Bible Pathways

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 14 -- 15

Highlights:

Israel's 38 years of wasted life; All those men which have seen My glory, and My miracles . . . have tempted Me now these ten times and have not hearkened to My voice (Num. 14:22; see Deut. 2:14); Then 10 times they have rebelled against His Word (Ex. 14:10-12; 15:23-24; 16:2-3,20,26-27; 17:1-3; 32:1-10; Num. 11:1; 11:4-10; 14:2-10). Moses interceded in prayer for the Israelites.
Verses for Today:

I the Lord have said, I will surely do it unto all this evil congregation, that are gathered together against Me: in this wilderness they shall be consumed, and there they shall die (Num. 14:35).
As they left the wilderness of Sinai, the Israelites were led northward until they reached Kadesh-barnea where, for the first time, the people could actually see the promised land lying before them. The march from Egypt, including the stay at Mount Sinai (Horeb), had taken about 2 years. Now they stood on the threshold of that glorious promised land. A leader from each tribe had taken 40 days to spy out the land. They returned carrying a single cluster of grapes so large it took two men to carry it. The grapes were a confirmation of its extraordinary fruitfulness. The Israelites were assured that Canaan was a land that floweth with milk and honey; and this is the fruit of it (13:27). Caleb, one of the 12, was quick to say: Let us go up at once, and possess (occupy) it; for we are well able to overcome it (13:30). However, ten of the spies discouraged the people, saying: The people be strong that dwell in the land, and the cities are walled, and very great (13:28,31). And all the congregation lifted up their voice, and cried (made loud lament). . . . And all . . . of Israel murmured (grumbled) against Moses and against Aaron . . . Would God that we had died in the land of Egypt! . . . Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt (14:1-4).
Little did they realize how this tenth act of rebellion marked the transition of the nation from pilgrims (Heb. 11:13; I Pet. 2:11) being led by God during the first two years to wanderers (Hos. 9:17) in the desert for the next 38 years. During this time, they complained: Would God we died in this wilderness! (Num. 14:2). And He gave them their request (Ps. 106:15).

Satan seeks to divert a Christian from serving the Lord first, having the single eye (Matt. 6:22; Luke 11:34) that puts the Lord first and foremost above other considerations. Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith (Heb. 10:22).

Thought for Today:

Man doth not live by bread only, but by Every Word that proceedeth out of the mouth of the Lord (Deut. 8:3).
Christ Revealed:

As the glory of God (Num. 14:22). Jesus Christ is the brightness of His glory (the glory of God), and the express image of His person (Heb. 1:3).
Word Studies:

14:33 bear your whoredoms =suffer for your unfaithfulness; 15:30 doeth ought presumptuously =is guilty of a deliberate sin; 15:34 in ward =in custody; 15:38 ribband =thread or cord.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Lawrence S. Collins • Staff: George Kopchak • Government Officials: Rep. Raul Grijalva (AZ) and Rep. Carolyn Maloney (NY) • Country: Afghanistan (22.7 million) in central Asia • Major languages: Pastu and Afghan Persian (Dari) • Hostile to Christian evangelization. For a Muslim to convert to Christianity is automatic execution • 97.5% Muslim; 1.5% Parsee; .35% Hindu; .1% Traditional ethic; .1% Baha'i; .02% Christian; .02% Sikh; .01% non-Religious • Prayer Suggestion: Rejoice that our Savior was born (Luke 2:11).
Optional Reading: Luke 6

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:12

[Judy Harder]

  Bible Pathways

Saturday, February 20, 2010   

Read Numbers 16 -- 18

Highlights:

Korah leads a rebellion against Moses and Aaron; plague sent by God; Aaron's rod that budded; duties for priests; the Tithe Offering required (18:24).
Verses for Today:

