Today’s devotion comes from Numbers 14:39-45.
“When Moses spoke these words to all the sons of Israel, the people mourned greatly. In the morning, however, they rose up early and went up to the ridge of the hill country, saying, “Here we are; we have indeed sinned, but we will go up to the place which the LORD has promised.” But Moses said, “Why then are you transgressing the commandment of the LORD, when it will not succeed? Do not go up, or you will be struck down before your enemies, for the LORD is not among you. For the Amalekites and the Canaanites will be there in front of you, and you will fall by the sword, inasmuch as you have turned back from following the LORD. And the LORD will not be with you.” But they went up heedlessly to the ridge of the hill country; neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD nor Moses left the camp. Then the Amalekites and the Canaanites who lived in that hill country came down, and struck them and beat them down as far as Hormah.” Numbers 14:39-45.
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We want to take things into our own hands. Like, the sons of Israel, we want to take our own path to the Promised Land.
The LORD may promise us something, but we should wait for the LORD to accomplish it when and how He wants to do it. We should follow and obey the LORD.
Sometimes, we need to take the long and winding path through the wilderness. Remember the words of the LORD. “Now the Amalekites and the Canaanites live in the valleys; turn tomorrow and set out to the wilderness by the way of the Red Sea.” Numbers 14:25.
We should continually pray that His will be done, not only in the ultimate result, but also in the timing, in the way it should be done, and in the path that we should take.
“In all your ways acknowledge Him,
And He will make your paths straight.” Proverbs 3:6.
But, there is hope!
“The mind of man plans his way,
But the LORD directs his steps.” Proverbs 16:9.
“Your ears will hear a word behind you, “This is the way, walk in it,” whenever you turn to the right or to the left.” Isaiah 30:21.
“8 I will instruct you and teach you in the way which you should go;
I will counsel you with My eye upon you.
9 Do not be as the horse or as the mule which have no understanding,
Whose trappings include bit and bridle to hold them in check,
Otherwise they will not come near to you.
10 Many are the sorrows of the wicked,
But he who trusts in the LORD, lovingkindness shall surround him.
11 Be glad in the LORD and rejoice, you righteous ones;
And shout for joy, all you who are upright in heart.” Psalm 32:8-11.
As the following Scripture shows us, sometimes the path taken by those who prosper appears to be the straight path, but that path is in truth the crooked path.
“7 Rest in the LORD and wait patiently for Him;
Do not fret because of him who prospers in his way,
Because of the man who carries out wicked schemes.
8 Cease from anger and forsake wrath;
Do not fret; it leads only to evildoing.
9 For evildoers will be cut off,
But those who wait for the LORD, they will inherit the land.” Psalm 37:7-9.
But, Jesus, Who is the Way, the Truth, the Life, and the Light, is the straight path.
“Jesus *said to him, “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.” John 14:6.
“Then Jesus again spoke to them, saying, “I am the Light of the world; he who follows Me will not walk in the darkness, but will have the Light of life.” John 8:12.
“You will make known to me the path of life;
In Your presence is fullness of joy;
In Your right hand there are pleasures forever.” Psalm 16:11.
“But by His doing you are in Christ Jesus, who became to us wisdom from God, and righteousness and sanctification, and redemption, so that, just as it is written, “LET HIM WHO BOASTS, BOAST IN THE LORD.” 1 Corinthians 1:30-31.
Reformed Doctrine Daily Devotions 