Daily Reading: Numbers 13-14
Scripture Focus: None of the men who have seen my glory and my signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have put me to the test these ten times and have not obeyed my voice, shall see the land that I swore to give to their fathers. And none of those who despised me shall see it. (Numbers 14.22-23)
Devotional Thought: In Exodus, Moses pled with God, "Let me see your glory." God was gracious and showed him his glory: "The Lord descended in the cloud and stood with him there, and proclaimed the name of the Lord. The Lord passed before him and proclaimed, 'The Lord, the Lord, a God merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness'" (Exodus 34.5-6). God also showed the Israelites his reflected glory in the pillar of fire and cloud that accompanied them through the wilderness. The Israelites, however, rebelled against the Lord and chose safety and comfort over faith and obedience.
Their choice kept them out of The Promised Land. God's declaration, "They shall not see the land," was not a declaration of final judgment, but rather an indication that though they may be 'saved' they would not see days of victory and prosperity.
I wonder about the church today. Are we choosing safety and comfort over faith and obedience? And by so choosing, are we missing out on days of victory and prosperity? As we conform to the standards set by the world and ignore the Word of God, we are losing our authority and power. We also lose the glory of God in our midst. After the people rebelled, Moses told them, "The Lord is not among you" (v. 42).
I want the glory of the Lord among us! Let us choose obedience and faith!
Prayer: Father, I want to see your glory! Grant that I may choose your ways so that your presence will be with me. Amen.
Psalm of the Day: 89 Forever, O LORD, your word is firmly fixed in the heavens. 90 Your faithfulness endures to all generations; you have established the earth, and it stands fast. 91 By your appointment they stand this day, for all things are your servants. 92 If your law had not been my delight, I would have perished in my affliction. 93 I will never forget your precepts, for by them you have given me life. 94 I am yours; save me, for I have sought your precepts. 95 The wicked lie in wait to destroy me, but I consider your testimonies. 96 I have seen a limit to all perfection, but your commandment is exceedingly broad. (Psalms 119:89-96)
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