NUMBERS 26:52-28:15
The old generation all died because they had disqualified themselves through unbelief and disobedience (self-preservation). There had to be over 100 deaths per day X 38 years! Incidentally, the old generation represents your old nature, the flesh, SELF. It doesn't inherit anything (1 Cor 15:50)! But, Moses instigated a new thing: women who inherited!
Joshua: Moses' successor. His choosing was based on the fact that he had "Moses' spirit on him" and he had the ability to "lead out" and "bring in", which signifies the ability to govern the affairs of a nation (a figure of a shepherd). He had integrity. Unlike Moses, he was also an experienced soldier.
Daily, weekly, monthly offerings - even in the New Thing. (Note 28:2 the use of "My" and "Me".)
RESPONSE: I think it's important that all the people see the passing of authority from Moses to Joshua. I note that Moses is told he will die now, and he didn't argue with God, but in fact, wanted to be sure that everything was in order with the people he left behind. Aaron and Miriam were already dead, and only Joshua, Caleb and Moses were left of the old generation. Although Moses was 120 years old, he was still vigorous and strong and could even see well! But he had disqualified himself with his mouth (Psa 106:33). What a grand old man! But what a warning to you and me.
LUKE 3:1-22
Note how Luke keeps documenting his book with historic figures. John came before Jesus to remove hindrances to Jesus' ministry. He removed the biggest hindrance with his "baptism of repentance for the remission of sins." It was the LACK OF REPENTANCE that was the "valley", the "mountain", the "crooked" path, the "rough" road.
RESPONSE: When religion is external, outward acts, there is no inward accountability. John the Baptist must have shocked a lot of people, who were rule-keepers, or who had just given up even trying. To begin a pathway to God through REPENTANCE made a way for everyone! And that includes US! Repentance clears the way for God to come. We need to repent often - every day. Repent of "forgetting" God, of living independent of God - often for hours at a time.
PSALM 61:1-8
This Psalm is the first of eight on the Kingdom. Although David is King, he is in exile, running for his life from his own son, Absalom. David would rather have God, than have his kingdom back. "When my heart is overwhelmed, lead me to the Rock that is higher than I." Where else could he go? Psalm 61 says, "I will cry unto Thee", "I will abide", "I will trust", "I will sing praise".
PROVERBS 11:16-17
A gracious woman has a strong grip on her honor (what she values most); a ruthless man has a strong grip on his money (what he values most). Remember v.17: what goes around, comes around.
RESPONSE: Has your heart ever been overwhelmed? Maybe not to the extent of this Psalmist. But it was close. I thought my heart would burst out of my chest from grief and despair. It is only in turning my thoughts and feelings toward God that I was able to bear it. Where else will we go? Who else will hear us? Who else can bear our burden or understand our brokenness? Who else can mend us when we are ready? It says "mercy and truth will preserve me". I can trust my whole weight on that. God's mercy will keep me from being destroyed, and His truth will eventually bring about God's righteousness.
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