After all that has happened to Israel since the nation crossed the Jordan to fulfill God’s promise to Abraham: after Jericho and Ai, and the painful lesson of Achan’s sin, and the division of the Promised Land, and the powerful final address from Joshua. One would think that these images and memories would be hard-pressed into the hearts of the children of Israel and serve as a vivid reminder of God’s power and grace. But no.
"…that God may open a door (Col. 4:3)"
'Covenant' tagged posts
It is interesting to observe that the people of Israel will consistently disobey God, and then, in turn, blame its leaders or even God himself. Why is it that mankind often lacks the ability to admit its own failures, accept responsibility for its choices and actions, or to place blame where blame is actually due?
Too often, I think, I fall into this trap that lets me think that I have accomplished something spiritually; that I have taken possession of my place in the Kingdom due to my own righteousness. What a mistake: to receive God’s grace and His blessings and then to convince myself somehow that I have done something worthy of those blessings.
In this week’s reading, we have the bizarre story of Balaam and Balak (the king of Moab); a disappointing sin that causes the deaths of 24,000 Israelites; and, two lengthy addresses from Moses to the nation of Israel.
I want to be rescued. But I don’t want to face trials. Or difficulties. Or my fears. That’s the story of the Israelites as God brings them out of Egypt.
This week’s reading details the origins of the twelve tribes of Israel, the name that God ultimately gives to Jacob (Genesis 32:28 and 35:10). Having been sent by his father, Abraham, to find a mate among his own people, Jacob travels to Haran – and stays much longer than I’m sure he anticipated!