Day 73

Numbers 21:1–22:20; Luke 1:26-56; Psalm 57:1-11; Proverbs 11:9-11

IN NUMBERS, THE children of Israel requested passage through other nations’ territory. They were denied. King Sihon of the Amorites and King Og of Bashan took such aggressive postures that they attacked the Israelites, but those kings and their armies were defeated in battle. This gave Israel land in which they could settle —at least temporarily. These victories caused great anxiety in King Balak of Moab, so he sent for a man named Balaam to curse God’s people for him. At first, God told Balaam not to go, but a larger and more distinguished entourage was sent to persuade him. God instructed Balaam to return with them, but to speak only what he was told to say. We’ll watch this dramatic story unfold in the coming days.

In Luke’s Gospel, the angel Gabriel visited the maiden Mary, foretelling the coming Savior and her future role as the mother of God’s Son, Jesus. The outpouring of Mary’s heart was captured in what we now know as the Magnificat:

Oh, how my soul praises the Lord. How my spirit rejoices in God my Savior! For he took notice of his lowly servant girl, and from now on all generations will call me blessed. For the Mighty One is holy, and he has done great things for me.

These beautiful words give language to our worship, for because of Mary’s obedience and sacrifice, we each can apply them to our lives.

Our reading from Proverbs yet again confronts the way in which we use our words. Our words can destroy our friendships. We probably already know this to be true, but according to the Scriptures, this is godless behavior —a sobering thought that should have us catching ourselves before we speak what we cannot unsay. But we are also counseled that wicked speech can even tear entire communities apart.

What we say actually matters. Our relationships could undergo a complete transformation if we submitted our tongues to the power of the Holy Spirit rather than using them as weapons in a relational war that cannot be won. If we heed the counsel of Proverbs, we will reap the benefits.

WORSHIP:

Be exalted, O God, above the highest heavens! May your glory shine over all the earth.