Korah, (and) the . . . sons of Reuben . . . rose up before Moses, with certain of the children of Israel, two hundred and fifty princes of the assembly, famous in the congregation . . . gathered themselves together against Moses and against Aaron. . . . And Korah gathered all the congregation against them (Num. 16:1-3,19).
Once again, Moses was confronted with opposition, this time from his own cousins and key leaders of the 12 tribes. They believed that the majority should rule the Nation. Two hundred fifty of the leading men of Israel were influenced by Korah, Dathan, and Abiram to rebel against Moses and Aaron. They accused Moses and Aaron of assuming too much authority, and their argument seemed very convincing: Ye take (assume) too much upon you, seeing all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is among them: wherefore then lift ye up yourselves above the congregation of the Lord? (16:3). They refused to recognize that Moses and Aaron were appointed by God to lead the people and that they were actually gathered together against the Lord and His anointed servants (16:11).
Korah did not just make a mistake, he committed a serious sin, as recorded by Jude, who wrote: I will therefore put you in remembrance . . . how that the Lord, having saved the people out of the land of Egypt, afterward destroyed them. . . . Woe unto them! for they . . . ran greedily after the error of Balaam for reward, and perished in the gainsaying (rebellion) of Core (Korah) (Jude 1:5,11).

Korah was a believer in God from the priestly tribe of Levi. The Kohathites were responsible for bearing the Sanctuary upon their shoulders (Num. 7:9) and later would be set over the service of song in the House of the Lord (I Chr. 6:22,31) and over the Shewbread, to prepare it every Sabbath (9:31-32). However, it appears that Korah would serve the Lord if it resulted in bringing recognition to himself. Self-willed people need to recognize that the wrath of God is revealed from heaven against all ungodliness and unrighteousness of men, who hold the truth in unrighteousness (Rom. 1:18), but will not believe it themselves or teach it to others. It is a fearful thing to fall into the hands of the Living God (Heb. 10:31).

Thought for Today:

For the Word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword (Heb. 4:12).
Christ Portrayed:

By Aaron and his sons, who were responsible for making proper atonement for all of the sins of Israel (Num. 18:1). Jesus was wounded for our transgressions, He was bruised for our iniquities (Is. 53:5); He gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity (lawlessness) (Titus 2:14).
Word Studies:

16:31 clave asunder =split open; 17:10 Testimony =Ark of the Covenant; take away their murmurings =put an end to their complaints; 18:15 Every thing that openeth the matrix =every firstborn; 18:30 heaved =offered.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for International Broadcasts sponsored by Mr. & Mrs. Casmir A. Zuranski • Government Official: Sen. Mitch McConnell, Jr. (KY) • Country: Albania (3.1 million) in southeastern Europe • Major languages: Albanian and Greek • Newly opened to evangelism • 41.5% Christian; 39% Muslim; 18.5% non-Religious/Other; .2% Baha'i; .01% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for (not against) your enemies (Luke 6:28).
Optional Reading: Luke 7

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:12

 

[Judy Harder]

February 21, 2010

Read Numbers 19 -- 20

Highlights:

Red Heifer Sacrifice; Miriam's death; Moses strikes the rock twice; Edom refuses Israel passage; Aaron's death.
Verses for Today:

Bring . . . a red heifer without spot . . . And one shall burn the heifer. . . . And a man that is clean shall gather up the ashes of the heifer, and lay them up without the camp in a clean place, and it shall be kept for the congregation of the children of Israel for a water of separation: it is a purification for sin (Num. 19:2-9).
The Red Heifer Sacrifice was instituted in the wilderness of Paran at a time when all Israel was under the sentence of death: The two hundred and fifty men who were consumed by fire (16:35) and the 14,700 who died in the plague, beside them that died about the matter of Korah (16:49). The Law required that whosoever toucheth the dead body of any man that is dead, and purifieth not himself, defileth the Tabernacle of the Lord (19:13). If . . . the ashes of a heifer sanctify for the cleansing of the flesh, how much more will the blood of Christ . . . cleanse your conscience from dead works to serve the Living God? (Heb. 9:13-14).
The blood of the red heifer was burned (Num. 19:5), its ashes were mixed with running water (19:17), and then it was sprinkled upon the defiled ones to restore them to the Holy God (19:18-19). The Hebrew word for "running" also means "living" — implying not only cleansing from sin but renewal of life. The water of purification was made from the ashes of only one heifer for all the people.

