Author: Gary

In this chapter the prophet Balaam declared to King Balak that Israel could not be cursed because God had chosen them and set them apart. He recognized that God had blessed them, and no human effort could overturn God’s will. How many times have we been like King Balak? How many times have we asked for an answer from God and not accept his answer? God answers every prayer. He answers every prayer in 1 of 3 ways. He says yes, no, or not yet. God’s will is God’s will and there is nothing we can do to change that. This chapter is a lesson for us to learn to accept God’s answers to our prayers even if it is not the answer that we want. Balak was pretty much begging for God to answer his prayer that was clearly against God’s will. No matter how many sacrifices Balak gave it was not going to change the will of God. Has it ever occurred to you that God might not be answering your prayers because you might be asking God for something outside of his will? We get so self centered sometimes that all we can see is what we want. A major lesson from this passage is that God’s promises cannot be defeated by human schemes. Balaam proclaimed several important truths to Balak. Those truths are God does not lie, God does not change His mind as human beings do, God had blessed his people, God’s blessing would remain, God’s presence was among His people, and his people’s strength came from God alone. These truth’s are still true today. The only difference is that God’s people aren’t just Israelites. God’s people are the believers of Jesus Christ. Balak wanted a curse placed on Israel, but God transformed the curse into a blessing. In a similar way, Jesus took the curse of sin upon Himself and gave us the blessing of salvation. As a child of God, no one can overcome God’s plans for your life, God’s Word is always true, and God is faithful even when our circumstances are difficult. Jesus has taken the curse of sin and replaced it with the hope of eternal life. We should seek God’s approval rather than the approval of the world. This chapter reminds us that God’s plans are stronger than human plans, God’s blessings are more powerful than human curses, and God’s promises find their fulfillment in Jesus Christ. Love y’all! Have a great day!

Numbers 22 tells the story of Balaam, a Gentile prophet whom King Balak of Moab hired to curse the people of Israel. Instead of allowing Balaam to curse Israel, God intervened and used the situation to accomplish His own purposes. As the Israelites camped near Moab, Balak, the king of Moab, became terrified because of the great number of Israelites and their military victories. He sent messengers to Balaam and offered him money to put a curse on Israel. God told Balaam not to go because Israel was blessed. Balak then sent more distinguished officials with greater rewards, hoping to persuade Balaam. Although Balaam claimed he would obey only God’s command, his heart was drawn toward the reward. God allowed Balaam to go, but only on the condition that he speak the words God gave him. Along the way, The Angel Of The Lord stood in Balaam’s path to oppose him. Balaam could not see The Angel, but his donkey could. The donkey turned aside three times, and Balaam beat the animal each time. God then caused the donkey to speak, and afterward He opened Balaam’s eyes so that he could see The Angel standing before him with a drawn sword. The Angel warned Balaam to speak only what God commanded. When Balaam finally arrived, he was unable to curse Israel because God had determined to bless His people. God’s blessing cannot be overturned. Balak wanted to curse God’s people, but God would not allow it. In a similar way, Jesus secured an eternal blessing for those who belong to Him. Balaam’s love of money foreshadows the betrayal of Christ. Balaam’s heart was divided because he desired wealth and honor. Later, Judas betrayed Jesus for money. Both accounts warn us about the danger of greed. The Angel Of The Lord points to Christ. Many people, including me, believe that some appearances of The Angel Of The Lord in the Old Testament were manifestations of Jesus before His birth. In this chapter, The Angel stood as a judge and protector, revealing God’s authority and holiness. Balaam’s blindness reflects humanity’s spiritual blindness. Balaam was a prophet, but he could not see what his donkey saw. In the New Testament, Jesus repeatedly healed blind people as a sign that He came to give spiritual sight to those who would trust Him. Jesus is the greater prophet. Balaam could only speak the words God gave him. Jesus, however, is not merely a prophet who speaks for God; He is God the Son. Everything He said and did perfectly reflected the Father’s will. This chapter reminds us that God is sovereign. He protects His people, exposes the motives of our hearts, and accomplishes His purposes despite human plans. It also reminds us to guard ourselves against greed, pride, and spiritual blindness. This chapter also points us toward Jesus, the One who opens our eyes to the truth, the One who protects us, and turns what others intend for evil into something good. Love y’all! Have a great day!

