. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“The Lord said to me at that time, ‘Cut two stone tablets like the first ones and come to Me on the mountain and make a wooden ark. I will write on the tablets the words that were on the first tablets you broke, and you are to place them in the ark.’” Deuteronomy 10:1-2 (HCSB)

Today’s passage is a wonderful picture of God’s grace. Israel had willingly sinned against the Lord by making a golden image, yet He gave them a second chance.

It has been argued that Israel should not have been held accountable for the calf because the 10 commandments had not been given at that time. Not so.

The “tablets” had not been delivered, but the Lord had already spoken His commandments directly to the hearts of each Israelite. This was prior to Moses’ ascension of the mountain to receive the tablets. Scripture tells us each person had heard the voice of God from the fire on the mountain.

“Then the Lord spoke to you from the fire. You kept hearing the sound of the words but didn’t see a form; there was only a voice. He declared His covenant with you.” Deuteronomy 10:12-13

Think of the scenario in terms of a standard business contract. A contract is binding when two people agree to the terms, whether written or not. First, the two parties get together and define the terms. Once they agree on the terms, a formal contract may be drawn up, but a verbal contract is still binding as long as there are two witnesses.

When speaking to Israel, the Lord says, “I call heaven and earth as witness against you.” Deuteronomy 4:26 The covenant had mutual terms and sufficient witnesses. Hence, Israel was already “under contract” before the commandments were written on tablets.

Here’s the grace of this passage: After Israel had broken their contract (so soon after entering it), God allowed Moses to go back up with blank tablets. He (the Lord) literally gave them a “blank slate”! From there, God re-wrote the 10 commandments.

The word “Torah” does not mean “Law” (although it has become synonymous with “law”). “Torah” means “Teaching.” God’s purpose for mankind is not just to give us a standard and say, “Live under it or die!” He is also patient and compassionate to TEACH us how and why we should trust Him. His desire is to commune with us, even more than our desire to commune with Him. It has been said that the Bible is the story of 1) God’s desire to redeem men and 2) mankind’s efforts to redeem themselves apart from God.

God is the Holy and Righteous Judge; His Commands are the standard by which all mankind will be weighed. Since our salvation comes exclusively through Messiah Jesus, it further heightens our appreciation of Jesus’ sacrifice on our behalf. (Hebrews 2:1-4)

“But the land you are entering to possess is a land of mountains and valleys, watered by rain from the sky. It is a land the Lord your God cares for. He is always watching over it from the beginning to the end of the year.” Deuteronomy 11:11-12 (HCSB)

When people come to a saving knowledge of Jesus, their lives are transformed. They cease to become slaves to sin, and they begin a new life as children of God, co-inheritors with Messiah. We call that transformation, “Salvation” or “Deliverance.”

Israel was delivered from homelessness and saved from slavery and oppression. From out of Egypt, they were led (for the first time) into their own homeland. It was an inheritance secured by God’s promise to their forefathers.

If you asked an Israelite at that time, “Are you saved?” He’d answer, “Yes!” If you asked, “Have you been delivered?” He’d answer, “Absolutely!” And he’d be right in saying so. If you asked if he had seen both great trouble and great victory at the hand of God, the Israelite would also answer in the affirmative, “God was with us in the mountains and the valleys!”

Today’s verse in Deuteronomy 11 is a sober reminder that there will be “Mountains and Valleys.” We will have good times as well as bad ones. I once heard a man say, “We were created to live between Bethel and Ai. That is, we cannot sustain either spiritual “highs or “lows.” God teaches and tests us at both ends of the spiritual spectrum, but men (in this World) are not suited to reside in either.

Today’s verse is a gracious reminder that whether we are high on the mountain or down in the valley, God is there. He cares about us, so He cares for us. He is always here and watches over us. He is all-powerful, so He is mighty to save us. He is all-knowing, so He knows how to care for us. Finally, His character never changes so that we can depend on Him.

Each year may present both great spiritual moments and times we would rather forget. Still, the Lord is ever-present and ever-caring. He is Holy, Merciful, and Gracious. Perhaps, now is a good time to praise Him!

“You must be careful to do everything I command you; do not add anything to it or take anything away from it.” Deuteronomy 12:32 (HCSB)

What is “church” to you? When I say “church,” I’m speaking of 2-3 hours once a week, usually Sunday morning, when people congregate in a religious assembly.

For some, church attendance is a religious duty. For others, it may be an intellectual pursuit, an emotional release, a spiritual filling, or a musical connection.

Whatever church is to you, the goal of church leadership should be to convey the Bible in a comprehensive way. Obviously, the best way to convey the facts of the Bible is to simply teach the Bible as it is. You know that is my heart. Other times, the Bible is conveyed through personal counsel, music and arts, community service, etc.

To me, the Bible is conveyed best when all aspects of Christian life are employed in harmony, each in its appropriate time, without humiliating the other.

For instance, you may be familiar with St. Francis’ quote, “Preach the gospel at all times and if necessary, use words.”

I have heard this quotation often and almost always supporting someone’s argument against a straightforward proclamation of the Bible. It is generally interpreted as “Live the gospel instead of preaching it.” OK, I get it.

But oftentimes, people miss an important aspect of St. Francis’ statement: There are times when preaching is NECESSARY. Nothing else will suffice. The words of Paul ring true here.

“And how shall they HEAR without a preacher?” Romans 10:14 (NKJV)

There are many reasons why we need to search the Scriptures daily. Today, I want to focus on one of them. We should study the Bible daily because it is essential for us to adhere to how God commands us to live.

The messages of preachers and leaders from among the various church movements may differ greatly. God’s Word is crystal clear. Some leaders are more conservative than God directs. They rob people of the freedom of God’s grace. Others are too liberal and rob people of the stability of God’s accountability. So, how can we distinguish sound doctrine from errant preaching? Read the Bible!

Never cease to learn the Bible and rest in it as it is. Do what the Bible says, and you won’t stray to either extreme, to the right or the left, as it were.

“If a prophet or someone who has dreams arises among you and proclaims a sign or wonder to you, and that sign or wonder he has promised you comes about, but he says, ‘Let us follow other gods,’ which you have not known, ‘and let us worship them,’ do not listen to that prophet’s words or to that dreamer. For the Lord, your God is testing you to know whether you love the Lord your God with all your heart and soul.” Deuteronomy 13:1-3 (HCSB)

You have probably heard the term “con man.” “Con man” is an abbreviation of “Confidence man.” The best con men invoke confidence in their victims, usually by promising something a little cheaper, faster, or better than otherwise possible, something slightly outside of conventional methods. Bernie Madoff is, perhaps, the most recent successful con man in history, and now he’s just a “con,” as in “convict.” I hope he becomes a “con-vert.”

The person being conned has to simply be convinced to step outside of righteousness for a moment. That’s all a good con man needs to rob you. It’s impossible to con an honest person. In order to con someone, they have to have a spark of “con” inside them already. And we all have that potential. There has to be the willingness to cheat in order for someone to get lured into the con man’s scheme. We’ve got to want something a little faster, cheaper, and bigger than normally obtainable.

Directly following God’s command to stay completely within His Torah (not straying to the “right or left”) are His commands concerning how to handle false prophets: spiritual con men.

Assumed in Deuteronomy 13 is that Israel would stay completely within God’s Torah instruction. That being the case, it would be 1) Completely within their capacity to spot a con man and 2) Impossible for Israel to be conned into following false gods.

