I'm Going to Do It Anyway

O. T. #334  "I'm Going to Do It Anyway"
August 1, 2014
Numbers 15
When ye be come into the land of your habitations, which I give unto you. Numbers 15:2

LET IT GLOW

It may not be right, but I'm going to do it anyway. What a statement or thought. Shamefully, I admit that there have been times that I did such a thing. Later, circumstances didn't turn out like I had planned and I was sorry for doing it. Then I sought God's forgiveness. I know that I missed out on the blessing of doing it God's way.

The LORD mentions twice in this chapter, after the rebellion and sin of unbelief at Kadesh, that He was still planning to bring the next generation into Canaan (verses 2 and 18). The people of this generation were given the option, the opportunity, to take the fruitful land which God promised to them, but they let fear dominate them. Of course, we know it happened with Joshua leading Israel across the Jordan River into the Promised Land, some forty years later.

We know that God keeps His promises. However, don't we sometimes have a difficult time applying it to us personally and now? His mercies are new every morning. Great is Thy faithfulness O Lord!



LET IT GROW

He reminded Israel that the former commands given at Sinai concerning offerings were still in effect. This chapter is a repeat of the requirements for the offerings.

Liberty Bible  Commentary states:

The alien (non-Israelite) person was welcome to worship the God of Abraham alongside the seed of Abraham and to receive His manifold blessings. The heave offerings stressed thanksgiving to God for His providence (verses 17-21). Verses 22-26 describe those offerings (burnt, meal, sin, drink) which were to be used for unintentional national sins. Verses 27-29 refer to offerings for the purpose of unintentional personal sin.

Let's look at a different kind of sin-presumptuous sin. Presumptuously means with a high hand. (Young's Analytical Concordance to the Bible)
In Webster's Dictionary, it means overstepping due bounds (as property or courtesy): taking liberties.

These sins, committed knowingly and deliberately, were described as blasphemous because they were an arrogant act of insubordination against the Lord. (MacArthur)

For this kind of sin there was no sacrifice; however, God forgives after the sinner repents. An example is given of the account of a man gathering sticks on the Sabbath. Although the punishment of stoning to death seems harsh, unrest and rebellion continued to remain in the hearts of the Israelites at that time. Strictly enforced discipline was absolutely necessary, lest open anarchy took place.  [Reference: Liberty Bible Commentary]

Do we presumptuously commit sins, knowing that it is such? We count on God's grace to be there whenever we ask? Do we raise our hand high, doing something our own way, even though we know it is not God's will? Guilty.

Are we striving to please God or live in the flesh, pleasing ourselves?



LET IT GROW

LET IT GO