March 5th

Numbers 19:1-21:35

The story of Israel fast-forwarded 40 years. The people finished their wandering, those who were supposed to perish in the desert were gone, and they now headed in the direction of Canaan, the Promised Land. This time the Israelites approached from the east rather than from the south. Along the way, Moses’ sister Miriam and brother Aaron passed away. Also, three nations came out to fight with the Israelites (Edom, Arad, and the Amorites). Although Israel did not engage the people of Edom, they did battle against Arad and the Amorites. Both times God gave them victory, and the Israelites took possession of their lands and cities.

Another incident that took place was the impatience of Israel along the way. You would think that this generation of Israelites would have learned something from their parents, such as not to complain against the Lord, but no. The people grumbled about their desert travels, and so God sent poisonous snakes to quiet them. Consequently, many people died, until Moses could check the plague by constructing a brass serpent on a pole and carrying it throughout the camp. This symbol is, of course, a foreshadowing of what Jesus would do on the cross, for He was lifted up among the people and all who looked upon Him were saved (John 3:14).

Perhaps the saddest part of our reading today was the fact that Moses was told that he would not get to enter Canaan with the people. Why, because of the arrogance he demonstrated at Meribah, when he said, “Listen, you rebels. Must we (or really shall I) bring you water from this rock?” Of course, God had told him to speak to the rock, yet Moses hit it, twice, and attempted to take God’s glory for himself. Did Moses forget God’s instructions, did he get in a hurry, or did he willfully disobey? It is not clear, but his humility gave way to anger and led to pride.

God’s judgment seems harsh here, but He emphatically opposes pride of any kind from anyone, even in Moses. Pride is our enemy. It is the root of all sin. God does not respond to prideful people but He chooses to give grace to the humble. Thus, we must cultivate humility in our lives. Humility is our friend, and we must learn to keep humility by our side at all times.

Daily Reflection

Pride is deceitful. It does not readily reveal itself, so you must be aggressive in seeking it out and uprooting it from your life. What is it about pride that is so offensive to God that He will not tolerate it?

What are some ways that you can cultivate humility in your life and keep your pride in check?

What “Promise Land” is God withholding from you because of your pride? Humble yourself under His leadership, that He may exalt you at the proper time (1 Peter 5:6).

BiAY.org | Daily Reflections Day 64 — 301 Days to Go