The best way to sway a nation’s morality is to sway the morality of leaders. This is accomplished by slowly, subtly, yet deliberately steering those leaders away from God’s Commands. By the time of Jesus’ earthly ministry, Israel’s complete devotion to Torah had been mainly replaced by devoutness to the teaching of the rabbis, supported by Torah. See the subtle yet definite diversion from complete Torah observance?

With the spiritual “true north” perverted by the vain opinions of men, is it any wonder the religious leaders sought to destroy Jesus? The fact that Jesus performed miracles meant nothing to them. God predicted false prophets would do this to Israel. In the opinion of the religious elite, Messiah Jesus fit all the criteria for a Deuteronomy 13 execution! When our theology is perverted, our zeal is perverted.

Zeal check: Are you searching the Bible in order to honor the Lord by living according to His Word, or has your lack of Biblical knowledge increased the potential to become a victim of the latest religious con?

“But if the journey is too long for you, so that you are not able to carry the tithe, or if the place where the Lord your God chooses to put His name is too far from you, when the Lord your God has blessed you, then you shall exchange it for money, take the money in your hand, and go to the place which the Lord your God chooses. And you shall spend that money for whatever your heart desires: for oxen or sheep, for wine or similar drink, for whatever your heart desires; you shall eat there before the Lord your God, and you shall rejoice, you and your household. You shall not forsake the Levite who is within your gates, for he has no part nor inheritance with you.” Deuteronomy 14:24-27 (NKJV)

You may recall the instance where Jesus drove the buyers and sellers from the temple complex. (Matthew 21:12, Mark 11:15-16, Luke 19:45) Jesus’ clearing the temple is a stark contrast to the weak, frail “Jesus” the world likes to put forth. Yes, God is love, and Jesus came to seek and save the lost, but The Lord is also known to be jealous and zealous for His people Israel and His bride, the Church.

Why was there a temple marketplace? Some people lived too far from the temple to carry their tithe offerings to the Lord. The Lord allowed them to sell their offerings in their hometowns and carry the money to the temple. Once in Jerusalem, they would re-purchase their offerings and present them to the Lord. While the presence of a marketplace was not a sin, the practices of the marketplace during Jesus’ day were!

At the temple in Jesus’ day, things had gotten way out of hand. The Levites were profiting from unfair money exchange rates and price gouging. They were like the gas stations next to the highway, whose prices are higher than the gas stations a few blocks off the highway. They were profiting from the worshipper’s ignorance and desperation.

But, what of the average Israelite’s involvement in this dilemma? Was the price-gouging solely the fault of the temple sellers? There is an interesting caveat to God’s message: Don’t forget the Levite.

The Levites were sustained by the peoples’ offerings. Today’s passage suggests a strong potential for the Levites to get left out. Could it be that the community of Israel’s slack devotion in giving tithes and offerings led to the Levite’s compulsion to price-gouge? Perhaps, this adds more gravity to Jesus’ statement when clearing the temple: My house is to be a house of prayer, and YOU have made it a den of thieves. I believe “you” refers to both Israel and the Levites. Israel robbed Levi of tithe, and Levi robbed Israel in the exchange. Consider the words of the prophet Malachai:

“Will a man rob God? Yet you have robbed Me! But you say, ‘In what way have we robbed You?’ In tithes and offerings.” Malachai 3:8 (NKJV)

Let’s ask the Lord to reveal what we might be holding back from Him and the community of believers. Perhaps, revival begins with a change of our hearts and actions.

“At the end of every seven years you must cancel debts. This is how to cancel a debt: Every creditor is to cancel what he has lent his neighbor. He is not to collect anything from his neighbor because the Lord’s release of debts has been proclaimed.” Deuteronomy 15:1-2 (HCSB)

“Be careful that there isn’t a wicked thought in your heart, ‘The seventh year, the year of canceling debts is near,’ and you are stingy towards the poor brother and give him nothing. He will cry out to the Lord against you, and you will be guilty.” Deuteronomy 15:9 (HCSB)

“For there will never cease to be poor people in the land; that is why I am commanding you, ‘You must willingly open your hand to the afflicted and poor brother in your land.’” Deuteronomy 15:11 (HCSB)

“If your fellow Hebrew, a man or woman, is sold to you as a slave and serves you six years, you must set him free in the seventh year. When you set him free, do not send him away empty-handed.” Deuteronomy 15:12-13a (HCSB)

I would like to invite you to reflect on today’s chapter through the lens of Jesus’ message to His home synagogue in Nazareth. He quoted the prophet Isaiah, who was prophesying what Messiah would proclaim when He came. It all refers to Deuteronomy 15.

“The scroll of the prophet Isaiah was given to Him, and unrolling the scroll, He found the place where it was written: The Spirit of the Lord is on Me, because He has anointed Me to preach good news to the poor. He has sent Me to proclaim freedom to the captives and recovery of sight to the blind, to set free the oppressed, to proclaim the year of the Lord’s favor.’” Luke 4:17-19 (HCSB)

What is the good news that Jesus was proclaiming? In essence, He was asking, “Are you enslaved to this World? Are you afflicted, made lame by your sin? Are you poor in spirit, indebted to the Lord, and unable to pay it off your sin debt because of your lack of righteousness? If so, I have come to set you free!”

If you perceive He is describing YOU, then rejoice! He has proclaimed YOUR year of Jubilee, as well! It is imperative that we accept His offer of freedom now, during this season in which it is offered. Our “Yeshua” (Jesus’ Name in Hebrew, meaning: God’s Salvation) has come!! Receive His grace, His eternal atonement, while the season of canceling debts is here, before the time of reckoning, the great “Yom Kippur” (Day of Atonement), where sin is called to account, and those without atonement are cast out.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Deuteronomy 16. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“When he is seated on his royal throne, he is to write a copy of this instruction for himself on a scroll in the presence of the Levitical priests. It is to remain with him, and he is to read from it all the days of his life, so that he may learn to fear the Lord his God, to observe all the words of this instruction, and to do these statutes. Then his heart will not be exalted above his countrymen, he will not turn from this command to the right or the left, and he and his sons will continue ruling many years over Israel.” Deuteronomy 17:18-20 (HCSB)

What kind of parent do you want to be? For many of you, your response to that question is probably, “Dude, I’m just out of high school!”

Perhaps that question means nothing to you, but it should, inasmuch as 7th-grade algebra winds up meaning a whole lot to a rocket scientist. If you never dreamt of being a rocket scientist as a youth, you’ll never be faithful to travel the adult path that leads to NASA.

Likewise, if you want to be considered a patriarch when you’re old and want to see holiness passed down throughout your generations, you have to be diligent to seek the Lord today.

The Lord commanded Israel’s kings to write their own copy of the Torah, by their own hand, under the supervision and scrutiny of the Levites.

Recent scientific studies have discovered people remember roughly 25% of what they hear, 50% of what they see and hear, and 75% of what they interact with. Of course, God has known that all along! That is one of the reasons why the Lord wanted His kings to not simply read the Bible or have it recited (to them) by experts. He wanted them to interact with it unceasingly as if it came from their own hand & heart.

As co-inheritors with Messiah, we must train ourselves, as any royal should. We should take upon ourselves the spiritual posture that understands we might be called to “assume the throne” at any moment. We’ll never solely rule “The Kingdom,” but God will give positions of authority in it for those who prove diligent.

Sadly, most Christians will never read the Bible, much less HANDWRITE their own copy! I hope this passage acts as a challenge for us to go deeper into God’s word.

Let’s encourage one another to know God’s Word and to live up to the character of the Name we have inherited!

