READING: Numbers 24-27
Disobedience to God can sometimes cost us so much more than we might have imagined—as today’s reading reminds us again. Note these painful realities brought on by rebellion:
- God required the death of the leaders who led the Israelites to worship Baal of Peor.
- 24,000 people died as the result of a plague of judgment.
- Fire had consumed the followers of Korah “as a warning sign” to others (Num 26:10).
- In an example of the cost of disobedience that the Old Testament often refers to, Nadab and Abihu had died “when they presented unauthorized fire before the Lord” (Num 26:61).
- An entire generation died in the wilderness because they rebelled against taking the land God had promised.
- Even Moses died without entering the land because of his disobedience.
Our judgments for disobedience may differ, but the cost is still real. To put it simply, it really does matter that we do everything the Lord commands us.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: How much do you consider the consequences of disobedience when you are tempted?
DAILY PRAYER: “Help me, God, to follow You completely.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 28-30
