Reflections: 12-19-2007

All Scripture citations are taken from New Living Translation, Second Edition (NLT).

 
 

Bible Reading Reflections:

 
 

• Numbers 11
  

  After a period of time since their departure from Egypt, the Israelites began to whine about the food provisions of God. These manna should be enough for them, but some Israelites became oblivious that God can provide for them as they began to crave for meat. The idea here is that that we should be satisfied in the provisions God alone can give us. We must not try to defy God by actively seeking other things apart from His. As a result, through God's permissive will those who whined were given what they wanted -- and they became cursed with a plague. Similarly, God will allow us to do things that are even against Him. Remember what the God had done with these Israelites, lest we fall on God's anger.
  

   
   

• Numbers 12
  

  Another instance of discontent was displayed by Aaron and Miriam, siblings of Moses himself. What really happened here is that Aaron and Miriam also wanted to get the credits for themselves. They became jealous of Moses anointing, and they wanted God to give them the same anointing from God, something that God alone has the right to give. Aaron and Miriam started to think in terms of "not God's will, but mine be done" attitude. As a display of God's anger, Miriam was set aside because of the leprosy she acquired as a punishment.
  

 
 

• Psalms 69
  

  Even people who are deep in his faith to God can still commit sins. After all, no one is really righteous and we are all sinners. This psalm describes the pains of a man of great faith. Having falling into sin, people started ridiculing him. His enemies, those who are actively living in sin, used this opportunity to defame this man of great faith through lies and scoffing, amplifying the moment of sin by the man of great faith. He caused the name of God to be tarnished. Yet these sinful people will not be excused for these evil things that they did to him. They will still be punished, as stated in the latter part of this psalm.
  

   
   

  • Save me, O God, for the floodwaters are up to my neck. Deeper and deeper I sink into the mire; I can't find a foothold. (vv. 1-2)
    
  • O God, you know how foolish I am; my sins cannot be hidden from you. Don't let those who trust in you be ashamed because of me, O Sovereign LORD of Heaven's Armies. Don't let me cause them to be humiliated, O God of Israel. (vv. 5-6)
    
  • When I weep and fast, they scoff at me. When I dress in burlap to show sorrow, they make fun of me. I am the favourite topic of town gossip, and all the drunks sing about me. (vv. 10-12)
    
  • But I keep praying to you, LORD, hoping this time you will show me favour. In your unfailing love, O God, answer my prayer with your sure salvation. Rescue me from the mud; don't let me sink any deeper! Save me from those who hate me and pull me from these deep waters. (vv. 13-14)
    
  • Let the bountiful table set before them become a snare and their prosperity become a trap. Let their eyes go blind so they cannot see, and make their bodies shake continually. (vv. 22-23)
    
  • The descendants of those who obey him will inherit the land, and those who love him will live there in safety. (vv. 36)