RISE UP

Today’s Reading: Numbers 10-11

Click scripture link to read online or HERE to listen online (then click the symbol of the audio speaker above the scripture portion on the right-hand side).

A replica of the Ark of the Covenant located at Timna National Park in Israel’s Jordan Valley.

GOOGLE MAPS – To see where the photo was taken, click HERE.

Key Verse: Numbers 11:14

I am not able to bear all these people alone, because the burden is too heavy for me. If You treat me like this, please kill me here and now — if I have found favor in Your sight — and do not let me see my wretchedness!

Imagine how excited all the people were as…”They started out for the first time” (10:13). It is plain to see that the emotions they felt were not grounded in faith. Almost immediately they began to complain about the food. They remembered the menu back in Egypt, and they were not happy campers. Complaining always has a ripple effect. Now Moses is complaining to God. God has a solution as He always does. We need to read twice Numbers 11:16-30. Moses’ response was prophetic, “O that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit upon them.” Joel’s prophecy (Joel 2:28) predicted this. Peter quoted Joel (Acts 2:14-21) to explain that God was now doing what Moses longed for. God put His Spirit upon the Lord’s people and they prophesied. What is New Testament prophecy? “The testimony of Jesus is the Spirit of Prophecy” (Revelation 19:10b).

PRAYER FOR TODAY:

Lord Jesus, John the Baptist said of You, “He will baptize you with the Holy Spirit and fire.” I ask for today, and every day, that You will immerse me in Your Holy Spirit, and keep me submerged in the Spirit always so that I will constantly speak, “the testimony of Jesus.” Amen!

100 PERSONAL WORDS:

When I first became a Dad, I remember reading Numbers 11. There were two “dads” (I’m stretching it a bit here)…Eldad and Medad, who were home, and while they had responsibilities as elders, they had not made it to Moses’ meeting. Nevertheless, God put His Spirit upon them at home, just as He did on those who were in the tent of meeting. They prophesied (11:26) right where they were. I expect God’s Spirit to come upon me when I’m at a meeting, but also when I’m not. Moses was so depressed over the complaints of the people that he asked God to kill him. Then, he and Elijah (who also asked God to take him out of this life) showed up on the Mount of Transfiguration to strengthen Jesus who, in His humanity, needed the ministry of these men. If Jesus needed their company, so do I. I don’t actually expect Moses to show up. However, Moses’ words are showing up before me, and his words encourage me to press on.

Yours for uplifting messages from Moses, Peter, Elijah, and most of all from Jesus!

David