Lessons from Israel's Wilderness Wanderings

Devotional

Day 1: Seize God's Opportunities

The 38 years of wilderness wandering by the Israelites are often referred to as the "wasted years." These years were marked by missed opportunities and disobedience. Despite their rebellion, God continued to provide for the Israelites, teaching us that even in our failures, God's grace and provision remain steadfast. This period serves as a reminder to seize the opportunities God presents and to trust in His timing and guidance. The Israelites' journey from Sinai to the eve of the conquest under Joshua is a chronicle of both successes and failures, recorded in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:11 that these events were written for our admonition, serving as examples for us. [01:59]

Numbers 14:33-34 (ESV): "And your children shall be shepherds in the wilderness for forty years and shall suffer for your faithlessness, until the last of your dead bodies lies in the wilderness. According to the number of the days in which you spied out the land, forty days, a year for each day, you shall bear your iniquity forty years, and you shall know my displeasure."

Reflection: Think of a recent opportunity you missed because of fear or disobedience. How can you trust in God's timing and guidance to seize future opportunities He presents?

Day 2: Avoid the Pitfalls of Presumption

The Israelites' attempt to enter the Promised Land after God had closed the door highlights the danger of acting on our own presumption rather than God's leading. Faith requires discernment and obedience, not just bold actions. We must seek God's will and timing in all our endeavors, avoiding the pitfalls of self-reliance. The rebellion of the Israelites, their lack of faith, and their subsequent presumption to enter the Promised Land against God's will resulted in their wandering and eventual demise in the wilderness. Only Caleb and Joshua, who gave a good report, survived to enter the land. [05:51]

Deuteronomy 1:42-43 (ESV): "And the Lord said to me, ‘Say to them, Do not go up or fight, for I am not in your midst, lest you be defeated before your enemies.’ So I spoke to you, and you would not listen; but you rebelled against the command of the Lord and presumptuously went up into the hill country."

Reflection: Reflect on a time when you acted on your own presumption rather than seeking God's will. How can you cultivate a habit of seeking God's guidance before making decisions?

Day 3: Follow God's Specific Instructions

The detailed instructions for offerings and rituals underscore the importance of following God's commands precisely. Our worship and service to God should be based on His standards, not our preferences. This teaches us to seek God's will in all aspects of our lives and to honor Him with our best. The story of Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron highlighted the dangers of pride and discontent. God's dramatic judgment on Korah and his followers served as a stark reminder of His authority and the consequences of rebellion. [09:07]

Leviticus 10:1-2 (ESV): "Now Nadab and Abihu, the sons of Aaron, each took his censer and put fire in it and laid incense on it and offered unauthorized fire before the Lord, which he had not commanded them. And fire came out from before the Lord and consumed them, and they died before the Lord."

Reflection: Are there areas in your life where you are following your own preferences rather than God's specific instructions? How can you align your actions more closely with God's commands?

Day 4: Guard Against Pride and Rebellion

Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron serves as a powerful lesson on the dangers of pride and discontent. God's judgment on the rebels was swift and severe, reminding us that rebellion against God's appointed leaders is ultimately rebellion against God Himself. We must guard our hearts against pride and submit to God's authority. The narrative continued with the confirmation of Aaron's priesthood through the miraculous budding of his rod, symbolizing God's chosen leadership. The chapter concluded with the death of Aaron and the transition of his priestly duties to his son Eleazar. [23:56]

Numbers 16:31-33 (ESV): "And as soon as he had finished speaking all these words, the ground under them split apart. And the earth opened its mouth and swallowed them up, with their households and all the people who belonged to Korah and all their goods. So they and all that belonged to them went down alive into Sheol, and the earth closed over them, and they perished from the midst of the assembly."

Reflection: Reflect on any areas of pride or discontent in your heart. How can you submit these areas to God's authority and seek His humility?

Day 5: The Power of Intercessory Prayer

Moses and Aaron's intercession for the Israelites during the plague demonstrates the power and importance of intercessory prayer. Just as Aaron stood between the living and the dead, Jesus, our High Priest, continually intercedes for us. This encourages us to pray fervently for others, knowing that our prayers can make a significant difference. Throughout these chapters, we see the recurring themes of obedience, faith, and the consequences of rebellion. The Israelites' journey serves as a powerful reminder of our own spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's provision and following His commands. [35:27]

James 5:16 (ESV): "Therefore, confess your sins to one another and pray for one another, that you may be healed. The prayer of a righteous person has great power as it is working."

Reflection: Think of someone in your life who is in need of prayer. How can you commit to interceding for them regularly, trusting in the power of prayer to make a difference?

Sermon Summary

### Summary

Tonight, we delved into the book of Numbers, focusing on chapters 15 to 20, which recount the wilderness wanderings of the Israelites. These 38 years, often referred to as the "wasted years," are marked by a scarcity of detail but are rich in lessons for us. The journey from Sinai to the eve of the conquest under Joshua is a chronicle of both successes and failures, recorded in Exodus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy. Paul reminds us in 1 Corinthians 10:11 that these events were written for our admonition, serving as examples for us.

