READING: Numbers 26, Mark 12:1-27
Sometimes we need reminders that God judges sin. We know that He does, but we often fail to consider that reality when temptation hits, we wrestle with obedience, and we want to rebel. We far too easily succumb to the lures of the devil without thinking about judgment.
Today’s Old Testament text, though, reminds us that God is the judge. He instructs Moses to take another census of His people, not unlike the one Moses had taken decades before with another generation. In the midst of that re-counting of the people, though, we’re reminded of some of the previous tragic choices that brought on judgment:
- “(It was Dathan and Abiram, chosen by the community, who fought against Moses and Aaron; they and Korah’s followers fought against the Lord.The earth opened its mouth and swallowed them with Korah, when his followers died and the fire consumed 250 men. They serve as a warning sign.” (Num. 26:9-10)
- “Judah’s sons included Er and Onan, but they died in the land of Canaan.” (Num. 26:19)
- “Nadab, Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar were born to Aaron, but Nadab and Abihu died when they presented unauthorized fire before the Lord.” (Num. 26:60-61)
- “But among them there was not one of those who had been registered by Moses and the priest Aaron when they registered the Israelites in the Wilderness of Sinai. For the Lord had said to them that they would all die in the wilderness.” (Num. 26:64-65)
All of these stories, in fact, serve as a “warning sign” to us. God is a gracious God, but He does not tolerate rebellion against His commands. I need to remember that truth today.
PRAYER: “Bring Your Word to mind, God, whenever I face temptation to rebel against You.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 27-29, Mark 12:28-44