“‘I will hold accountable whoever does not listen to My words that he [the prophet] speaks in My name. But the prophet who dares to speak in my name a message I have not commanded him to speak or who speaks in the name of other gods – that prophet must die.’ You may say to yourself, “How can we recognize a message the Lord has not spoken?” When a prophet speaks in the Lord’s name, and the message does not come true or is not fulfilled, that is a message the Lord has not spoken. The prophet has spoken presumptuously. Do not be afraid of him.” Deuteronomy 18:19-22 (HCSB)

There are two ways to test a prophet, primarily because there are two kinds of prophecies. First, there are prophecies, which predict the future; then there are those which claim the revelation of God’s Word. So, there are basically two ways to spot a false prophet: 1) His prophecies (predictions of the future) don’t come true. 2) His message for today is inconsistent with the Word of God.

The challenge of discerning prophecies concerning the future is that you have to wait & see. Sometimes, the wait is critically long. For instance, the followers of cult leaders like Jim Jones or David Koresh went to the grave following false prophets. Other followers of false prophets may not see a fatal demise, but they risk wasting valuable years chasing after false hope.

“Hope deferred makes the heart sick, but when longing is fulfilled, it is a tree of life.” Proverbs 13:12

Satan cannot steal the soul of a true believer, but he can make them ineffective by getting them to hope in things the Lord never promised. When the object of their hope never arrives, the victim’s anger is focused on the Lord because they honestly believe the prophecy came from Him.

Perhaps, a more efficient way to spot a false prophet is not in testing the prophecy but in testing the prophet himself. Are the words they speak and the lives they live in accordance with God’s revealed Word and Jesus’ life example? Put simply: Does the overall character and words of the prophet correspond with the character and Word of God?

“Not everyone who says to Me, ‘Lord, Lord,’ shall enter the kingdom of heaven, but he who does the will of My Father.” Matt 7: 21 (HCSB)

One of the by-products of reading the Bible every day is that we develop a heightened ability to spot counterfeits, not heed their instruction and warn others to stay away.

“If a malicious witness testifies against someone accusing him of a crime, the two people in the dispute must stand in the presence of the Lord before the priests and judges in authority at the time. The judges are to make a careful investigation, and if the witness turns out to be a liar who has falsely accused his brother, you must do to him as he intended to do to his brother. You must purge the evil from you.” Deuteronomy 19:16-19 (HCSB)

“The chief priests and the whole Sanhedrin were looking for false testimony against Jesus, so they could put Him to death. But they could not find any, even though many false witnesses came forward.” Matthew 26:59-60a (HCSB)

Anyone who approaches “the passion story” with an open mind understands the trial of Jesus was a sham. Perhaps, this passage in Deuteronomy helps us better understand just how much of a sham the trial of Jesus was and how much it offended the Lord.

The chief priests and Sanhedrin were more than lenient toward the false witnesses. They actually went as far as to seek out false witnesses. This is how distorted things got when Jesus came on the scene. Instead of stoning false witnesses, they were hiring them!

Is it any wonder why the people of Israel were crying out for the Lord to send Messiah around the time of Jesus’ advent? It is understandable why the people wouldn’t trust the Roman government or their pagan neighbors. But what happens when you can’t trust your own religious leaders to act on your behalf in a God-honoring way?

To be fair, there was more than one “false testimony” going-on on the evening of Jesus’ trial.

“Those who had arrested Jesus led Him away to Caiaphas, the high priest where the scribes and the elders had convened. Meanwhile, Peter was following Him at a distance, right to the high priest’s courtyard. He went in and was sitting with the temple police to see the outcome.” Matthew 26: 57-58 (HCSB)

Peter’s actual testimony preceded the false testimony in the Sanhedrin. None of the testimonies of the Sanhedrin’s false witnesses are recorded in the Bible. But God chose to allow Peter’s testimony to be recorded three times.

Perhaps, today’s passage is a stern reminder of how God hates a false witness, especially from His children.

Question: When you’re around your non-believing friends, how bold and accurate is your testimony about Jesus?

“When you go to war against your enemies and see horses, chariots, and an army larger than yours, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt, is with you.” Deuteronomy 20: 1 (HCSB)

“When you are about to engage in battle, the priest is to come forward and address the army. He is to say to them: ‘Listen, Israel: Today you are about to engage in battle with your enemies. Do not be fainthearted. Do not be afraid, alarmed, or terrified because of them. For the Lord your God is the One who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies to give you victory.” Deuteronomy 20: 2-4 (HCSB)

“The officers will continue to address the army and say, ‘Is there a man who is afraid, or fainthearted? Let him leave and return, so that his brothers’ hearts won’t melt like his own.’” Deuteronomy 20: 8 (HCSB)

A few years back, American suspense novelist, Steven King, wrote a book called “On Writing.” Less a text about the rudiments of writing, “On Writing” was more of a biography. In King’s opinion, the “how-to” must take a back seat to the “why,” and good writing has less to do with technique and more to do with how the writer filters life experience to the page. In short, to understand Steven King’s writing process, you must understand his life. “Life experience” is the filter he uses to sift novels from casual observation.

In his book, King wrote, “Fear is at the foundation of everything bad.” It’s an interesting statement from a fellow who has made his living in the “horror” genre. But I believe he is right, simply to the extent his words bear witness to Biblical truth. Whenever Jesus, angels, Prophets, or the Lord show up in Scripture, their first words are usually, “Don’t fear!” Fear is mistrust, the opposite of faith. If the Lord is anything, He is holy and, as such, trustworthy.

The command to “fear the Lord” is often misunderstood. “Fearing the Lord” means to worship, honor, and respect His power and authority. Many folks falsely believe that “fearing God” means being terrified of Him. Perhaps, they should re-read John 3:16.

We are “war babies” in that we’ve all been born into spiritual warfare. It is all we’ve ever known. The world is not a playground, as much as it is a spiritual battleground, yet we are commanded not to be afraid.

If “fear” is mistrust or the absence of faith, then “trust” must be the presence of faith and hope in things unseen. Faith comes by hearing and hearing by the Word of God. Be encouraged to continue with your daily Bible study. By fortifying your hearts with God’s promises and experiencing His faithfulness through His Word, you are preparing yourselves to enter the “battlefield” each day, fearless.

Experiencing life through the filter of Scripture is how we sift faithfulness from fear.

“If anyone is found guilty of an offense deserving the death penalty and is executed, and you hang his body on a tree, you are not to leave his corpse on a tree overnight but are to bury him that day, for anyone hung on a tree is under God’s curse. You must not defile the land the Lord your God is giving you as an inheritance.” Deuteronomy 21:22-23 (HCSB)

Deuteronomy, chapter 21, covers five somewhat obscure Messianic themes: Forgiveness of innocent bloodshed, Fair treatment of captured women, the right of the firstborn between two wives (one loved and one hated), the purging (stoning) of an unrepentant rebellious son, and the display of executed people. Let’s review how Jesus relates to each of those five themes.

Jesus’ first statement from the Roman cross was, “Father, forgive them, for they know not what they do.” He was declaring to God that Israel’s hands were not directly involved in His murder. In fact, it was technically the Romans who crucified Jesus. Jesus was absolving Israel, corporately, of their collective responsibility in His death.

When you consider the “cross” as the great victory of spiritual warfare, all those from among the nations who have been redeemed are spoils of war. The Church is called the “bride of Messiah,” and the fair treatment of Gentile believers is acknowledged here.