The Red Heifer Sacrifice is symbolic of Christ who cleanseth us from all sin (I John 1:7). Through His death on the cross, He has given unto us exceeding great and precious promises: that by these ye might be partakers of the Divine nature, having escaped the corruption that is in the world through lust (II Pet. 1:4). The plan of God is that Christ's own life be reproduced in Christians.

Through the red heifer ordinance, God revealed the importance of cleansing our thoughts, conversations, the books we read, associations with unbelievers, or whatever else defiles our minds or bodies. Holiness is commanded in both the Old and New Testaments. Sanctify yourselves therefore, and be ye holy: for I am the Lord your God (Lev. 20:7). So be ye holy in all manner of conversation; Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy (I Pet. 1:15-16).

As we pray for Christ to live out His life in us, we will express His character. Paul said: I am crucified with Christ: nevertheless I live; yet not I, but Christ liveth in me (Gal. 2:20).

Thought for Today:

But whoso keepeth His Word, in him verily is the love of God perfected (I John 2:5).
Christ Revealed:

Through the rock that Moses struck (Ex. 17:6; Num. 20:8-11). Christ, our Rock, who was struck once through His death on the cross, does not need to be struck again. That spiritual Rock (Petra) that followed (accompanied) them . . . was Christ (I Cor. 10:4). For in that He died, He died unto sin once (Rom. 6:10).
Word Studies:

19:6 hyssop = bushy plant used for cleansing; 20:3 chode =argued; 20:12 sanctify Me =uphold Me in reverential honor; 20:13 strove =contended; 20:14 travail =hardship; 20:15 vexed =afflicted; dealt harshly with.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Mary Kay Wagner • Government Officials: Rep. Charles Boustany (LA), Rep. Phil Hare (IL), Rep. John Lewis (GA), Rep. John Shimkus (IL), and Sen. Olympia Snowe (ME) • Country: Algeria (31.5 million) in North Africa • Major languages: Arabic and French • Opposition to the Gospel is intense • 95.7% Muslim; 3.02% non-Religious; .29% Christian; .01% Baha'i • Prayer Suggestion: Seek the Lord's teaching; grow and mature in your prayer life (Luke 11:1).
Optional Reading: Luke 8

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:13-16

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 21 -- 22

Highlights:

Fiery serpents; brass serpent; Israel defeats King Arad, Amorites, Moabites; Balaam hired to curse the Israelites.
Verses for Today:

The Lord sent fiery serpents among the people, and they bit the people, and much people of Israel died. . . . The people came to Moses, and said, We have sinned, for we have spoken against the Lord, and against thee; pray unto the Lord. . . . And Moses made a serpent of brass, and put it upon a pole, and it came to pass, that if a serpent had bitten any man, when he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived (Num. 21:6-7,9).
The Israelites were near their last encampment and would soon cross the Jordan River to enter into the promised land. Some of them had been children when, with their parents, they had left Egypt. Others had been born in the wilderness.
The people spake against God, and against Moses (21:5). His marvelous protection from the desert dangers was withdrawn. Until this time, there was no record that anyone had been bitten by a serpent (Note Deut. 8:15).

When they repented, Moses prayed for the people (Num. 21:7). The response to his prayer was immediate. The Lord said unto Moses, Make thee a fiery serpent, and set it upon a pole: and it shall come to pass, that every one that is bitten, when he looketh upon it, shall live (21:. The brass serpent not only symbolized the judgment of God against their sin but also His loving mercy for all those who repented. One must look in faith at the brass serpent to be healed. Mankind was poisoned by that old serpent, called the Devil (Rev. 12:9) and all of us become enslaved to sin.

Many centuries later, Jesus said to Nicodemus, a ruler of the Jews. . . . As Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: That whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life (John 3:1,14-15). Jesus said that the serpent which had been lifted up by Moses illustrated Himself as the One who would be lifted up on the cross as the only way to be saved from eternal death (3:14; 12:32-33). Jesus continued: Verily, verily, I say unto thee, Except a man be born of water and of the Spirit, he cannot enter into the Kingdom of God (3:5). All mankind (Jesus the One exception) was born spiritually dead. But, when we receive Christ as Savior and Lord of our lives, we are "born again" and receive His spiritual nature: As many as received Him, to them gave He power to become the sons of God, even to them that believe on His Name (John 1:12).

