Are you reading the Bible through with me? Grab your pen and journal, and get ready to write your thoughts as you journey through the Bible.
Today read Numbers 13-15. Finally, the Israelites get a taste of the land God had promised to them.
Spies were sent to check out the situation and possible enemies in the Promised Land. But of the 12 spies who spent 40 days in the land, 10 of them said, "We cannot take the land. The cities are fortified (i.e. Jericho) and we saw giants in the land."
Only Caleb and Joshua spoke boldly, not of the Israelites resources or power, but of the power of Yahweh God to give them the land. God’s miracles and power were not easily forgotten by Caleb and Joshua. They trusted that since God had promised them the land, He would make sure they would win battles to take it.
But the people almost instantly rebelled, grumbling about Moses and Aaron and wanting to stone them. Moses and Aaron immediately humbled themselves before Yahweh and He showed up, right on time. Once again, God was furious with the whining and complaining behavior of the Israelites. He told Moses of His intent to wipe out all of Israel and create a new people from Moses' descendants.
Notice and mark Moses' response. He interceded and made a plea to God for the very people who wanted to stone him. Would we have been so tolerant and generous?
Is there someone who has turned on you, rejected you, or actively worked against you? Have you considered interceding in their behalf before God? It's almost . . . Christ-like! See Luke 23:34 and Ephesians 4:32.
In your journal, write about your experience of being rejected. How were you mistreated? Then write a prayer, forgiving those who tried to harm you and asking God to forgive them as well. It may be one of the most difficult things you ever do, but your relationship with God can never flourish until you forgive.
Pray: Today, Lord, bring to my mind those who have harmed me physically, emotionally, psychologically, or spiritually. A co-worker, family member, former friend, or even an abuser. My desire is to do to others as I would have them do to me. My vow to You, Lord, is that I will begin this day to intercede for those who have done me harm. I know that in doing so, You will soften my heart towards them and make forgiveness a reality. Help me to be quick to forgive others as You, in Christ, have forgiven me.