Often in Scripture, both Israel and the Church are referred to as a “young virgin” or a “bride.” God neither condones nor practices divorce. With the consideration of the “Church as bride” mentality, provision must be made for God’s favor towards each “bride’s” offspring, with respect to blessing and rights of first birth. Hence, God’s covenant is extended to every new believer, whether Jewish or Gentile.

Jesus was considered to be a rebellious son by the Sanhedrin. In contrast, the religious leaders compelled the crowd to urge Pilate to release Barabas, who was an actual rebel. Instead of purging Israel of evil, they preferred to retain evil and dispense with righteousness.

While the “cross” remains the worldwide symbol of Christianity, the “tree” is actually more thematically appropriate as the Hebrew Biblical image of cursed suffering. The cross was, after all, made of wood. There is a curse against anyone hung on a tree and against the land if that person was to remain on the tree overnight. Consider this Scripture:

“There was a good and righteous man named Joseph, a member of the Sanhedrin, who had not agreed with their plan and action. He was from Arimathea, a Judean town, and was looking forward to the kingdom of God. He approached Pilate and asked for Jesus’ body. Taking it down, he wrapped it in fine linen and placed it in a tomb cut into the rock, where no one had ever been placed. It was preparation day and the Sabbath was about to begin.” Luke 23:50-54 (HCSB)

“If you see your brother’s ox or sheep straying, you must not ignore it; make sure you return it to your brother.” Deuteronomy 22:1 (HCSB)

In the first three verses of Deuteronomy 22, we find a repetition of the law in Exodus 23:4-5 regarding our duty to restore the straying ox or donkey and the lifting up of a fallen beast of burden. The law here is widened to include other lost articles that require restoration to their owners.

Exodus speaks of the things belonging to “your ENEMY.” Here, the wider term “your BROTHER” is used. Whether your neighbor is your brother or enemy, his property must be protected and restored. Failure to do so is accounted as theft. Leviticus 6:1-5

This situation reminds me of the passage in the New Testament, where an expert of the law asked Jesus, “Teacher, what must I do to inherit eternal life?”

Here’s their exchange:

“What is written in the law?” Jesus asked him. “How do you read it?”

He answered: “Love the Lord your God with all your heart, with all your soul, with all your strength and with all your mind; and love your neighbor as yourself.”

“You’ve answered correctly,” Jesus told him. “Do this, and you will live.”

But wanting to justify himself, he asked Jesus, “And who is my neighbor?

**Jesus took up the question and told him the story of the “good Samaritan.”

Then Jesus asked, “Which of these three do you think proved to be a good neighbor to the man who fell into the hands of the robbers?”

“The one who showed mercy to him,” he said.

Then Jesus told him, “Go and do the same.” Luke 10:25a-37 (HCSB)

Some folks see those around them as brothers. Others see them as enemies.

If you love the Lord with all that is within you, you’ll treat your enemies as Jesus did, like brothers. Chances are, they’ll respond by being good neighbors.

Ask yourself: “How good am I at being a good neighbor?

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Deuteronomy 23. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Be careful in a case of infectious skin disease, following carefully everything the Levitical priests instruct you to do. Be careful to do as I have commanded them. Remember what the Lord your God did to Miriam on the Journey after you left Egypt.” Deuteronomy 24:8-9 (HCSB)

On a causal fly-over, today’s passage could be interpreted in a number of ways. But because the Lord included a reference to Miriam, we have a better understanding as to what He was trying to communicate. Let’s revisit the story of Miriam’s leprosy.

“When the two of them (Aaron and Miriam) came forward, the Lord said, ‘Listen to what I say: If there is a prophet among you from the Lord, I make myself known to him in a vision; I speak to him in a dream. Not so, with My servant Moses; he is faithful in all My household. I speak with him directly, openly, and not in riddles; he sees the form of the Lord. So why were you not afraid to speak against My servant, Moses?’ The Lord’s anger burned against them, and He left. As the cloud moved away from the tent, Miriam’s skin suddenly became diseased, as white as snow.” Numbers 12:5b-10a (HCSB)

Here’s the scenario: Miriam and Aaron were Moses’ elder siblings. Aaron was first born, so it was his “birthright” to lead their family spiritually. Miriam was the older sister who had watched over the floating basket containing baby Moses.

Given their elder status and their histories of caring for Moses, it seems logical that they would be compelled to “lead” him. Familiarity breeds contempt. In fact, it was their family rank and relation to Moses which presumed their right to criticize his decisions.

Problem: Moses was God’s servant, doing what the Lord directed him to do. Questioning Moses meant questioning God.

Our present-day application is simple. When you sin against God by questioning His institution of leadership and or His faithful leaders, watch out! The Lord may allow you to contract some form of “leprosy” (physical or metaphorical). And God will use that rebuke (that desperate circumstance He allows in your life as a result of your rebellion) in order to drive you to submit to the comfort, care, and direction of the very ministers you criticized.

“If the guilty party deserves to be flogged, the judge will make him lie down and be flogged in his presence with the number of lashes appropriate for his crime. He may be flogged 40 lashes, but no more. Otherwise, if he is flogged with more lashes than these, your brother will be degraded in your sight.” Deuteronomy 25:2-3 (HCSB)

In the Christian faith, there are three words that are important to understand when it comes to the relationship between Man’s behavior and God’s standard: Justice, Grace, and Mercy.

Justice is blind execution of the law. It respects no person and is purely an advocate of the law’s standard. When an alleged infraction arises, Justice is executed solely on facts, weighed against the letter of the law. The Bible says of God:

“...He will not leave the guilty unpunished...” Exodus 34:7 (HCSB)

Mercy is when the guilty party does not get what they deserve due to the benevolence of 1) an accuser or 2) a judge. While guilt remains (guilt is an immutable state of being for the lawbreaker), the consequences for guilt are lessened or removed through Mercy. The Bible speaks of God’s great mercy,

“But God, who is rich in mercy, because of His great love with which He loved us, even when we were dead in trespasses, made us alive together with Christ.” Ephesians 2:4-5a (NKJV)

Grace is getting something you don’t deserve. If I were to walk up to a complete stranger and give them a Ferrari, that would be gracious (to say the least)! They did nothing to acquire such a gift, and the gifting was not contrary to their spiritual condition, per se.

“You are saved by grace! Together with Christ Jesus, He also raised us up and seated us in the heavens, so that in the coming ages He might display the immeasurable riches of His grace through His kindness to us in Christ Jesus.” Ephesians 2:5b-7 (HCSB)

Today’s passage in Deuteronomy 25 primarily deals with Justice and Mercy. It shows how a judge can be BOTH Just and Merciful in the same instance. The Judge can carry out the full letter of the law while respecting the dignity of the person being punished.

Let this be a challenge. When seeking justice, remember to be merciful. Through it all, the guilty party remains your “brother or sister.” Perhaps, the greatest gift you’ll ever give yourself is an enemy-turned-grateful friend.

“When you come before the priest who is serving at that time, you must say to him, ‘Today I acknowledge to the LORD your God that I have entered the land the LORD swore to our fathers to give us.’” Deuteronomy 26:3 (HCSB)

There is so much gravity in this dialogue between the Israelite and the priest. Having entered the land, the Lord had promised to his forefathers; the time has come (3 years after entering-in) when the first tithe is brought. For three years, no matter what circumstances may have arisen to tempt the worshipper to steal from the Lord’s portion, he remained faithful to the Lord.

The worshipper’s testimony to the priest communicates many wonderful truths.

1) The Lord chose Israel from among the nations and promised Canaan to them.