Numbers 21 marks a turning point in Israel’s journey through the wilderness. This chapter contains several important events. Israel defeats the Canaanite king of Arad, the people complain against God and Moses, God sends venomous snakes among the people, Moses intercedes for the people, God commands Moses to make a bronze serpent and place it on a pole so that anyone who looks at it in faith will live, and Israel continues toward the Promised Land and wins victories over Sihon and Og. Even after all God had done for them, the Israelites became impatient. They complained about their hardships and even spoke against the manna that God had provided. As judgment, God sent venomous snakes among the people. Many were bitten and died. The people repented and asked Moses to pray for them. Instead of removing the snakes, God instructed Moses to make a bronze serpent and place it on a pole. Everyone who looked upon it in faith was healed. This event is one of the clearest pictures of Jesus in the entire Old Testament. The bronze serpent foreshadowed Christ on the cross. Jesus Himself explained this connection. John 3:14–15 says, “Just as Moses lifted up the snake in the wilderness, so the Son of Man must be lifted up, so that everyone who believes in him may have eternal life.” Just as the serpent was lifted up for all to see, Jesus was lifted up on the cross. The Israelites had to look in faith. Those who were bitten could not heal themselves. Their only hope was to trust God’s provision. The same is true for us. We cannot save ourselves from sin. Salvation comes only through faith in Jesus Christ. The serpent represented the curse. Throughout Scripture, the serpent is often associated with sin and judgment. Jesus was sinless, yet He willingly took our sin upon Himself. 2 Corinthians 5:21 says, “He made the one who did not know sin to be sin for us, so that in him we might become the righteousness of God.” Moses acted as an intercessor. Moses prayed for the people after they confessed their sin. In a much greater way, Jesus intercedes for us before the Father. Hebrews 7:25 says, “Therefore, he is able to save completely those who come to God through him, since he always lives to intercede for them.” The victories over Israel’s enemies point to Christ’s final victory. Israel defeated powerful kings because God fought for them. In the same way, Jesus has conquered sin, death, and Satan. This chapter reminds us that complaining against God reveals a lack of trust in Him. It also teaches us that God provides a way of salvation even when we deserve judgment. Just as the Israelites looked to the bronze serpent, we are called to look to Jesus. The difference is that the bronze serpent brought temporary physical healing, while Jesus brings eternal life to all of us who believes in Him. Love y’all! Have a great day!

Numbers 20 is a chapter filled with loss, rebellion, judgment, mercy, and transition. Three major events take place. Miriam (Aaron’s sister) dies, Moses strikes the rock instead of speaking to it, Aaron dies, and his son Eleazar becomes the high priest. It starts off with the people complaining about water. Once again, the Israelites grumbled against Moses and Aaron because they had no water. Instead of trusting God, they accused him of bringing them into the wilderness to die. This shows the sinful tendency of the human heart. Even after witnessing God’s faithfulness, the people still doubted him. God told Moses to speak to the rock so that water would come from it. Instead, Moses became angry and struck the rock twice with his staff. In verse 10 Moses says, “Listen, you rebels! Must we bring water out of this rock for you?” Water still flowed from the rock because God showed mercy to the people, but Moses disobeyed God by striking the rock instead of speaking to it. Also, it is just my personal opinion that he took the glory away from God and gave it to himself we he struck the rock. With his actions he let his own personal pride shine instead of God’s light. As a result, Moses was told that he would not lead the people into the Promised Land. This is one of the most important pictures of Jesus in the entire Old Testament. In 1 Corinthians 10:4, Paul explains that the rock represented Christ. The first time Moses struck the rock (Exodus 17), it symbolized Jesus being struck for our sins. But in Numbers 20, God commanded Moses to speak to the rock instead of striking it again. Jesus was sacrificed once and for all. He does not need to be sacrificed repeatedly. After this happened Moses asked the Edomites for permission to pass through their land peacefully, but they refused. The Edomites were descendants of Esau, Jacob’s brother. Their refusal shows the opposition God’s people often face as they follow him. In the same way, Jesus warned his followers that they would encounter rejection and hardship in this world. After this encounter it says that Aaron dies. God told Moses, Aaron, and Eleazar to climb Mount Hor. There, Aaron’s priestly garments were removed and placed on Eleazar, signifying that the priesthood would continue through a new generation. Aaron’s death reminds us that every earthly priest eventually dies. Jesus is different. He is our eternal High Priest. Unlike Aaron, he never needs a successor. Hebrews 7:24 says, “But because he remains forever, he holds his priesthood permanently.” As Christians, we should not be like the Israelites, who constantly complained despite seeing God’s provision. Instead, we should trust Christ completely, obey him faithfully, and remember that the One who was struck for our sins never needs to be struck again. All we must do is come to him in faith and receive the living water he freely gives. Love y’all! Have a great day!

