Delighting Others

O. T. #329  "Delighting Others"
July 25, 2014
Numbers 14-Part 2
If the LORD delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it us, a land which floweth with milk and honey. Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land...  Numbers 14:8-9a

LET IT GLOW


Do I delight people with things I do-an encouraging word, a smile, a complement, a helping hand, a surprising gift? Better yet, do I delight Jesus? Is He pleased with me? Sadly, I  that answer is not a yes all of the time. I figure that if disobedience makes Him angry at me, then obedience must make Him happy, right? It appears to be the case with Israel. Continue with me.

After hearing the reports (giant people) and seeing the evidence (giant grapes), the Israelites cried and wept all night. Their unbelief came was revealed when they questioned God and their circumstances. they suggested stoning their leaders, as well as returning to Egypt.

The entire Old Testament record would have been totally different had Israel but heeded these words. Not only would Israel not go into the Promised Land, but they would murder anyone who dared to go in. A similar situation is seen in John 11 and 12.  (Falwell)

Moses and Aaron fell on their faces before them all. Joshua and Caleb tore their clothes in anguish. Would the worldly majority win this inner battle or would the spiritual minority win?

Moses and Aaron were older and wiser and knew how bad the situation was. They simply prostrated themselves in prayer and said not a word (knowing it would do no good), but they knew that they must cry out to God for a miracle if Israel is to be spared.  (Guzik)

Caleb and Joshua gave it one more try to persuade the Israelites that the conquering was possible with God on their side. What a speech we read about in this chapter:

• The land, which we passed through to search it, is an exceeding good land. (Surely seeing the fruit with their own eyes counted for something.) (verse 7)
• If the LORD delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it us; a land which flows with milk and honey. (food needed to live and extra to enjoy) (verse 8)
• Only rebel not against the LORD. (verse 9)
• Neither fear the people of the land. (verse 9)
• We will swallow them up, for their protection is gone; defense has departed from them. verse 9
• The LORD is with us. (verse 9)
• Do not fear them. (verse 9)

Delight means to bend, to be pleased with, favor, in Hebrew.

Does our faith delight the Lord? Does He bend down toward us, having pleasure in us? Do we make our Savior happy in what we are doing? Are we obeying Him?

Psalm 37:4 says Delight thyself also in the LORD; and He shall give thee the desire of thine heart.

Do we want God's desires for us? Are our desires His desires for us?
How can I delight the LORD today?


LET IT GROW

Only do not rebel against the LORD, neither fear the people of the land. (verse 8)

Webster's Dictionary states the definition of rebel as to oppose or disobey one in authority or control.

Joshua and Caleb were warning the Israelites. Little did they know the consequences of this discussion to not go into the Promised Land at this time.

So this decision was an out right rebellion against God's instructions and abilities to keep His promises. They were opposing God? Ooooo. That was serious stuff. When challenged, God will win every time.

1 Samuel 15:23 says, For rebellion is as the sin of witchcraft, and stubbornness is as iniquity and idolatry.

Sisters, is it a serious thing to rebel and disobey God? God is the One in authority and control. When we don't go His way, we are sinning as if we were into witchcraft.
Forgive me, LORD Jesus for all the times I did not do what You wanted me to do, please.


LET IT GO

Repent of my rebellion; turn away from my sins and to God.

Obey my Lord's commands and His Word.

Don't be stubborn, surrender.