Tag: Moses

September 9, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Partial Obedience

Opening Verse

“And Moses lifted up his hand, and with his rod he smote the rock twice: and the water came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their beasts also.” – Numbers 20:11 (KJV)

Introduction

The story of Moses striking the rock instead of speaking to it is a powerful example of the consequences of partial obedience. Moses was a faithful servant of God, but even he made the mistake of not fully following God’s command. This story teaches us the importance of complete obedience, especially when we are called to act in ways that may not make sense to us.

Devotional Story

In Numbers 20, the Israelites were once again grumbling because they had no water. God instructed Moses to speak to a rock, and it would bring forth water. But Moses, frustrated with the people, struck the rock twice with his staff instead. Water did flow out, and the people drank, but Moses’ disobedience cost him dearly. God told Moses that because he had not honored Him by following the exact command, he would not lead the Israelites into the Promised Land.

Moses’ action was an act of partial obedience. He still brought forth water, but he did it his own way, not God’s way. This small deviation had a significant consequence. God had wanted to display His power in a specific way, but Moses let his frustration get in the way of his obedience.

Like Moses, we may feel tempted to alter God’s instructions, thinking our way might be better or faster. But this story reminds us that even small deviations from God’s will are still disobedience.

What This Means

Partial obedience is not enough for God. Even when we think we are following most of His instructions, any deviation from His plan is a failure to trust in His wisdom. God desires obedience, not just results. Moses may have delivered the water, but his method showed a lack of trust. We must be careful to follow God’s instructions fully, even when they seem unusual or challenging.

Think About This

  • Are there areas where you are tempted to do things your way, instead of God’s way?
  • How can you take a step toward full obedience, trusting that God’s way is always the best way?

Prayer

Lord, I confess that I sometimes try to do things my way, instead of fully following Your instructions. Help me to trust You completely and obey Your commands, even when they don’t make sense to me. Strengthen my faith and help me walk in full obedience to Your will. In Jesus’ name, Amen.

Closing Verse

“And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron, Because ye believed me not, to sanctify me in the eyes of the children of Israel, therefore ye shall not bring this congregation into the land which I have given them.” – Numbers 20:12 (KJV)

January 5, 2024 Devotional Post a Comment

Annoyed by Absence

Opening Verse

“And when the people saw that Moses delayed to come down out of the mount, the people gathered themselves together unto Aaron, and said unto him, Up, make us gods, which shall go before us; for as for this Moses, the man that brought us up out of the land of Egypt, we wot not what is become of him.” (Exodus 32:1, KJV)

Introduction

In the journey of faith, there are moments when the physical absence of a leader can test the resolve and faithfulness of a community. The story of Moses and the golden calf is a stark reminder of how easily faith can waver and give way to doubt, leading to misguided actions.

Devotional Story

As Moses communed with God atop Mount Sinai, the Israelites grew anxious and restless in his prolonged absence. Their faith, once anchored in the mighty acts of God, began to falter. In desperation, they approached Aaron, seeking a tangible symbol of divine presence. Despite having witnessed God’s miraculous deliverance from Egypt, they chose to forge a golden calf, an idol representing their loss of faith in the unseen.

What This Means

This incident is a reflection of human nature’s inclination towards tangible symbols of security and identity, often at the expense of true faith. The golden calf was not merely a statue; it was a symbol of the Israelites’ struggle to trust in a God they could not see, especially in the absence of their human leader, Moses.

Think About This

Consider how often we, like the Israelites, look for tangible signs of God’s presence, especially during times of uncertainty or waiting. How do we maintain our faith in God’s promises and presence, even when we cannot see immediate evidence of His work in our lives?

Prayer

Heavenly Father, guide us to maintain steadfast faith in You, especially in times of uncertainty. Help us to resist the temptation to seek tangible substitutes for Your presence and to trust in Your unseen guidance and providence. Amen.

Closing Verse

“Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.” – Hebrews 11:1

November 2, 2023 Devotional Post a Comment

40

“But the days of Noah were forty days on the earth, and the waters increased and bore up the ark, and it rose high above the earth.” – Genesis 7:17 (NKJV)

Introduction:

In many cultures and religions, numbers often carry symbolic meanings. In the Bible, the number 40 is of particular significance. It typically represents periods of testing, trial, or probation.

Key Point Summary:

The biblical significance of the number 40 shows us that after periods of trials and testing, there’s often a new beginning or transformation.

Devotional:

The number 40 appears numerous times in the Scriptures. Moses spent 40 days and nights on Mount Sinai before receiving the Ten Commandments. The Israelites wandered the desert for 40 years. Jesus fasted for 40 days in the wilderness. And as our verse above tells us, it rained for 40 days and nights during the flood in Noah’s time. Each instance was a time of testing and spiritual preparation for a new phase or mission.

“And when He had fasted forty days and forty nights, afterward He was hungry.” – Matthew 4:2 (NKJV)

Contextual Insight:

In the ancient Near East, numbers often carried symbolic rather than strictly numerical value. The number 40, commonly found in the Bible, usually denotes a period of probation or testing. It’s a time of preparation for what’s next, whether that’s entering the Promised Land, embarking on a public ministry, or the world starting afresh after the flood.

Personal Reflection:

Have you ever faced a prolonged period of trial or testing in your life? What transformations or new beginnings came from that experience?

Practical Application:

1. Identify a current challenge and commit to facing it for the next 40 days.
2. Set aside time for reflection and prayer during these 40 days.
3. Share your journey with a trusted friend or mentor.

Prayer:

Lord, as we reflect on the significance of the number 40 in Your Word, we seek Your guidance during our times of testing. May we find strength in Your promises and see the transformations You have in store for us. Amen.

Conclusion:

Though challenges and trials may seem endless, they often serve as periods of spiritual growth and transformation. Embrace these moments, trusting in God’s plan and the new beginnings that await.

“For I am confident of this very thing, that He who began a good work in you will perfect it until the day of Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 1:6 (NKJV)

Further Reading:

Exodus 34:28, Numbers 14:34, Ezekiel 4:6

Faith Notes:

It’s remarkable to note how the number 40 isn’t just a random number in the Bible. Its recurrence signifies a divine orchestration and a deeper meaning for us to grasp.

Reader Participation:

Have you encountered a significant ’40’ in your life? Perhaps a milestone, challenge, or period of growth? Share your stories, and let’s inspire one another with the transformative power of perseverance and faith.

“But those who wait on the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles, they shall run and not be weary, they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40:31 (NKJV)