Day 72

Numbers 19:1–20:29; Luke 1:1-25; Psalm 56:1-13; Proverbs 11:8

WE EXPERIENCED HIGH drama and transition in the Scriptures today, in both Old and New Testament readings.

In Numbers, God told Moses, “Because you did not trust me enough to demonstrate my holiness to the people of Israel, you will not lead them into the land I am giving them!” (Numbers 20:12).

The people had begun to complain again about their lack of water, and God instructed Moses to lead them to a rock and speak forth water. Instead, Moses had the people gather, and he shouted at them in anger: “Listen, you rebels! . . . Must we bring you water from this rock?” (Numbers 20:10).

He then struck the rock twice with his staff. God provided water for the people, but Moses was excluded from the Promised Land because of his disobedience. This may seem severe (and it was), but the implications were even worse. All the complaining to Moses constantly put him in the position of being an advocate to God for the people, and vice versa. At the waters of Meribah, Moses didn’t speak to the rock as instructed so that once again God could display His power to care for His people. Instead, Moses spoke to the people in anger, insinuating that he and Aaron would bring water to this ungrateful horde. What could have been another example of God’s provision became a public mess. God did provide the much-needed water, but because of Moses’ actions, God’s care for His people was not acknowledged in a critical time as the people settled into the idea that only their children would be crossing the Jordan River.

Additionally, we said good-bye to Aaron today. Moses, Aaron, and his son Eleazar climbed Mount Hor as instructed by God. Aaron’s priestly vestments were transferred to Eleazar, and Moses and Eleazar returned to the people. Aaron died on the mountain.

In the New Testament, we began the Gospel of Luke —the final of the synoptic Gospels. As we journey through Luke, we’ll certainly encounter stories of Jesus’ life that we’ve read before, but Luke has its own personality, as do Matthew and Mark. Luke was written to a Gentile (non-Jewish) audience and reveals that the gospel of Jesus Christ includes the whole world —not only those of the Jewish faith.

MEDITATION:

When I am afraid, I will put my trust in you. I praise God for what he has promised. I trust in God, so why should I be afraid? What can mere mortals do to me?

The godly are rescued from trouble, and it falls on the wicked instead.