Numbers and Deuteronomy Truths
I've been in the process of reading the entire bible in 365 days. Let me tell you, it's been somewhat of a trial. When I was in Leviticus, I ignored my reading for almost a month- it was just overwhelming- very dry, very draining. But I finally made it out, and then on through Numbers (which I actually really enjoyed), and now I'm cruising through Deuteronomy, which I also really enjoy, as a matter of fact.
As I'm reading things I've never read before (who chooses to spend time in the ooollllld Old Testament??), I'm learning an incredible amount of truths! Truths that have really come alive for me recently. So I thought I'd share some of the things God has been revealing to me:
1. Numbers 11:4-6
I am SO like the Israelites- give me good, or rest, or peace, or even just ordinary for a short while, and I become restless and start finding things to complain about.
2. Numbers 11:10-15
Moses being incredibly upfront and honest with God. I should learn from this. My prayers can be flowery or too wordy. I shouldn't be afraid to be honest with God. I shouldn't be afraid to tell Him how I really feel- verses 16 and 17 show me that God listens to what I have to say, and answers me, making a way where I thought there was none.
3. Numbers 21:6-9
The Lord punished the sin.
The people repented.
The Lord allowed temporary pain to continue (i.e. the snakes didn't disappear, or stop biting), but...
The Lord took away the permanent consequences (i.e. He made a way for them to live after having been bitten).
4. Numbers 23:12
This has become one of my favorite chapters in the OT. It's really full of truth and encouragement. This verse in particular really spoke to me: "Must I not speak what the Lord has put in my mouth?" When the Lord reveals something to me, do I hide it? Do i ignore it? Or do I speak it with boldness and compassion? It goes hand-in-hand with verse 26, "Did I not tell you I must do whatever the Lord says?" It's not just about the things you say, but about your actions. Your follow-throughs. If we are imitators of God, then we imitate both His promise and His follow-through, as seen in the next truth:
5. Numbers 23:19-20
When God says something, He means it. His promises are always fulfilled. But so are His warnings.
6. Deuteronomy 1:29-31
God carries us around like a father carries his children! What a beautiful thought, particularly for those of us who grew up without a father or even a father figure, or who grew up around a dad who was absent, abusive, or apathetic.
7. Deuteronomy 1:41-42
God asked the Israelites to do something and they refused. When He took away their inheritance (blessing), they freaked out and tried to hurry up and do what He had originally asked them to do. We learn:
a. There can be a time limit for blessings and promises if we refuse to obey God.
b. There are consequences to our disobeying (or even just not obeying) God.
He could have let them try, but He didn't. He knew the disastrous outcome for their behavior and warned them against it. Not because He wanted to say, "I told you so," but because He loved them and wanted to keep them safe, even after their disobedience.
8. Deut. 2:1-23
The Lord gave specific instruction to the Israelites as they went, to protect both them AND the people God had already promised things to (inheritance). He doesn't forget His promises, ever.
9. Deut. 8:5
God not only carries us as a father carries his son (Deut. 1:31), but He also disciplines us as a father does his son. This is necessary, and although it might hurt for the moment, it's important for our growth as His children. If we don't have limits and boundaries, we don't learn what is good and safe and healthy, and what is not. Just as in our relationships to our earthly parents (or children).
10. Deut. 10:12-22
A really powerful passage about the need to love and fear God, and His love for us, not in return, but firstly. He has already done the work. All we have to do is acknowledge it, remember it, and love Him.
11. Deut. 10:14-15
This is my favorite part of the above passage. Everything belongs to God, but He chose us, and loves us. Wow.
12. Deut. 11:16
"Be careful, or..." We must never let our guard down, even in the land of promise.
These are just my own personal musings, and the things I feel the Lord is speaking to my heart as I read through His Word. He might be telling you something different for your own personal walk with Him, or pointing out other passages that are specific to you today. Just listen to Him- He knows best and will walk with you until you get it right. And by that time, we'll be walking next to Him in Eternity, praise the Lord!
No comments:
Post a Comment