We explored the significance of the order of march, the provision of manna, and the intelligence mission involving the 12 spies. The rebellion of the Israelites, their lack of faith, and their subsequent presumption to enter the Promised Land against God's will resulted in their wandering and eventual demise in the wilderness. Only Caleb and Joshua, who gave a good report, survived to enter the land.

We also examined the detailed instructions for offerings and the importance of following God's specific commands. The story of Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron highlighted the dangers of pride and discontent. God's dramatic judgment on Korah and his followers served as a stark reminder of His authority and the consequences of rebellion.

The narrative continued with the confirmation of Aaron's priesthood through the miraculous budding of his rod, symbolizing God's chosen leadership. The chapter concluded with the death of Aaron and the transition of his priestly duties to his son Eleazar.

Throughout these chapters, we see the recurring themes of obedience, faith, and the consequences of rebellion. The Israelites' journey serves as a powerful reminder of our own spiritual journey, emphasizing the importance of trusting in God's provision and following His commands.

###

Key Takeaways

1. reliance. [05:51]
3. God's Specific Instructions: The detailed instructions for offerings and rituals underscore the importance of following God's commands precisely. Our worship and service to God should be based on His standards, not our preferences. This teaches us to seek God's will in all aspects of our lives and to honor Him with our best.

4. Rebellion and Its Consequences: Korah's rebellion against Moses and Aaron serves as a powerful lesson on the dangers of pride and discontent. God's judgment on the rebels was swift and severe, reminding us that rebellion against God's appointed leaders is ultimately rebellion against God Himself. We must guard our hearts against pride and submit to God's authority.

5. The Role of Intercession: Moses and Aaron's intercession for the Israelites during the plague demonstrates the power and importance of intercessory prayer. Just as Aaron stood between the living and the dead, Jesus, our High Priest, continually intercedes for us. This encourages us to pray fervently for others, knowing that our prayers can make a significant difference.

### [05:51]

Youtube Chapters

[00:00] - Welcome
[01:08] - Purpose of Studying Numbers
[01:59] - Lessons from the Wilderness
[03:01] - The Order of March and Manna
[04:14] - The Intelligence Mission
[05:51] - Faltering and Presumption
[06:45] - Failures in the Wilderness
[08:03] - Detailed Instructions for Offerings
[09:07] - Importance of Specific Instructions
[10:19] - One Law for All
[11:28] - Sins of Ignorance
[12:44] - Atonement for Ignorance
[13:44] - Presumptuous Sin
[15:06] - The Man Gathering Sticks
[16:18] - Fringes and Commandments
[17:20] - Significance of Hems
[18:51] - David and Saul's Hem
[19:52] - The Lord's Hem and Healing
[20:23] - Rebellion of Korah
[23:56] - God's Judgment on Rebellion
[26:03] - Korah's Challenge
[28:55] - God's Response to Rebellion
[30:41] - The Earth Swallows the Rebels
[32:38] - Aaron's Unique Role
[33:17] - Memorial of the Rebellion
[34:19] - The Sixth Murmuring
[35:27] - Moses and Aaron's Intercession
[36:24] - Aaron's Rod Buds
[38:00] - Confirmation of Aaron's Priesthood
[39:06] - Jesus, Our High Priest
[40:29] - The Priesthood Confirmed
[42:07] - Offerings and Inheritance
[43:03] - The Best for the Lord
[44:20] - Covenant of Salt
[45:06] - Tithes and Offerings
[46:19] - Hierarchy of Offerings
[47:19] - The Red Heifer
[49:30] - Purification Procedures
[51:41] - Practical Use of the Red Heifer
[52:39] - Water of Purification
[53:17] - Wedding at Cana
[55:24] - Jesus, Lord of the Torah
[56:17] - The Seventh Murmuring
[57:10] - Miriam's Death
[58:19] - Water from the Rock
[59:33] - The Real Mount Sinai
[60:41] - The Rock Was Christ
[62:23] - Moses' Big Mistake
[63:24] - Misrepresenting God
[65:09] - The Water of Meribah
[67:21] - The Destruction of Jerusalem
[69:03] - Jacob and Esau
[71:29] - Edom Refuses Passage
[72:49] - Edom's History
[74:03] - Aaron's Death
[75:19] - Journey into Moab

Bible Study Guide

Observation Questions

What were the Israelites instructed to do when they entered the land God was giving them? (Numbers 15:1-2)
According to 1 Corinthians 10:11, why were the events of the Israelites' wilderness wanderings recorded?
What was the consequence of Korah's rebellion as described in Numbers 16:31-33?
How did God confirm Aaron's priesthood in Numbers 17?