Thought for Today:

In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God (John 1:1).
Christ Portrayed:

By Moses who was faithful to pray to God for the people (Num. 21:7). Christ Jesus; Who was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all his house (family, i.e. the Israelites) (Heb. 3:1-2). Jesus . . . liveth to make intercession (7:22-25).
Word Studies:

21:4 compass =go around; 21:11 sunrising =eastern border; 21:23 suffer =permit; 22:1 this side =eastern side; 22:4 lick up =defeat in battle, consume; 22:5 over against =in front of; opposite; 22:6 wot =know.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Gina Lesnefsky • Country: Andorra (78,000) in the eastern Pyrenees between France and Spain • Major languages: Catalan and French • Official freedom of religion • 94% Christian; 4% non-Religious; .6% Muslim; .9% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Ask for your daily needs (Luke 11:3)
Optional Reading: Luke 9

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:13-16

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 23 -- 25

Highlights:

Prophecies of Balaam; Israel sins; Baal worship; the plague of death stopped by Phinehas.
Verses for Today:

Israel abode in Shittim, and the people began to commit whoredom with the daughters of Moab. And they called the people unto the sacrifices of their gods: and the people did eat, and bowed down to their gods. And Israel joined himself unto Baal-peor: and the anger of the Lord was kindled against Israel (Num. 25:1-3).
The last encampment of the Israelites on the eastern side of the Jordan River was on the Plains of Moab northeast of the Dead Sea near Mount Nebo, a few miles south of today's Amman, Jordan (22:1; 33:49; Josh. 2:1; 3:1). Everything seemed peaceful, with no apparent danger. But once again Israel ignored the Word of God who said: Thou shalt not bow down to their gods, nor serve them, nor do after their works (Ex. 23:24).
The Moabite women seduced the Israelite men to become involved in sexual immorality and idol worship (Num. 31:16; Rev. 2:14), thus breaking their Covenant vow of allegiance to the One True God. This disobedience resulted in a plague of death that swept through the tribes of Israel and those that died in the plague (pestilence) were twenty and four thousand (Num. 25:9).

The Apostle Paul was led to describe true Christian conversion as turning from idols to serve the Living and True God (I Thess. 1:9). Turning from idols is far more than merely professing that we are Christians. The Lord Jesus Christ proclaimed: Thou shalt worship the Lord thy God, and Him only shalt thou serve (Matt. 4:10).

Jesus warned that the way of eternal life is a narrow . . . way, which leadeth unto life, and few there be that find it (7:14). Not every one that saith unto Me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the Kingdom of Heaven; but he that doeth the will of My Father which is in heaven (Matt. 7:21).

Some say that we should be tolerant of the immoral (alternative) lifestyles that are increasing in popularity. But if we are committed to Jesus as Lord of our lives, then we will bring into captivity every thought to the obedience of Christ (II Cor. 10:5). Know ye not that your body is the Temple of the Holy Ghost (Spirit) which is in you, which ye have of God, and ye are not your own? For ye are bought with a price: therefore glorify God in your body (I Cor. 6:19-20).

Thought for Today:

Every Word of God is pure: He is a Shield unto them that put their trust in Him (Prov. 30:5).
Christ Revealed:

As the prophesied Star and Sceptre (Num. 24:17). Christ is coming to reign in great glory, not only over Israel, but over all men (Rev. 19:15-16). Unto the Son He saith, Thy throne, O God, is for ever and ever: a sceptre of righteousness is the sceptre of Thy Kingdom (Heb. 1:. I Jesus. . . . am the Root and the Offspring of David, and the Bright and Morning Star (Rev. 22:16).
Word Studies:

23:3 peradventure =perhaps; 23:10 dust =descendants; 23:22 unicorn =wild ox; 24:5 goodly =attractive, lovely; 25:3 kindled against =aroused against; 25:7 javelin =spear; 25:18 wiles =treacherous deceit (compare Eph. 6:11).
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Jennifer Cunningham • Government Official: Rep. Kenny Marchant (TX) • Country: Angola (11 million) in west-central Africa • Major languages: Portuguese and Bantu dialects • Christianity is gradually being driven underground by communism • 60% Roman Catholic; 20% Protestant; 5% belief in ancestor spirits, witches, and medicine men • Prayer Suggestion: Realize that your life is in the hands of God, and ask Him to deliver you from all evil (Luke 11:4).
Optional Reading: Luke 10

