Readings for today: Numbers 14-16, Psalms 95
Today’s passage reveals two things in stark terms. First, the greatest obstacle to the fulfillment of God’s mission is us. Humanity. Human beings made in the image of God who continually rebel against God. Second, the reason God’s mission will always succeed is because of His great faithfulness. His steadfast, loyal love. His grace that extends from generation to generation. Without God’s love, we would be doomed. Destroyed. Our sin is simply too much. Our tendency to rebel to hard to resist. Our pride too much to overcome.
The people of God quake in fear at the report of the spies. They mutiny against Moses and the Lord. They make plans to head back to Egypt. Back to slavery. Back to what was familiar. But for the intervention of the Lord, they would even have stoned Moses to death! Incredible! Korah rebels. Dathan and Abiram rebel. The people blame Moses and Aaron for their deaths. God sends plagues. He opens the earth. He allows them to be defeated in battle. He makes them wander in the wilderness until an entire generation passes away. It’s depressing how often God’s people turn their back on Him. But still He remains faithful. Faithful to love. Faithful to judge. Faithful to discipline. Faithful to comfort. Through the intercession of Moses and Aaron, God makes His steadfast love and faithfulness known. He reveals His nature and character and the people are once again reminded of God’s greatest desire which is the fill the earth with His glory.
Friends, come hell or high water, God will make His glory known. No obstacle will stand in His way. No power will prevent Him from accomplishing this great task. Not sin. Not evil. Not even death. “But truly, as I live, all the earth will be filled with the glory of the Lord.” (Numbers 14:21 NET) It’s an incredible statement! One that drives God even to this day. God’s plan is for God’s people who are made in God’s image to multiply and fill the earth! This is the “Great Commission” given to Adam, Noah, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and the people of Israel. And Jesus renews this Great Commission at the end of Matthew’s Gospel when He sends His disciples out into all the world to make other disciples.
So think about your own life? Where are you living in willful disobedience? Where are you living in stubborn rebellion? What sins are you clinging to, refusing to let go? Is it pride? Is it anger? Is it disappointment? Is it fear? Where are you personally getting in the way of God’s mission to fill the world with His glory? Repent and believe and let the Spirit of God fill you and use you to spread His glory.
Readings for tomorrow: Numbers 17-20