READING: Numbers 25:1-26:65
Human beings are a fickle, sinful people indeed. In the conclusion of yesterday’s reading, we read of Balaam’s prophecy of the rise of a victor from Jacob’s line and the defeat of the enemies of God’s people. God’s people would eventually prosper in the land; those who blessed them would be blessed, and those who cursed them would be cursed.
The scene changes dramatically in Numbers 25, however. The people of God had turned to sleeping with Moabite women and joining them in worshiping their false god, Baal. Like they had done before (e.g., turning to the false god of a golden calf while Moses was hearing from God), they seriously turned in the wrong direction. It’s no wonder God’s anger would “blaze against his people” (Num 25:3). God had warned them against moving at all in this direction—“ You must not make a treaty of any kind with the people living in the land. They lust after their gods, offering sacrifices to them. They will invite you to join them in their sacrificial meals, and you will go with them” (Exo 34:15-16)—but the people ignored the warning. The result was judgment.
It is indeed possible to hear God’s clear words of blessing with our ears while also chasing after other gods with our hearts. Many of us can, in fact, find ourselves living in that struggle in our weak moments. Judgment then awaits—and only the loving, forgiving, patient, gracious heart of God is our hope.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: Do you ever talk of God’s blessings while also chasing after other gods in your life?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “Father, I’m reminded today that my second-by-second hope rests only in You. Thank You for Your love.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 27:1-29:40