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:13-16

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 26 -- 27

Highlights:

Numbering (census) of the Israelites before entering the promised land; law of inheritance; Joshua to succeed Moses.
Verses for Today:

The Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua the son of Nun, a man in whom is the Spirit, and lay thine hand upon (transfer authority to) him. . . . And Moses did as the Lord commanded him (Num. 27:18,22)
Almost 40 years had passed since the exodus of the Israelites from Egypt. All the 603,550 adult men included in that earlier census (1:46), except Joshua, Caleb, and Moses had died. The new generation who were near the promised land were children when they left Egypt and were now 40 years older. The Lord spake unto Moses and unto Eleazar the son of Aaron the priest, saying, Take the sum (a census) of all the congregation of the children of Israel, from twenty years old and upward (26:1-2). This took place in the Plains of Moab by Jordan near Jericho (26:3).
Another major event was to take place before the Israelites could enter the promised land. The Lord said unto Moses, Get thee up into this Mount Abarim, and see the land which I have given unto the children of Israel. And when thou hast seen it, thou also shalt be gathered unto thy people (will die). . . . For ye rebelled against My Commandment in the Desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify Me (be obedient to My Command) at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah. . . . And Moses spake unto the Lord, saying, let the Lord, the God of the spirits of all flesh, set a man over the congregation. . . . And the Lord said unto Moses, Take thee Joshua (27:12-17).

Despite not being allowed to enter the promised land, Moses did as the Lord commanded him: and he took Joshua, and set him before Eleazar the priest, and before all the congregation . . . and gave him a charge (27:22-23). Moses blessed Joshua and laid his hands upon him (transferring his leadership). . . . And there arose not a prophet since in Israel like unto Moses, whom the Lord knew face to face (Deut. 34:9-10). Moses was the meekest man on earth (12:3). Meekness is a Christlike character: I am meek (Matt. 11:29). Put on therefore, as the elect of God . . . kindness, humbleness of mind, meekness, longsuffering; Forbearing one another, and forgiving one another (Col. 3:12-13).

In lowliness of mind let each esteem other better than themselves (Phil. 2:3).

Thought for Today:

For the Word of the Lord is right; and all His works are done in truth (Ps. 33:4).
Christ Portrayed:

By the man (Joshua) who would lead the people like a shepherd (Num. 27:17). Jesus said: I am the Good Shepherd. . . . My sheep . . . follow Me (John 10:11,27).
Word Studies:

26:2 sum =census; 26:61 strange =unauthorized; profane; unlawful; 27:4 done away from among his family =withdrawn; lost to his family; 27:19 give him a charge =commission him as your successor.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Ken Sharp • Government Official: Sen. Joe Lieberman (CT) • Country: Antigua and Barbuda (64,000) in the Leeward Islands of the eastern Caribbean • Major languages: English and local dialects • Religious freedom • 83% Protestant; 11% Roman Catholic • Prayer Suggestion: Pray persistently; you will receive an answer (Luke 11:9-10).
Optional Reading: Luke 11

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:13-16

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 28 -- 29

Highlights:

The daily and weekly offerings, the Sabbath and monthly offerings, and the offerings at the appointed feasts.
Verses for Today:

In the seventh month, on the first day of the month, ye shall have an holy convocation (sacred assembly); ye shall do no servile (daily) work: it is a day of blowing the trumpets unto you. . . . And ye shall have on the tenth day of this seventh month an holy convocation. . . . And on the fifteeneth day of the seventh month . . . ye shall keep a feast unto the Lord seven days (Num. 29:1,7,12).
The Israelites' civil year began in the fall with the Feast of Trumpets. This joyous day of blowing the trumpets (29:1) was followed 10 days later by the solemn Day of Atonement. This was followed by the Feast of Tabernacles (Booths), which was also called the Feast of Ingathering because the work in the fields was finished. It was a time of great rejoicing and lasted for seven days, from the 15th through the 21st of Tishri (Sept/Oct) (Ex. 23:16; 34:22; Lev. 23:33-44). It was followed in eight days with a holy convocation on the 22nd (Num. 29:35).
The Feast of Ingathering was the last of the annual festivals. It marked the conclusion of the Jewish sacred year (29:12-40). Far more sacrifices were offered during this feast than during any other to give praise and thanksgiving to God for the abundant harvest. The prolonged, detailed account of the offerings reveals how important it is that we give praise to the Lord, that we should be to the praise of His glory (Eph. 1:12).