Numbers 18 focuses on the responsibilities of the priests and Levites and the importance of holiness in Israel’s worship. After Korah’s rebellion in the previous chapters, God clearly established who was responsible for serving Him in the tabernacle and how those servants were to be supported. God tells Aaron that he and his sons are responsible for the priesthood. The Levites are appointed to assist them, but only the priests may perform certain sacred duties. This chapter emphasizes that serving God is both a privilege and a serious responsibility. The priests were expected to protect the holiness of the tabernacle so that God’s judgment would not fall upon the people. The priests were not given an inheritance of land like the other tribes. Instead, God provided for them through the offerings brought by the people. One of the most beautiful statements in this chapter is found when it says, “You will have no inheritance in their land; there will be no portion among them for you. I am your portion and your inheritance among the Israelites.” The priests’ greatest treasure was not property, wealth, or possessions. Their treasure was God Himself. The Levites received the people’s tithes because they devoted their lives to serving in the tabernacle. In return, the Levites also gave a portion back to God. This established an important principle: those who dedicate themselves to God’s work should be supported, and everyone should honor God with what He has been given. Aaron served as the high priest, but Jesus became the perfect and eternal High Priest. The priests stood between God and the people, but Jesus became the one true mediator between God and humanity. The sacrifices of the priests had to be offered repeatedly, but Jesus offered Himself once and for all for us. The priests found their inheritance in God, and we as believers today are called to find our satisfaction and hope in Christ rather than in earthly possessions. All in all Numbers 18 reminds us that God values obedience, holiness, and faithful service. It also teaches us that God gives different responsibilities to different people, every blessing we have comes from Him, and our greatest inheritance is not money, land, or success; it is our relationship with Jesus Christ. The central message is that God Himself is enough. Just as the priests’ lives revolved around God’s presence, our lives should revolve around Christ. Love y’all! Have a great day!

Numbers 17 records an event in Israel’s history that confirmed whom God had chosen to lead His people. This chapter centers on Aaron’s staff, which miraculously budded, blossomed, and produced almonds overnight. After Korah’s rebellion in the last chapter, many Israelites continued to question Moses’ and Aaron’s authority. To settle the matter once and for all, God instructed Moses to collect a staff from the leader of each tribe of Israel. Aaron’s name was written on the staff representing the tribe of Levi. Moses placed all the staffs inside the tabernacle before the Lord. The next morning, Aaron’s staff had not only sprouted but had also blossomed and produced ripe almonds. God then commanded that Aaron’s staff be kept in the Ark of the Covenant as a sign to future generations. The message was clear. God alone chooses whom He appoints. A dead piece of wood suddenly came to life and produced fruit. In a similar way, Jesus was crucified, buried, and then raised from the dead. Through His resurrection, He brought eternal life to everyone who trusts in Him. Just as life came from Aaron’s staff, life came through Christ. In John 11:25 Jesus says, “I am the resurrection and the life. The one who believes in me, even if he dies, will live.” Aaron was selected by God. He did not appoint himself. In the same way, Jesus was appointed by the Father to serve as our perfect High Priest. Hebrews 5:4-5 says, “No one takes this honor on himself; instead, a person is called by God, just as Aaron was. In the same way, Christ did not exalt himself to become a high priest, but God who said to him, You are my Son; today I have become your Father.” Unlike Aaron, Jesus never sinned and never needed to offer sacrifices for Himself. The branch was lifeless, yet it produced fruit because of God’s power. Jesus taught that we are like branches connected to a vine. John 15:5 says, “I am the vine; you are the branches. The one who remains in me and I in him produces much fruit, because you can do nothing without me.” Apart from Christ, we can do nothing, but when we abide in Him, we bear fruit. God also instructed Moses to preserve the staff as a reminder of His power and authority. Likewise, the life, death, and resurrection of Jesus stand as an everlasting testimony of God’s faithfulness to us. Jesus is the true and eternal High Priest who brings life out of death. The most beautiful picture in this chapter is the dead branch bursting with life. That is exactly what Jesus does for us. He takes people who are spiritually dead and gives them new life, new purpose, and the ability to bear fruit for the glory of God. Love y’all! Have a great day!