2) The Lord was faithful to fulfill His promise.

3) The fulfilled promise was not particularly due to the merit of the recipient.

4) The Lord’s faithfulness accomplished its desired effect: Worship.

5) Because the Lord’s blessing was personal, the worshipper was inclined to recognize His corporate institutions. The office of priestly ministry is honored by the willful giving of tithes.

6) The Lord has given the worshipper a part to play in helping ensure the Levite, widow, orphan, and foreigner enjoy the corporate blessing of having entered the land, as well.

Let this be a challenge to us all. For us, worship is not solely a personal thing. Yes, Jesus is our personal Savior. But as He has saved us, personally, let’s remember that we are part of a greater community. He has plans for us personally and corporately.

If you are blessed with finances or some pertinent skill, remember that blessing is not solely for you. The Lord has chosen to pour His blessing upon you, that you would direct that blessing to others. This is so the community as a whole can be blessed in the same manner the Lord had blessed you, personally.

Hopefully, those individuals in need will respond as you have by recognizing the (above) truths about God and His great grace shown toward mankind. The Lord’s grace to others often comes from your obedient, worshipful giving.

“Moses and the Levitical priests spoke to all Israel, ‘Be silent, Israel, and listen! This day you have become the people of the Lord your God. Obey the Lord your God and follow His commands and statutes I am giving you today.’” Deuteronomy 27:9-10 (HCSB)

One Christmas morning, while my family gave each other presents, I told my children, "After all the wrapping paper has been torn off, and you see what you've gotten, let daddy and mommy help you open the manufacturer's packaging. There are small parts that may get lost or broken, so we have to open boxes with care."

Well, it happens every year. An over-confident “zealous for fun” child rips through a box, and something gets broken or damaged before it ever gets played with. It's sad because the trauma and grief (which always seems to follow disobedience) could have been avoided by employing a little self-control and following the rule.

Israel is about to open the “mother of all gifts.” They're on the verge of experiencing the fulfillment of God's promise. They are going to enter the land that generations of Israelites longed to possess. All the dialogue from Moses led up to one thing: It's actually going to happen!

In a short time, Israel would transcend in a way very few people groups ever have. That is why Moses tells them, “Today, you have become the people of God.” It's not that they haven't been God's people; His presence with and love for Israel had been undeniable. But at this moment, Israel was becoming a Nation with land and borders.

It's one thing to become a legitimate nation, like other nations. It's another thing to be a nation, separate and holy unto God.

It is from this fever-pitched nationalistic emotional and spiritual fervor that Moses gives a Biblical version of my holiday speech to my children before opening presents: Be quiet and listen! This “gift from God” needs to be unpacked methodically and carefully. Your enjoyment and blessing are dependent upon your following the instructions. In fact, I want you to write your own copy of the instructions!

Let's respond to today's passage by renewing our vigilance to know God's Word, His instruction manual for life. By seeking His instruction and adhering to it, we can fully enjoy His gift of deliverance through Messiah, Jesus.

“If you love Me, you will keep My commands.” John 14:15 (HCSB)

“The Lord will cause your enemies who rise up against you to be defeated before you. They will march out against you from one direction but flee from you in seven directions.” Deuteronomy 28:7 (HCSB)

There are some who believe that following Jesus will ensure them a life free of conflict. To them, if you are having conflict in your spiritual life, there must be something wrong with your obedience to God. They will tell you that if you want to restore your personal peace, you should get back on track with Jesus. That’s not necessarily so.

Sure, there are times when we have to deal with the consequences of our willful sin. But not every hardship is a result of faithlessness. As a matter of fact, some hardship is directly from the Lord and should be considered a blessing. The peace that God provides His children does not always come in the form of the absence of conflict. Oftentimes, His “shalom” comes in the form of peace in the midst of conflict.

Prior to entering the land of Canaan, Moses emboldened the people and exhorted them to have courage when the enemy attacked. Remember: the Enemy is always prowling, preparing to attack, and he pounces whether we are ready or not.

Who is our enemy? Is it not the Devil, the World, and the Flesh?

If you are seeking the absence of conflict, you will be very disappointed. Conflict will come whether you are a Christian or not. When most people say they want “Peace,” what they really mean is that they want “Victory.” But you cannot have Victory without a battle/conflict! Each experienced victory builds towards a “stockpile of peace,” or HOPE that the Lord will resolve future conflict. Victory builds upon victory. (James 1)

Growing in faith doesn’t necessarily mean that we will eliminate conflict. It could mean that God is growing us so we can be faithful through even greater future conflict. It is all for His glory because each victory is His.

You will never live victorious until you trust the Lord and face conflict head-on. (Proverbs 3:5-6) God’s Word does not ensure the absence of conflict, but it does ensure victory through it.

“All of you are standing today before the Lord your God – your leaders, tribes, elders, officials, all the men of Israel, your children, your wives, and the foreigners in your camps who cut your wood and draw your water – so that you may enter into the covenant of the Lord your God, which He is making with you today, so that you may enter into His oath and so that He may establish you today as His people and He may be your God as He promised you and as He swore to your fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. I am making this covenant and this oath not only with you, but also with those who are standing here with us today in the presence of the Lord our God and with those who are not here today.” Deuteronomy 29:10-15 (HCSB)

Deuteronomy 27-30 are chapters pertaining to God’s covenant: Blessings for abiding by His commands, Curses for transgressing them, and provisions for Repentance and Returning to the Lord.

Almost hidden in all the verbiage is exactly WHO the covenant was pertaining to. Obviously, God is making His covenant with all Israel, but who were the “foreigners”? “Israel” is commonly (culturally) defined as those whose biological lineage is traced through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. But alongside the Israelite is the Foreigner who seeks after the Lord. Whether slaves or members of the “mixed multitude” who left Egypt with the Israelites, the Bible records God’s desire for the foreigner to know and worship Him by including them in His covenant.

Know for sure that God’s covenant with Israel concerning the LAND is very clear. The land is divided among the tribes of Israel, and those of Israel who are scattered (even today) have the right of return. This is not only the position of the modern Israeli government, per se, but it is what’s written in Scripture.

There is an open attitude among Orthodox Jews (through organizations like Chabad) to teach the Torah to Gentiles (non-Jews). But they teach that Gentiles are under the “Noahide covenant.” That is, the general promise God gave to mankind after the great flood. They teach that Gentiles have no “Torah claim” to the covenants beyond the post-flood of Noah’s day.

Deuteronomy 29 is very clear that God spoke not only to those who are “Israel” by blood but also to those who are God’s people by Grace, through Faith (per the covenant of Abraham), when they faithfully follow the Lord. While the two are separate with respect to DNA and the Land, they are alike in terms of God’s blessing to those who, by faith, believe in Messiah Jesus and are counted righteous by His grace.

Revisiting the subject of the LAND of Israel, what benefit do Jewish people have if they return to the land yet refuse to return to the Lord through Messiah Jesus? Ultimately, they are far worse off than the Gentiles, who have no claim to the land yet trust in Messiah and receive atonement and eternal salvation. Remember, followers of Messiah (Jew and Gentile) await a New Jerusalem, so their hope is not in the old one.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Deuteronomy 30. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“Moses commanded them, ‘At the end of every seven years, at the time of debt cancellation, during the Festival of Booths, when all Israel assembles in the presence of the Lord your God at the place He chooses, you are to read this law aloud before all Israel. Gather the people – men, women, children, and foreigners living within your gates – so that they may listen and learn to fear the Lord your God and be careful to follow all the words of this law. Then their children who do not know the law will listen and fear the Lord your God as long as you live in the land you are crossing to possess.’” Deuteronomy 31:10-13 (HCSB)

Deuteronomy has been described as the “book of Grace.” It recalls the failings of Israel yet chooses to focus more on their restoration than their punishment. Chapter 30, the “choose life” chapter, speaks of Israel’s restoration to the land before they ever entered it the first time. That’s pretty gracious and merciful, to say the least.