For seven days, all the residents of Israel dwelt in temporary booths (shelters) as an annual reminder of the 40 years when they dwelt in tents. The trees used for these temporary dwellings also had symbolic meanings. The trees provided shade, as well as reminded the people of the Lord's protection and provision. The palm tree was the emblem of victory and the olive tree was a symbol of peace and the presence of God (Neh. 8:15). The willow tree of the brook (Lev. 23:40) signified a thriving and blessed people, a reminder that a blessed man shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his (its) fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper (Ps. 1:3).

The life of a Christian is a journey. It should be a great adventure of daily going on with the Lord into deeper experiences and greater faith. With the Apostle Paul, let us each say: I press toward the mark (goal) for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus (Phil. 3:14).

Thought for Today:

If ye continue in My Word, then are ye My disciples indeed (John 8:31).
Christ Revealed:

By the Tabernacles (Booths) (Num. 29:12-39; Lev. 23:34). The Word (logos, i.e. the sayings of God) was made (became) flesh, and dwelt among us (John 1:14). The Greek word translated dwelt means to "tabernacle or live in a tent temporarily."
Word Studies:

29:6 month =new moon; 29:7 ye shall afflict your souls: ye shall not do any work therein =you shall have a day of no work, but one of solemn fasting, soul searching, prayer, and repentance of all known sin.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Barbara Jean Loyd (retired) • Government Official: Rep. Jim Gerlach (PA) • Country: Argentina (37 million) in southern South America • Major languages: Spanish and English • Religious freedom • 87% Roman Catholic; 8% Protestant; 1.5% Muslim; 1% Jewish; 2.5% Other • Prayer Suggestion: Be specific in your prayers (Luke 18:41-43).
Optional Reading: Luke 12

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:13-16

[Judy Harder]

 
Bible Pathways

Friday, February 26, 2010

Read Numbers 30 -- 31

Highlights:

Law concerning vows; Midianites conquered; division of booty; officers and captains bring an offering to the Lord.
Verse for Today:

And Moses spake unto the people, saying, Arm some of yourselves . . . and let them go against the Midianites, and avenge the Lord of Midian (Num. 31:3).
The Midianites descended from Abraham through his second wife Keturah, whom he married after Sarah died (Gen. 25:1-2). The Midianites had devastated Israel, not as enemies who had won a war but as friendly neighbors who invited the Israelites to join them in their pagan celebration and then to commit adultery with their women (Num. 25:1-3). This resulted in the death of 24,000 Israelites (25:8-9).
But the day came when God spoke to Moses saying: Avenge the children of Israel of the Midianites (31:2; 25:17-18).

Then Moses sent Phinehas, the priest, and a thousand of every tribe to execute the judgment of God upon the ungodly Midianites. They took with them the silver trumpets. Israel trusted in the promise of God: If ye go to war . . . blow an alarm with the trumpets . . . and ye shall be saved from your enemies (10:9). God gave Israel an overwhelming victory without a single casualty. They slew the kings of Midian . . . Balaam also the son of Beor they slew with the sword (31:5-9,15-17). Balaam had chosen to live in luxury among the Midianites. It was not incidental that the judgment of God also fell on him (Heb. 9:27).

Ironically Balaam had said to Balak: I cannot go beyond the Word of the Lord my God (Num. 22:18; also 22:38; 23:26; 24:13). The Israelites are symbolic of the people of God — the Church (25:1-2). Some "Christians", like Balaam, seek first self-interests and compromise. This has deceived many as they assume they would die the death of the righteous (23:10) but fail to live like Christians.

