https://esv.literalword.com/?q=numbers+14
Observations from today’s readings and today’s S-WOD, Monday, 31 March 2025:
Numbers 14:1-4 — Then all the congregation raised a loud cry, and the people wept that night. And all the people of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron. The whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness! Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? Our wives and our little ones will become a prey. Would it not be better for us to go back to Egypt?” And they said to one another, “Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.”
When the challenges seemed too tough to handle, the people folded and turned from the Lord and from those who remained faithful to the Lord (Moses and Aaron). The people decided it would be better to be comfortable slaves rather than fight for the freedom which God has promised would come with fidelity. “Why is the Lord bringing us into this land, to fall by the sword? … Let us choose a leader and go back to Egypt.” Sin always starts with a misrepresentation of the character of God, followed by a misrepresentation of character of man. When humans doubt the sovereignty and perfect love and providence of God, they convince themselves they must sin to be satisfied, safe, and secure, and they convince themselves they can do for themselves what the Almighty Creator can’t or won’t do for them. Today’s readings teach us that rebellion begins with distrust in God (verse 9). If you trust in the Lord and remain faithful to Him, you have nothing to fear.
Numbers 14:38 — Of those men who went to spy out the land, only Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh remained alive.
“The decisions and disobedience of others will not cancel God’s will for you. Other people’s actions will affect you, but no one can prevent what God wants to do in and through you. Joshua and Caleb trusted God and yet were forced to wander in a wilderness for forty years because of the fear and disbelief of others.
Have you ever felt that someone was thwarting God’s will for you? Perhaps someone kept you from getting a job or earning a promotion. Perhaps the government would not approve your application or a committee disagreed with your recommendation. Do you believe that mere man can stop God from accomplishing His purposes in your life? God did everything He intended to do in the lives of Joshua and Caleb. His primary assignment for them had not been to enter the Promised Land but rather to serve as godly leaders for their people. Joshua and Caleb could not lead the people if they were in the Promised Land by themselves while the people were still wandering in the wilderness! God kept these leaders in a position where they could exert a godly influence upon their nation, and, as a result, they became models of spiritual leadership for generations to come. Even so, God ultimately brought Caleb and Joshua into the Promised Land just as He had said. They had been delayed but not thwarted. Be assured of this: No one can hinder God from carrying out His plans for your life. Once God sets something in motion, no one can stop it (Isa. 46:11).” (Henry T. Blackaby)
“Cross” Fit S-WOD (Spiritual Workout of the Day) – 31 March 2025: No matter what is going on in your life right now. Trust God will all of your heart, rejoice, and remain wholeheartedly obedient to Him.
Defenders Bible Reading Plan 