Numbers 27:12-14
The Israelites are nearing the end.
Why did the people who did not make it, not obtain the promise?
Preparation for the promise.
#1. Disobedience (Moses).
He has faced many
· challenges
· battles
· miracles
· supernatural events
"Speak to the rock and command the water to come forth."
Disobedience is an act of rebellion.
#2. Lack of faith (The Israelites).
Numbers 14:11 (NIV) "The Lord said to Moses, 'How long will these people treat Me with contempt? How long will they refuse to believe in Me, in spite of all the miraculous signs I have performed among them?'"
They chose not to exercise their faith:
· they chose the convenient.
· they chose the familiar.
· they let fear dominate.
· they exercised strong unbelief.
"Understanding is the reward of faith. Therefore, seek not to understand that you may believe, but believe that you may understand."
· How long will people live in contempt?
· How long will they refuse to believe in me?
· How long will they forget my miracles?
Ask yourself these questions:
· Do I exercise faith?
· Do I live a faithful life?
- tithe?
- witness?
- study the Word?
- worship consistently?
· How do I judge my faithfulness?
They were forgiven, but they did not receive the blessing because of their lack of faith.
#3. Compromise under pressure.
When he was gone longer than anticipated, the people became restless.
They wanted to worship, so Aaron
· bowed to the pressure.
· compromised his faith.
· was led by circumstances.
· bowed to the easy and convenient.
Is there something we have that when it surfaces, we compromise every time?
God says to
· look from where you have fallen.
· repent.
· reestablish your positive resolve.
May we prepare our hearts for the gift God has given us and rid ourselves of blessing barriers.
Any concept of grace that makes us feel more comfortable sinning is not biblical grace.
Sin is a negative experience, because sin does nothing but bring misery into your life.
Repentance flips the switch
All sins are big; all sins cause trouble in your life.
Sin will never do you any good.
The wages of sin is death — and all it can bring into your life is misery.
When you repent, you flip the switch which enables God to start bringing good things into your life again.
Repentance is the most positive, uplifting, empowering experience you'll ever have.
"Repent, then, and turn to God, so your sins may be wiped out, that times of refreshing may come from the Lord." (Acts 3:19)