Day 42

By
Numbers 6:22-27 (The Aaronic Blessing)

Scripture

February 11—Numbers 5-8: The Commands for Cleansing and Congregating

Observation

With the Israelites numbered and positioned, God further prepares the nation for entering the Promised Land by giving Moses instructions for cleansing and worship. First, Israel must be free of defilement from immorality and suspicions. The people must sense the sanctity of binding commitments such as the Nazirite vow. They must provide for the material needs of the tabernacle. And they must have a purified group of Levites to minister effectively for them in the corporate worship and celebration of Israel.

Application

A jealous husband. A suspicious wife. The combination can eat like acid into the marriage relationship. For this reason, God provided the seemingly strange ritual of Numbers 5:11-31 in order to deal decisively with jealousy and suspicion in the home. The ordeal by “bitter water” was designed to dramatize the bitterness and heartache caused by festering jealousy. Today, the problem of jealousy remains just as widespread and malignant. But God’s prescribed cure has changed somewhat. According to James 4:7-10, it involves three parts (1) submission to God, (2) confession to one another (3) restoration in forgiving love. As with Numbers 5, the process is painful but necessary.

Examine your heart right now. Are you harboring suspicion or jealousy toward a spouse, Christian friend, or family member? The place to begin is by talking to God. Confess your wrong attitude and appropriate his forgiveness. Then confront the other party in love. It won’t be pleasant, but when the alternative is simmering bitterness and broken fellowship, wouldn’t you agree God’s way is best?

Prayer

Oh Lord our God, teach us to get rid of envy and jealousy and put it out of our heart and thoughts. Let us love one another in such a way that we will experience “sweet water” in our daily living. Let us have trusting hearts and wanting the best for our fellow beings so that we can live in your perfect peace. In your son’s name, amen!

No Bitter Water by Loving One Another!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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