Whereas Moses, as a Biblical image, represents the letter of the law, his successor Joshua is more representative of God’s grace. As a matter of fact, Jesus’ name is a variation of the name “Joshua,” meaning: “God saves” or “YHWH is my salvation.”

The law gives us God’s standard and exposes our inability to meet that standard. It basically sets up God’s Grace. The law was never intended to be the vehicle to provide mankind deliverance; hence, Moses was never able to deliver Israel into Canaan. The Law can only take you to the edge of the promised land; only Grace can lead you in.

“ For by grace you have been saved through faith, and that not of yourselves; it is the gift of God, not of works, lest anyone should boast.” Ephesians 2:8-9 (NKJV)

Obviously, Joshua could be considered a “type” of Messiah. This is much the same way Joseph was a type of Messiah: Joseph forgave his brothers and saved his family (Israel) from certain death during the great famine in Canaan. In fact, because Yeshua’s mother, Miriam (aka Mary), was married to a man named Joseph, people would have commonly known Jesus as “Y’shua ben Yoseph”…which translates: “God saves, God removes my shame and grants me increase.”

In the year when debts were canceled, at the time when Israel was to remember God’s provision and guidance in the desert Exodus, the law was to be read to all Israelites and foreigners living within their gates. Sukkot (the Festival of Booths) reminds Israel of God’s faithful abidance, and the reading of the law recalls their transgressions. But because it is the year of canceling debts, God also reminds them of His grace, mercy, and forgiveness. (Luke 4:16-22)

As we approach the end of the Torah, be careful to listen and learn to fear the Lord so that you may prosper in the deliverance Messiah has graciously provided.

“They have provoked Me to jealousy by what is not God; they have moved Me to anger by their foolish idols. But I will provoke them to jealousy by those who are not a nation; I will move them to anger by a foolish nation.” Deuteronomy 32:21 (NKJV)

These days, it is unusual to find committed relationships. Over half the marriages end in divorce, and the talk shows and tabloids are filled with rumors of infidelity. But can you imagine cheating on God? Most people cheat because they’re looking for someone better. After being courted by God, there’s nowhere to go but down! Not only that, God is jealous for His “bride.”

In today’s chapter, the Lord turns the tables on Israel. He tells them that instead of making Him jealous by forsaking Him for other gods, He will make them jealous and enrage them because of His relationship with another people, a “non-people.” **See also the book of the prophet Hosea.

In the short term, God provoked Israel to jealousy when He eventually showed favor to Babylon, empowering them to drive Israel from the land. In a Messianic sense, God has shown His grace and love upon the Gentiles through Jesus. Jesus’ atonement is irrespective of nationality, and Paul’s conversion of Gentiles accomplished at least two purposes: 1) It provoked Israel to jealousy, prompting the return of many Jews to the Lord. 2) It parlayed Israel’s transgression into an opportunity to redeem the nations.

“I ask, then, have they (the Jews) stumbled so as to fall? Absolutely not! On the contrary, by their stumbling, salvation has come to the Gentiles to make Israel jealous. If their stumbling brings riches for the world and their failure riches for the Gentiles, how much more will their full number bring? Now I am speaking to you Gentiles. In view of the fact that I am an apostle to the Gentiles, I magnify my ministry, if I can somehow make my own people jealous and save some of them.” Romans 11:11-14 (HCSB)

If Israel would forsake the Lord for the “false gods” of the Gentiles, perhaps, they would forsake those false gods in favor of Him when He became the God of the Gentiles. In essence, “If you want to follow the religions of the Gentiles, then I will cause the Gentiles to worship Me. Therefore, following the Gentiles will lead you back to Me.” But Israel was supposed to lead the Gentiles to God! And that is what Messiah, a Jew, did.

“I the Lord have called You into righteousness, and will hold Your hand, and will keep You, and give You for a covenant of the people, for a light of the Gentiles; To open the blind eyes, to bring out the prisoners from the prison, and those that sit in darkness out from the prison house.” Isaiah 42:6 (NKJV)

“I Indeed He says, ‘It is too small a thing that You should be My Servant to raise up the tribes of Jacob, and to restore the preserved ones of Israel; I will also give you as a light to the Gentiles, That You should be My “salvation” (Heb: Yeshua, also the Name of Jesus) to the ends of the earth.” Isaiah 49:6 (NKJV)

“This is the blessing that Moses, the man of God gave the Israelites before his death.” Deuteronomy 33:1 (HCSB)

Almost at the end of the Torah (and the end of his life), Moses’ closing remarks end with a song and a poetic blessing. Something to note is how Moses’ blessing differs from the blessing Jacob gave before he passed away.

As I pointed out a few days ago, Deuteronomy is a very gracious book. Moses retells Israel’s story but opts to focus on God’s grace and mercy instead of His punishment of sin. Moses’ blessing of Israel is gracious and positive. It is a sharp contrast to Jacob’s blessing, which seemed more like a curse! (Genesis 49)

Jacob’s blessing may have been harsh because of his paternal perspective. He knew his sons and the attitudes and spiritual tendencies that would be passed down throughout the generations. Moses’ blessing was based on what the Lord had shown him concerning His plans for Israel’s future.

Something you may have noticed missing from Moses’ blessing is that the tribe of Simeon is not mentioned. Scholars have varied differences of opinion as to why Simeon is absent. Some experts say the poem/blessing was added after Moses’ death (by Ezra), leading them to believe the tribe of Simeon was irretrievably dispersed at the time of the blessing’s addition to Deuteronomy. That assumption may be a well-informed, educated guess, but it is still conjecture.

Interestingly to note, the name “Simeon” makes a timely reappearance in the New Testament on the day of Jesus’ circumcision.

“There was a man in Jerusalem whose name was Simeon. This man was righteous and devout, looking forward to Israel’s consolation, and the Holy Spirit was on him. It had been revealed to him by the Holy Spirit that he would not see death before he saw the Lord’s Messiah. Guided by the Spirit, he entered the temple complex. When the parents brought in the child Jesus to perform for Him what was customary under the law, Simeon took Him up in his arms, praised God, and said: ‘Now, Master, You can dismiss your slave in peace, according to Your word. For my eyes have seen your salvation. You have prepared it in the presence of all the peoples – a light for revelation to the Gentiles and glory for Your people, Israel.’” Luke 2:25-32 (HCSB)

Perhaps, it is totally unrelated, but I find it interesting that the name (Simeon), which Moses omits from his blessing, is the name of the man whom the Lord chose to bless Messiah Jesus on the day He was dedicated as a baby. Of course, in His pre-advent, Messiah (Who exists eternally in both past and future - Micah 5:2) had already been dedicated to being our “Yeshua” (Hebrew: “salvation of God,” aka “Jesus”) before the World was founded. (1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8)

“Then Moses went up from the plains of Moab to Mount Nebo, to the top of Pisgah, which faces Jericho, and the Lord showed him all the land: Gilead as far as Dan, all of Naphtali, the land of Ephraim and Manasseh, all the land of Judah as far as the Mediterranean Sea, the Negev, and the region from the Valley of Jericho, the City of Palms, as far as Zoar. The Lord then said to him, ‘This is the land I promised Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob, ‘I will give it to your descendants.’ I have let you see it with your own eyes, but you will not cross it.’” Deuteronomy 34:1-4 (HCSB)

Deuteronomy 34, the last chapter in the Torah, ends with the death of Moses. Just before Moses’ death, the Lord led him to the top of Pisgah on Mount Nebo. From there, the Lord enabled Moses to see the “promised land” in its entirety.

