Friday, November 4, 2011

Listen, Trust, Follow

Numbers 9

They listened to the LORD.  They had ears to hear.  Moses as mediator presented the Israelites' case before the LORD.  They asked, Even if we are unclean why shouldn't we be allowed to observe the passover and bring the offering before the LORD?  The LORD told them, again through Moses, that they could.  Every Israelite and alien could and would observe the passover.  Those who did not, even though they were able, would bear the consequences of their sin.

They listened to the LORD.  They had eyes to see.  At the command of the LORD, they either followed the cloud as it led them through the wilderness or they camped when it stopped.   They did not venture out into the wilderness without the LORD's presence and guidance. 

Oh, but if we could follow as well as the Isralites did!  For sure, they made mistakes; they sinned; they complained against God while journeying in the wilderness.  Yet, their faithfulness in listening to Him when he spoke to them is amazing in comparison to the willingness and ability of God's children today to hear and follow.

Some will tell me....  But, it was easier then.  God spoke directly to the people in those days.  No, he did not.  He spoke through Moses who spoke through Aaron.  You, too, have His word given to you through the prophets.  He still speaks through them.  You have the Word of God, who is Jesus the Christ.  Listen to Him!  You have His words given to you through the Holy Scriptures.  You have His Spirit.  He is with you. He has promised to be with you.  He will lead you through the wilderness.  Trust Him as you make your journey through life.  Listen to Him, trust Him, follow wherever He will lead you.

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