Moses recounts the story of Israel's coming to the border of the Promised Land and then spying on the land to see its condition. After spying, ten of the twelve spies gave a negative report, that Israel could not take the land. There were too many giants, and they would be consumed by the land. … Continue reading Remembering Their Lack of Faith (Deuteronomy 1:19 – 46)
Rebellion Against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16)
Korah and 250 representatives of the tribes of Israel withstood Moses and challenged him on his role as leader of Israel. Korah wanted all Israelites to be equal. Moses accepted the challenge, telling them that God would decide who was truly His and holy. These men included Levites, who served the temple. Moses instructed them … Continue reading Rebellion Against Moses and Aaron (Numbers 16)
Too Little, Too Late (Numbers 14:39 – 15:21)
When Moses revealed God's judgement upon Israel, the people decided to reverse field and attempt an attack on Canaan. Moses warned them that the attack would not be successful. They opted to try instead, but the ark of the covenant nor Moses left the camp. The people were defeated and driven back to Hormah. The … Continue reading Too Little, Too Late (Numbers 14:39 – 15:21)
Death Sentence (Numbers 14:26 – 38)
God laid out the plan for the children of Israel in no uncertain terms. He used direct and frightening language, talking about their carcasses being strewn across the wilderness. The children, whom the Israelites thought would be lost if they invaded Canaan, would serve as shepherds in the wilderness, and inhabit the promised land after … Continue reading Death Sentence (Numbers 14:26 – 38)
Profane Fire: Nadab & Abihu (Leviticus 10:1 – 20)
Strange Fire...what does that mean? Many people have speculated as to what this strange or profane fire was. If you recall, there was a specific recipe for the incense that would be used in the tabernacle in the service of the Lord. I believe, it was as simple as the priests, the sons of Aaron, … Continue reading Profane Fire: Nadab & Abihu (Leviticus 10:1 – 20)
Don’t Look Back! (Genesis 19:12-38)
Lot was fully aware of his surroundings after the horrible encounter with the men of the city. The angels had saved his life, and now they were instructing him to leave the city and take all of his family with him. They actually set him, his daughters and his wife outside the city and told … Continue reading Don’t Look Back! (Genesis 19:12-38)
The Sinfulness of Sodom (Genesis 19:1-11)
The two heavenly messengers who were with the Lord when he spoke to Abraham left and went to Sodom to do just as the Lord had said, which was to judge Sodom and see if there was any righteousness in it. Lot had chosen the valley in which Sodom sat for his portion without considering … Continue reading The Sinfulness of Sodom (Genesis 19:1-11)
The Timetable of the Promise; Negotiation with God (Genesis 18)
After several statements of the covenant promise, and confirmations of the same, another level of confirmation comes to visit Abraham. Three men appear to him out of nowhere! He entertained these heavenly visitors, one of whom is addressed as "Lord." He promised that in about a year, or at least by the time a child … Continue reading The Timetable of the Promise; Negotiation with God (Genesis 18)
Lessons of the Flood (Genesis 6:13-7:24)
The Great Flood story is one of the most recognizable of all Old Testament stories. Sunday School children everywhere can identify Noah and talk about the animals coming into the ark two by two. But what does the story of the flood teach us for living today? The earth is continually evil and judgement hangs … Continue reading Lessons of the Flood (Genesis 6:13-7:24)
Long Lives, Sons of God, and God’s Grace to Noah (Genesis 5:1-6:8)
Adam's genealogy includes records of the longest lives in human history, many of which were over 900 years. It includes perhaps the longest life in Methuselah, who lived a whopping 969 years! Then Noah was born, and was given a designation as one who would "comfort us concerning our work and the toil of our … Continue reading Long Lives, Sons of God, and God’s Grace to Noah (Genesis 5:1-6:8)
Devoted To You 