When I first read this passage, as a young believer, I felt God was being cruel to Moses. Adonai didn’t seem very gracious towards His servant, who faithfully trusted Him. Moses wasn’t perfect, but it felt like God was dangling the ever-elusive carrot one last time.

A few years ago, I went to the top of Mount Pisgah just to view Israel as Moses had. To my surprise, you can hardly see the land at all!! It was then that I realized God had given Moses an extraordinary gift. He had enabled Moses to see prophetically. Add the fact that Israel never fully conquered the land, and God’s grace to Moses is more profound. Moses is the ONLY person to have seen the Promised Land inhabited by Israel in its entirety.

Faith is the evidence of things unseen, and at the end of his faithful life, Moses was allowed to view the object of his faith journey. (James 1:12) For Moses, it was enough. He could pass, knowing his work was not in vain. Moses’ success would come at the hands of his successor, Joshua.

For us, the end of the Torah should act as a reminder that life is not about building our earthly kingdoms. We should be focused on the Heavenly one. God honors those who “die to themselves” so that others can enter into His Kingdom.

There’s only one thing better than seeing the “promised land” just before you die. That’s entering God’s eternal presence immediately afterward. And that’s exactly what Moses did. (Matthew 17:1-9)

“Only be strong and very courageous that you may observe to do according to all the law which Moses My servant commanded you; do not turn from it to the right hand or to the left, that you may prosper wherever you go. This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate in it day and night, that you may observe to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.” Joshua 1:7-8*

It is especially difficult when a really good leader must be replaced. Take Moses, for instance. Joshua was not the central figure in Moses and Aaron’s day. He was a man always just out of focus in the background of the photos of Moses and Aaron. Would the people trust and follow Joshua? The greater question is: Will Joshua trust and follow the Lord? In a results-oriented world, it is good to know that we serve a process-oriented God. God is highly concerned with our obedience. He (and He alone) provides the fruit of our labor. And that is freeing, isn’t it? We really need only to seek Him through His Word and pray and act according to it, knowing that is all He requires of us. It is definitely a point that King David wanted us to remember:

“Blessed is the man who walks not in the counsel of the ungodly; nor stands in the path of sinners, nor sits in the seat of the scornful; but his delight is in the Law of the Lord, and in His Law he meditates day and night.” Psalm 1:1-2

Following God’s Word is a struggle at war with our human nature: The flesh (the corruptible sin-self) struggles against the Holy Spirit within us. Therefore, true faith is not simple or purely intellectual but demands strength and courage from us.

“For I know that in me (that is, in my flesh) nothing good dwells; for to will is present with me, but how to perform what is good I do not find. For the good that I will to do, I do not do; but the evil I will not to do, that I practice. Now if I do what I will not to do, it is no longer I who do it, but sin that dwells in me. I find then a law that evil is present with me, the one who wills to do good. For I delight in the law according to the inward man. But I see another law in my members, warring against the law of my mind and bringing me into captivity to the law of sin which is in my members.” Romans 7:18-23

Yet, in the midst of our struggle (to know and obey God’s Word), we have hope and assurance from His Word that God’s victory is not only assured but that the Holy Spirit, which works within the believer, will accomplish what He has called us to do! But we must respond in accordance with the Holy Spirit.

“You are of God, little children, and have overcome them, because He who is in you is greater than he who is in the world. They are in the world. Therefore they speak as of the world, and the world hears them. We are of God. He who knows God hears us; he who is not of God does not hear us. By this we know the Spirit of truth and the spirit of error.” 1 John 4:4-6

*all verses are NKJV

“So the two men went into the hill country and stayed there three days until the pursuers had returned. They (soldiers of Jericho) searched all along the way, but did not find them. Then the men returned, came down from the hill country, and crossed the Jordan. They went to Joshua son of Nun and reported everything that had happened to them. They told Joshua, “The Lord has handed over the entire land to us. Everyone who lives in the land is also panicking because of us.” Joshua 2:22-24 (HCSB)

When considering Joshua’s strategy of sending spies into Canaan, it may help to review Numbers 13-14. Under Moses’ direction, 12 spies were sent out. 10 came back with a bad report and disheartened the Israelites. The dissenting 2 spies were Joshua and Caleb.

Per God’s judgment, the only two from that generation who were allowed to enter the Promised Land were Joshua & Caleb. They believed God despite overwhelming circumstances.

When Joshua began leading Israel, and the time came to send out spies, he remembered Israel’s past failure. Last time, only 2-out-of-10 gave a good report, so perhaps this time Joshua chose only 2 spies: Righteous spies. The 2 spies’ scouting of Jericho is strikingly similar to the 2 angels’ scouting Sodom and Gomorrah before its destruction. (Genesis 18:16, Genesis 19)

A faithless spy might have seen a well-fortified city full of people eager to defend themselves. God showed Joshua’s spies something different. They observed that the people of Jericho had lost their resolve. All Jericho was afraid of Israel because Israel held the most important military position: the high moral ground. Hence, God would fight for Israel.

Consider the testimony of Rahab, the prostitute, “For we have heard how the Lord dried up the waters of the Red Sea before you when you came out of Egypt, and what you did to Sihon and Og, the two Amorite kings you completely destroyed across the Jordan. When we heard this, we lost heart and everyone’s courage failed because of you, for the Lord your God is God in heaven above and earth below.” Joshua 2:10-11 (HCSB)

When you commit yourself to know the crucified and resurrected Messiah, and nothing else, you hold the most valuable advantage in spiritual battle. Search His Word for truth to live by and depend on the power of His Spirit to sustain and prosper you. For in doing so, no weapon formed against you will prosper. (Isaiah 54:17)

When you prepare for spiritual battle and seek wise reconnaissance, cut yourself free of all opinions that forsake God’s promise and power. Rely only on those who trust in the Lord and who have committed to living solely by His Word.

Grab your Bible & experience the Groundworks Ministries Podcast as Steve Wiggins leads us through the full chapter of Joshua 3. Click the links below to watch or listen now!

“The Israelites did just as Joshua commanded them. The 12 men took stones from the middle of the Jordan, one for each of the Israelite tribes, just as the Lord had told Joshua. They carried them to the camp and set them down there. Joshua also set up 12 stones in the middle of the Jordan where the priests who carried the ark of the covenant were standing. The stones are there to this day.” Joshua 4:8-9 (HCSB)

Israel is a very rocky place. There is a story they tell children in Israel: During creation, the Lord told two of His angels to fly around the world, scattering the rocks. One was to fly to the west, and the other eastward. When they flew over Israel, they collided, spilling them all!

Whenever you see “rocks” in the Bible, the term communicates “remembrance.” Rocks were here before us, and they’ll be here long after we’re gone. All the memorials in Israel are covered in small stones. It sends a clear message: You are not forgotten.

It makes sense then that Joshua would command the Israelites to gather stones from the bottom of the Jordan. He wanted future generations to see the rocks and ask, “Why are these stacked here?” The rocks are evidence of the miracle. In every re-telling of the miracle story, God’s deliverance is remembered.