God has said that Christ is before all things. . . . the Head of the Body, the Church . . . in all things He might have the preeminence (Col. 1:17-18). The children of God are to be faithful in pursuit of His will as revealed in His Word. It is within the Church that Christ professed that his followers would become without spot, or wrinkle, or any such thing (Eph. 5:27). For that purpose we were created. Christ . . . gave Himself for it (the Church); That He might sanctify and cleanse it with the washing of water by the Word, That He might present it to Himself a glorious Church . . . but that it should be holy (Eph. 5:25-27).

Thought for Today:

Sanctify them through Thy truth: Thy Word is truth (John 17:17).
Christ Revealed:

As the Ruling One who will righteously judge all sinners (Num. 31:1-17). In righteousness He doth judge (Rev. 19:11; II Thess. 1:7-9; Jude 1:14-15).
Word Studies:

31:29 for an Heave Offering =by a gesture of willingness, waving the sacrifice in presenting it to the Lord; 31:39 tribute =portion assigned to the Lord; required assessment; taxes.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Staff: Mike Moore • Government Official: Gov. Tim Kaine (VA) • Country: Armenia (3.8 million) southwest Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia • Major languages: Armenian and Russian • Religious freedom • 78.5% Armenian Apostolic Church; 3.3% Muslim; .05% Protestant; 17.7% Atheist/Agnostic • Prayer Suggestion: Watch and pray that you may be worthy to stand before the Lord Jesus Christ (Luke 21:36).
Optional Reading: Luke 13

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:13-16

[Judy Harder]

Read Numbers 32 -- 33

Highlights:

Reuben, Gad, and half of Manasseh settle east of the Jordan; a summary of Israel's 40 years of wandering.
Verses for Today:

The country which the Lord smote (conquered) . . . is a land for cattle, and thy servants have cattle: Wherefore, said they . . . let this land be given unto thy servants for a possession, and bring us not over Jordan (Num. 32:4-5).
More than 40 years had passed since Moses, while still in Egypt, foretold that God would lead Israel to the land He had promised to Abraham. While moving toward the promised land, two of the twelve tribes, those of Reuben and Gad, which had a very great multitude of cattle (32:1), decided they would be better off if they remained on the eastern side of the Jordan.
They evidently believed they would have greater opportunity for material success in the plains and valleys of the Amorites than in the land God had chosen for them. So they said to Moses: Bring us not over Jordan (32:5). They were joined by half the tribe of Manasseh (32:33). Moses replied: Wherefore (Why) discourage ye the heart of the children of Israel from going over into the land which the Lord hath given them? (32:7). Humanly speaking, it was a wise financial decision; but, spiritually, it was an act of compromise. The unity of the nation and being able to worship regularly in the presence of God at the Tabernacle should have been uppermost in their desires.

The two and one-half tribes typify self-indulgent Christians who, like the two and one-half tribes, allow worldly interests to influence them to neglect the Word of God. That is a slippery slope that will ultimately lead to eternal tragedies as the prophet foretold: My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge (Hos. 4:6).

The way God directs our lives seldom seems to be what we expect, but the spiritually-minded are primarily concerned with being in the perfect will of God. Some have suffered defeat because they chose their way instead of the way of God.

Christ is to be Lord of every Christian's life. Whatever the faults of the Church as we know it, the Church is Christ's Church and Christians are to be responsible members of a local body of believers. If we neglect the Church, we shall eventually drift into secular activities and a loss of spiritual treasures. Then said Jesus unto His disciples, If any man will come after Me, let him deny himself, and take up his cross, and follow Me. . . . For what is a man profited, if he shall gain the whole world, and lose his own soul? (Matt. 16:24,26).

