This Is the Old Testament is part of a twelve-week thematic overview of the entire Bible. As we read, we’ll gain a broader understanding of the redemptive story of Scripture. Each day we’ll read a thematic selection from a different book of the Bible, along with supplemental passages that show how the theme of that day’s main reading is found throughout Scripture. We’ll also read a brief summary of each book and a reflection on how the book fits into the larger story of Scripture.
What Is Numbers? The book of Numbers records Israel’s failure to enter the promised land and, consequently, the nation’s forty years of wilderness wandering. The book also details the census of Israel, describes the second Passover feast, and reaffirms God’s just judgment in response to continued disobedience.
How Numbers Fits Into the Story: By showing us how God responded to the Israelites’ unbelief, the book of Numbers emphasizes the importance of obedience in the Christian life. Numbers demonstrates that there are consequences to our disobedience, while also reminding us that God’s grace remains the same and His redemptive plan will not be stopped.
Reflection Questions:
1. How does Numbers 14:1–25 demonstrate God’s merciful and just nature? How do these two characteristics work together?
2. How does today’s reading shape your understanding of the story of redemption?
Take time to reflect on your responses and share what you are learning with others in the community in the comments.
We need to trust God even if things get scary. God will forgive us if we sin but if we dis obey him and not ask for forgiveness we are straying from him and won’t be able to rest with him.
Amen!
❤️
Thankful for Gods mercy even in our wrong doing
Ewply
He is merciful and just because God doesn’t punish as our sins deserve. He loves us but doesn’t cast us out when we sin. He forgives and keeps us in His fold.
Justice and mercy work together as was described in our service a few weeks ago. True justice is merciful. Justice is not revenge. The punishment is not only appropriate, but it also has an understanding of the humanity of the situation. As Bryan Stevenson said, a human is not the worst thing he has ever done. These people were not the worst thing they had done—which was to disobey God. He also loved them, but He also had to teach them that disobedience is not acceptable because it is dangerous. Their children were watching. Nations were watching. And God is holy. His glory cannot be compromised by people who fear, who do not trust. He had to deal justly. Moses feared the nations would think God failed, but God was had to deal with the people who were to the point of murder.
❤️