Day 69 – March 10, 2021
Scriptures: Numbers 15-16, 2 Timothy 4 The opening of 2 Timothy 4 is the encouragement that every preacher turns to when they need inspiration in the work of preaching. Paul is encouraging young Timothy to keep going, continue in the task of proclaiming the gospel. No doubt there was a great deal of discouragement for Timothy. Paul offers enough warnings and critiques that we can tell he is dealing with a lot of grumbling and complaining from the church. But he is to keep going, endure the hardships, carry out all of his duties. God probably gave Moses that pep talk as well at this point in his ministry to the Israelites. When God’s people grumble and complain, it often leads to ungodliness. That’s Paul’s concern in chapter 3 of 2 Timothy. Yesterday we saw the grumbling play out in the lives of the Israelites. The struggles continue for Moses and the Israelites in chapters 15 and 16. They don’t quite get it, but to oppose Moses, is to oppose God, and go against God’s desires for Israel. The people turn from God, oppose His will and there were dramatic consequences. The earth opens and swallows those who opposed God. But there was also a degree of grace given. For those unintentional sins, there did not demand too great of consequence. Paul speaks of this, in a way. There are some who did him great harm, Alexander, in particular. And Paul says, “God will repay him.” But for others, those who seemed to unintentionally harm him, well there was grace. “At my first defense, no one came to my support, but everyone deserted me. May it not be held against them.” May it not be held against them. Moses would plead this for his people. And every one of us would be wise to plead on one another’s behalf forgiveness and grace. May our sins be forgiven, and continue in our walk with our Lord. Be blessed, Jordan
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AuthorJordan Ickes, Minister of Etna Green Church of Christ. Archives
December 2022
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