READING: Deuteronomy 1-3, Mark 14:51-15:15
Two texts in today’s Old Testament reading grip my heart and call me to unqualified obedience to God. First, as Moses described the rebellion of the people at Kadesh-Barnea (that is, when they first said “no” to taking the land God had promised them), he also spoke of their attempt to take the land after they had learned of God’s judgment on their disobedience. They then determined to put on their armor and take the land, but God would not go with them. The Amorites chased them and defeated them, and the people could only weep before the Lord. Still, the text says that God’s response was: “he didn’t listen to your requests or pay attention to you” (Deut 1:45). He had drawn His line in the sand, and His judgment was sure.
Second, Moses spoke of his own pleading with the Lord to let him go into the Promised Land. He had increasingly seen God’s power—particularly in God’s defeat of Sihon and Og—and he simply longed to enter the land. God would not grant him that desire, however; instead, He said to Moses, “That’s enough! Do not speak to me again about this matter” (Deut 3:26). God had already pronounced His judgment on Moses, and He would allow him only to look into the Promised Land—not go there.
Simply stated, disobedience can be costly. Sometimes, the consequences of even one decision can be long-lasting.
PRAYER: “God, grant me wisdom and grace to follow You fully today.”
DAILY ACTION STEP: Fight against any level of compromise throughout this day.
TOMORROW’S READING: Weekend is for catch-up and review
MONDAY’S READING: Deuteronomy 4-5, Mark 15:16-47