In this chapter Korah, along with Dathan, Abiram, and 250 leaders of Israel, challenged the authority God had given to Moses and Aaron. They argued that everyone in Israel was holy and questioned why Moses and Aaron had been placed in positions of leadership. Moses responded by telling the rebels to appear before the Lord with censers filled with incense so that God Himself could reveal whom He had chosen. God’s judgment came swiftly. The earth opened and swallowed Dathan, Abiram, their families, and all they possessed. Fire came down from the Lord and consumed the 250 men who had offered unauthorized incense. Even after witnessing these events, the people complained against Moses and Aaron. God sent a plague upon the Israelites, and Aaron stood between the living and the dead to make atonement for the people. The plague finally stopped after the death of 14,700 people. The New Testament age we now live in is often called the “age of grace,” but grace should never be mistaken for permission to live in rebellion against God. Numbers 16 teaches us that God is holy, sin is serious, and Jesus is the only way to reconciliation with the Father. The question that this chapter leaves us with is simple. Will we follow Christ with humility, or will we insist on following our own way? This chapter also reminds us that, although we no longer live under the Old Testament law, we are still called to live under the authority of God through Jesus Christ. The same pride, rebellion, and desire for control that existed in Korah’s day still exist in the human heart today. Today we are called to humbly submit ourselves to the authority of Jesus rather than trying to establish our own way of living. We should guard ourselves against pride. Korah believed he deserved a position that God had not given him. In the same way, we can become jealous, resentful, or convinced that we know better than God. We should respect godly leadership while remembering that all leaders are ultimately accountable to Christ. We should be thankful that Jesus is our mediator. Aaron stood between the living and the dead and temporarily stopped God’s judgment. Jesus has done something infinitely greater by permanently paying the penalty for our sins through His death and resurrection. We should be careful not to complain against God when life becomes difficult. The Israelites witnessed miracles, yet they still grumbled. We must choose faith instead of bitterness. We should remember that God’s grace is available to everyone who repents and places their trust in Christ. Every time we make choices and take our lives in our own hands we are saying to God that “we know better.” The saying is true that actions speak louder than words. We can say that we believe in Jesus, that his sacrifice paid for our sins, and that we believe that he was God in the flesh but what do our actions say? What do our choices say? When we truly look at ourselves in the mirror is God truly in control of our lives or do we make the choices and ask later if he is ok with our decisions? This chapter should come as a warning for us to not speak to Jesus like Korah speaks to Moses. Jesus is the Son of God who was chosen to be the mediator between us and the father. We must be careful not to let pride get in the way of us following Jesus. We must humbly submit to his will and not our own. This is how we truly know where our faith lies. Love y’all. Have a great day!

Numbers 15 is a chapter about obedience, worship, atonement, and remembering God’s commands. It comes right after Israel’s rebellion in Numbers 14, when the Israelites refused to enter the Promised Land because they were afraid of the Canaanites. Numbers 15 shows that even though the current generation would face judgment, God’s covenant promises had not failed. He was still preparing a future generation to enter the land. God’s people were called to remember what He had done for them and live in obedience to Him. For us today, that means remembering what Jesus has done for us and how He died for our sins, rose again, and reconciled us to God. We must allow that truth to change how we live. When we read the Old Testament we need to notice that we deal with sin differently but the character of God has not changed. God remains faithful even when people are unfaithful, sin is serious and requires atonement, God’s holiness cannot be separated from His love, God provides a way for sinners to be reconciled to Him, and God’s people are called to remember their redemption and live in obedience.
The Old Testament sacrificial system points forward to Jesus and how He was and is the perfect and final sacrifice for us. Numbers 15 ultimately reminds us that God is holy, sin is serious, obedience matters, and God’s plan of redemption is greater than our failures. That plan of redemption is fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Love y’all! Have a great day!

In this chapter the twelve spies from each tribe returned from exploring the Promised Land. Ten of them gave a negative report. They saw the strength of the Canaanites and became afraid. Only Joshua and Caleb trusted that God would give Israel the land as He had promised. The Israelites responded by complaining against Moses and Aaron, wishing they had died in Egypt or the wilderness, wanting to choose a new leader and return to Egypt, and rejecting God’s promise because of fear. Joshua and Caleb pleaded with the people to trust God, reminding them that the Lord was with them. But the people wanted to stone them. God then appeared in His glory and considered judging the nation. Moses interceded for Israel, asking God to forgive them and appealing to God’s character and mercy. God forgave the people, but there were still consequences for their rebellion. The generation that had refused to trust God would wander in the wilderness for forty years, and they would not enter the Promised Land. Joshua and Caleb were the exceptions among that generation. The chapter ends with some Israelites trying to enter the Promised Land on their own after God had told them not to go. They were defeated because they were acting outside of God’s command. The lesson for us is to not let the size of our circumstances become bigger than our view of God. There are two kinds of people in this world. There are those who give into fear and there are those who have fear but know that God is greater than that fear. Joshua and Caleb saw the same giants everyone else saw, but they saw them through the lens of God’s promises. As Christians, we can have an even greater confidence because we know Jesus has already overcome sin, death, and the grave. When Jesus ascended to the Father he gave us the free gift of the Holy Spirit who walks with us and guides us. This chapter ultimately points us toward the need for a Savior. Israel repeatedly failed to trust and obey God, but Jesus succeeded where humanity failed. He is the faithful Son who perfectly trusted the Father, became our Mediator, bore our judgment, and leads all who trust in Him into the eternal promise of salvation. If anyone wants to give their life to Christ I would be more than happy to help anyone do that today. Feel free to message me directly. I would love to have that conversation with anyone wanting to have a relationship with the God that created us and the God that holds everything in his hands. Love y’all! Have a great day!