Interpretation Questions

What lessons can we learn from the Israelites' "wasted years" in the wilderness? How does this apply to our spiritual journey today? [01:59]
How does the story of Korah's rebellion illustrate the dangers of pride and discontent? What can this teach us about our own attitudes towards leadership? [23:56]
In what ways does the provision of manna during the Israelites' rebellion demonstrate God's grace and provision? How can we see God's provision in our own lives? [03:41]
How does Moses and Aaron's intercession during the plague reflect the role of intercessory prayer in our lives? [35:27]

Application Questions

Reflecting on the "wasted years" of the Israelites, are there areas in your life where you feel you have missed opportunities due to disobedience or lack of faith? How can you seek God's guidance to make the most of future opportunities? [01:59]
The Israelites acted on their own presumption when they tried to enter the Promised Land against God's will. Are there areas in your life where you are acting on your own presumption rather than seeking God's will? How can you better discern God's timing and guidance? [05:51]
God's specific instructions for offerings and rituals highlight the importance of following His commands precisely. Are there areas in your worship or service to God where you are following your own preferences rather than His standards? How can you align your actions more closely with God's will? [09:07]
Korah's rebellion was rooted in pride and discontent. Are there areas in your life where pride or discontent is causing division or rebellion? How can you cultivate a heart of humility and submission to God's authority? [23:56]
Moses and Aaron's intercession for the Israelites during the plague demonstrates the power of intercessory prayer. Is there someone in your life who needs your prayers right now? How can you commit to praying for them consistently? [35:27]
The miraculous budding of Aaron's rod confirmed God's chosen leadership. How can you recognize and support the leaders God has placed in your life? Are there ways you can encourage and pray for them? [36:24]
Reflecting on the importance of obedience and faith in the Israelites' journey, how can you strengthen your own trust in God's provision and commands? Are there specific steps you can take to grow in obedience and faith? [01:59]

Sermon Clips

### Quotes for Outreach

1. "It took only 40 hours to get Israel out of Egypt. It took 40 years to get Egypt out of Israel, to get the worldliness behind them. And the chronicle of successes and failures of the wilderness wanderings are recorded, some of them in Exodus, some of them here in Numbers, some of them summarized in the book of Deuteronomy." [01:08] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "See, we too, you and I, we're also strangers, pilgrims, wandering in the wilderness. We are not citizens of this world. The book of Revelation makes a distinction. One of the groups in the book of Revelation are the earth dwellers. And that term doesn't just mean they're physically on the earth. It means they dwell upon the earth. They're in distinction of the believers. We are not earth dwellers. We should have a light touch on this world. We're passing through." [06:45] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Men are not lost because they haven't heard the gospel. They're lost because they're sinners. Christ came to seek and to save that which was lost. We need to understand that. Being lost is our natural state. That's our genetic inheritance from Adam. And mankind is not sitting down in grief today because they haven't heard the gospel. In fact, they're not even anxious to hear it. The gospel's there to repair their fallen state, but the fallen state's a given." [12:44] (37 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The death penalty was the penalty for breaking any of the Ten Commandments. And need to understand this because it tells us what it means that Jesus Christ died in our behalf. Someone had to die to pay for our sin. And that's part of the teaching that's going on. Someone said, isn't that pretty severe for the guy? No, it's a way of sparing thousands of others that would learn by that that God takes these things seriously." [15:06] (29 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "For such a high priest became us who is holy harmless undefiled separate from sinners and made higher than the heavens who needeth not daily as those high priests to offer up sacrifice first of his own sins and then for the people's for this he did once when he offered up himself done deal to tell us to die paid in full it is finished." [40:08] (24 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

### Quotes for Members

1. "It's amazing how many of us probably have occasions where we have a lack of faith on the one hand, and we counter that then with acting on our own presumption rather than God's leading. You can err both ways. Not responding in faith to the opportunity when God calls, and presuming an opportunity of our own flesh, not of God's making. And that's our challenge, is to understand what's really happening." [05:51] (25 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

2. "It's interesting how many churches try so hard to be part of the world. They got it backwards. They got it backwards. Not that they should be just obnoxious, but the point, the concept is to be separated from things of the world, not married to them." [16:49] (17 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

3. "Whenever you see contention of whatever kind, pride is at the root of it. In this case, I'm sure jealousy is a major part of it. And there are a few complications in the background. I won't spend a lot of time on, but Izar, which is the brother of Amram, is the second son of Kohath. And for some reason, unrecorded, he was supplanted by a descendant of the fourth son of Kohath, who was appointed a chief or prince of the Kohathites." [22:52] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

4. "The best is what you bring to the Lord, the best not the leftovers the best and let your own conscience guide you in that but clearly you show your devotion your respect your awe of God by the prioritization of your life and the priorities that lead to your offerings to him." [44:04] (22 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

5. "If Moses had followed directions, these two rocks would be emblematic of the two comings of Christ. He's smitten on the first one. He's not smitten on the second. When Moses smites the rock on his own, so to speak, he blows the model. You see, I think God would have preferred the model to be there as an emblem of the first and second coming. And because of that, he's denied the entry into the promised land." [01:06:44] (32 seconds) (Download raw clip | Download cropped clip)

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