Joshua’s stone memorial reminds me of when John the Baptist rebuked the skeptics who came out to see him immersing people in the Jordan.

“And don’t presume to say to yourselves, ‘We have Abraham as our father.’ For I tell you that God is able to raise up children for Abraham from these stones!” Matthew 3:9 (HCSB)

Could it be that John the Baptist was pointing to that very stack of rocks that Joshua had set up? He was certainly in the same area where Israel crossed over. The Bible doesn’t say.

Perhaps, more intriguing than the stack of rocks on the bank of the Jordan was the stack of rocks Joshua placed at the bottom of the Jordan.

The prophet Jeremiah describes a highway in the last days on which the exiles of Israel, accompanied by people from all nations, will walk home. The riverbeds will dry up. Could it be that on their march home, this group of Jew and Gentile believers will cross Jordan’s riverbed and see those stones Joshua arranged and remember Him who miraculously fulfills His Word?

From time to time, when the Lord brings me through a difficult season, I will select a special stone and place it in a visible place as a memorial. Whenever I see it, I’m reminded of God’s deliverance. Take a moment and remember God’s grace in your life.

“At that time, the Lord said to Joshua, ‘Make flint knives and circumcise the Israelite men again.’  So Joshua made flint knives and circumcised the Israelite men at Gibeath-haaraloth.  This is the reason Joshua circumcised them: All the people who came out of Egypt who were males – all the men of war – had died in the wilderness along the way after they had come out of Egypt.  Though all the people who came out were circumcised, none of the people born in the wilderness along the way were circumcised after they came out of Egypt.”  Joshua 5:2-5 (HCSB)

Sometimes our sin cannot be fully realized in our lifetime.  This is especially true with so-called “secret sin,” or sins of the heart.  Of course, God knows everything, so there is no “secret sin.”  But sinful thoughts and attitudes, which are not displayed in overtly demonstrative ways, are still transmitted and “caught” by those close to you: this is whether you know it or not.  People close to you know you better than you may think.

Not all people who do good deeds have a good heart.  But all people whose hearts are right will do good deeds.  If you follow a righteous person home and spy on their intimate surroundings, you’ll find that righteousness begins with simple habits of personal worship: They read their Bibles and pray; they begin the day grounded.  Then, they teach God’s Word to their children, share it with their spouse, friends, and co-workers, etc.

Israel had developed a “heart problem.”  After they had personally set themselves apart through circumcision, they had neglected to circumcise the next generation.  So much so that EVERY boy born in the desert could be distinguished by his un-circumcision!

God commanded Joshua to perform a simple (albeit extremely painful) procedure that every parent had denied their baby boys on the eighth day after their child’s birth.  Interestingly, doctors say circumcision hurts infants much less than adults.  Infants heal faster and are less mobile, thus irritating their circumcised “area” less.

There are certain things the Lord requires of us; no questions or negotiations allowed.  Delaying obedience only delays the inevitable.  The “Exodus generation” Israelites’ lack of personal zeal affected at least two generations: Theirs and their childrens. 1) They were personally not allowed to enter the Promised Land, and 2) They caused undue trauma to their children.

“The Lord said to Joshua, ‘Look, I have handed Jericho, its king, and its fighting men over to you. March around the city with all the men of war, circling the city one time. Do this six days. Have seven priests carry seven ram’s horn trumpets (shofars) in front of the ark. But on the seventh day, march around the city seven times, while the priests blow the trumpets. When there is a prolonged blast of the horn and you hear its sound, have all the people give a mighty shout. Then the city wall will collapse, and the people will advance, each man straight ahead.’” Joshua 6:2-5 (HCSB)

Let’s face it. Some things the Lord asks us to do simply don’t make sense to us at the time. Sometimes, life seems to fall apart. Whenever that happens, we feel the urge to put God on the back burner and take control of ourselves. All the while, the Lord is telling us, “Be still, and watch me deliver you….”

If we were honest with each other, we’d have to admit we want God to supply everything we need, with no effort on our part. But that’s not God’s plan. If you listen closely, you can hear God saying, “Work hard, and I will deliver you.”

So, do we wait on him, or do we work hard? In a word, YES! The key to following the Lord is in our closeness to Him and our listening for His direction. Sometimes He shouts, but mostly He speaks at a normal volume or even whispers. He is not silent; we’re just not listening.

Just outside of Jericho, the Israelites must have been thinking Joshua was out of his mind. “You want us to WHAT?” Not only were they commanded to march around Jericho once a day for six days and blow trumpets, but they couldn’t even utter a word. In the words of my friend, Rabbi Larry Feldman, “Do you know how hard it is to keep Jewish people from talking? There’s your miracle!”

Israel had to learn a lesson in obedience, and we could all learn from it. If the victory is the Lord’s, the battle method is arbitrary. Not unimportant, just arbitrary to conventional thought. How does tithing expand your business? How does prayer heal a person’s cancer? How does reading Scripture restore a marriage? None of those things, in and of themselves, accomplishes those goals. God performs the miracle, but He commands us to faithfully obey His Word.

God may give us limited participation in the processes, but He doesn’t need us to accomplish His purposes. He simply calls us to obey. Sometimes, I wonder if the (seemingly) arbitrary nature of our participation is exactly what He intended, so the source of the victory will be undeniably Him!

“Achan replied to Joshua, ‘It is true. I have sinned against the Lord, the God of Israel. This is what I did: When I saw among the spoils a beautiful cloak from Babylon, 200 silver shekels, and a bar of gold weighing 50 shekels, I coveted them and took them. You can see for yourself. They are concealed in the ground inside my tent, with the money under the cloak.’” Joshua 7:20-21 (HCSB)

Achin’s confession provides precise insight into the pattern of sin. There are predictable steps that people always take leading up to the “sin act.”

Achin responds to Joshua: 1) I saw, 2) I coveted, 3) I took, and 4) I hid.

We have all willfully disobeyed the Lord. Be honest; we have all done it. It always begins with a look. Seeing is not a sin. It’s just an awareness that something exists. For instance, there is nothing wrong with recognizing someone is attractive. There’s obviously nothing wrong with being attractive. (That is, as long as you’re not knowingly exploiting your attractiveness in such a way as to tempt someone.) But we get into moral hot water when we linger on what we see.

Lingering too long on an object of desire can lead to coveting. Coveting is a form of idolatry where you ascribe power & control to something that should otherwise have a benign effect on you. Eventually, you simply can’t live without the object of your desire, regardless of what God says about the matter. You become obsessed.

Obsession is a heart condition; it is sin. Unchecked covetous obsession leads to some form of “acting out.” That action of sinning has observable consequences.

The primary consequence of sin is to the offender. That consequence is called “guilt.” When people feel guilty, they cover their sin instead of confessing. If they would confess, the Lord would forgive them, and the community could bring them into accountability and restoration. Sadly, since it was pride that turned the sinner away from righteousness, it is typically pride that keeps them from confession and restoration.

Once sin is hidden, there is only one step left: Revelation. That is God’s part. God exposes the sinner. His revelation of sin is not the same as man’s confession. Confession is good for the soul, but the un-willful revelation of sin leads to some manner of stricter judgment and remorse.

In closing, there is a concept taught in today’s passage that seems to be lost in our society. It is the concept that one person’s sin affects the entire community. There is no personal secret sin that only affects you. Just as your personal devotion to God plays an important role in the overall health of a Godly community, your personal sin is damaging to that community.

“…resist the Devil, and he will flee from you.” James 4:7 (HCSB) (Matthew 4:1-11)