Thought for Today:

I will praise Thee with uprightness of heart, when I shall have learned Thy righteous judgements (Ps. 119:7).
Christ Revealed:

Through the promised land — filled with abundance, as well as protection, for those who live in harmony with His Word (Num. 33:50-54). I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly (John 10:10).
Word Studies:

32:14 augment =increase; 32:39 dispossessed =drove out; 33:2 goings out =starting places; 33:52 pictures =carved figures that were objects of worship; quite pluck down =completely destroy; high places =places for idol worship.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for Country: Australia (19 million) an island continent between the Indian and Pacific Oceans • Major languages: English and native languages • Religious freedom • 40% Protestant; 27% Roman Catholic; 3% Orthodox; 2% Muslim • Prayer Suggestion: Intercede in prayer for others by name (Luke 22:31-32).
Optional Reading: Luke 14

Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:13-16

[Judy Harder]

Read Deuteronomy 1 -- 2

Highlights:

Moses' review of Israel's 40 years after leaving Egypt; commanded to leave Mount Sinai; commanded to enter the promised land but (they)rebelled against the Commandment of the Lord (Deut. 1:43); 38 years of wanderings.
Verses for Today:

I said unto you. . . . Behold, the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the Lord God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged. . . . Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the Commandment of the Lord your God: And ye murmured (Deut. 1:20-21,26-27).
Despite their miraculous deliverance from Egypt, the manna and water every day, and the cloud by day and fire by night to guide them, the adult generation of Israelites that left Egypt continually complained and found fault. They refused to enter the promised land and trust God for victory over the Canaanites.

Consequently, the first generation rejected the will of God and wasted their lives wandering in the wilderness until they all had died except Caleb and Joshua, who had said: Let us go up at once and possess it (Num. 13:30).

Some today are like the Israelites who found excuses for their disobedience to God, but others choose to be like Caleb and Joshua whose faith led them to be faithful servants regardless of adverse circumstances. After the older generation died, Moses began to declare (Deut. 1:5) the original message God had given the Israelites nearly 40 years earlier. To declare this Law meant more than to merely rehearse it; it meant to go into the Word of God to allow it to reveal new meaning. Moses spoke a new revelation of the love of God for His people four times (4:37; 7:7-8; 10:15; 23:5) which was to strengthen the new generation's faith in Him for whatever lies ahead. Christians can rejoice that, by faith in the Word of God, they can overcome the "giants" in their lives of the lust of the flesh . . . lust of the eyes, and the pride of life (I John 2:15-17). It is our privilege as Christians to be doers of the Word, and not hearers only (James 1:22).

Regardless of adverse circumstances, loving submission to the Lord develops our faith in His ability to guide, protect, and provide for our every need. We should live . . . to (do) the will of God. For the time past of our life (lives) may suffice us to have wrought the will of the Gentiles (unbelievers), when we walked in lasciviousness (sensuality, indecency, lusts, excess of wine, revellings, banquetings, and abominable idolatries (I Pet. 4:2-3).

Thought for Today:

He that rejecteth Me, and receiveth not My Words, hath One that judgeth him: the Word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day (John 12:48).
Christ Portrayed:

By Moses, who spake unto the children of Israel, according unto all that the Lord had given him in Commandment unto them (Deut. 1:3). Jesus faithfully told others everything God told Him to say. I do nothing of Myself; but as My Father hath taught Me, I speak these things (John 8:28).
Word Studies:

1:12 cumbrance =disputes; 1:39 should be a prey =would be taken captive; 1:42 smitten =defeated; 2:1 compassed =went around; 2:18 coast =border or territory; 2:33 smote =defeated.
Prayer Needs:

Pray for our Military worldwide • International Broadcasts for the month of March sponsored by Mary Hoffmeyer • Staff: Dr. John A. Hash • Country: Azerbaijan (7.7 million) southern Transcaucasia between Europe and Asia • Major languages: Azeri and Russian • Religious freedom • 65% Shi'a Muslim; 30% Sunni Muslim; 2% Russian Orthodox; 2% Armenian Apostolic; 1% Jewish • Prayer Suggestion: Pray for a spirit of humility and submission before the Lord (John 3:30-31).
Optional Reading: Luke 16

NOTE: Bible Pathway covers the Old Testament with devotional and commentary insights over a nine-month period, January through September. Each day during these months, an optional reading of one chapter a day from the New Testament will also be listed. The October, November, and December issues will provide a daily commentary on the New Testament readings. Thus, the reader goes through the New Testament twice each year using the Bible Pathway plan.
Memory Verse for the Week: Exodus 20:17