I suggest you slow down when you get to Numbers 14 because so much of God’s people’s reaction to the report of the spies coming back from Canaan mirrors our own faith-journey in vv. 11-19.
First, notice that the grumbling is labeled despising God. In v. 11 the Lord says, “How long will this people despise me?” I wonder how many of us equate complaining about our circumstances as despising God? Right. Probably none. That reaction is labeled unbelief in v. 11 (“how long will they not believe in me?”).
What’s frightening is the Lord’s gut reaction in v. 12: He’s had it with His people and ready to start over. Almost as frightening is the thought of trying to preach this. Have fun trying to explain how our God can be like this. It’s a great time to flex your exegetical/theological muscles and help your listeners see why God is portrayed like this in this narrative.
Thank the Lord Moses doesn’t like His idea. Moses’s reasoning is credited with moving the Lord to pardon His people (vv. 19-20 “Please pardon…I have pardoned according to your word.”). It’s a great time for everyone to hear that the Lord’s reputation is at stake in His world with respect to how His people fare (vv. 13-16).
As Moses pleads with the Lord our listeners are reminded about the promises the Lord made to them. Verse 18 may be one of the most important verses in Scripture about the character of God,
“The Lord is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love, forgiving iniquity and transgression, but he will by no means clear the guilty, visiting the iniquity of the fathers on the children, to the third and the fourth generation.”
This is why the Lord does not give up on His people. According to v. 17 this is the Lord letting his power “be great as [He] promised.”
Anyone interested in a Christ-centered reading of the narrative can focus on God’s ability and method of pardoning sin (vv. 18, 19, 20).
And remember, our task is not to preach to them about the Bible, but to preach to them about them from the Bible. Or, if your prefer God-centered wording, we’re preaching to them about God and their relationship with Him from the Bible. This is not ancient history but a Word from God to us.
Anyway, I think you can see how God will receive glory in the church and in Christ Jesus (Ephesians 3:21) from such a preaching event.
Randal
Interesting thoughts. Will be on Numbers in about 3 months. Will remember this whe we get to Numbers 14. I like Bow Ties also. Especially ones from Beauties out of Vermont.
I hope your experience in Numbers will be positive for the Kingdom. Thanks for the tip on another potential bow tie source! May you continue to experience God’s favor. It’s good to hear from you.
1. I need this.
2. My church needs this.
3. Should I start teaching through Numbers? 😉
4. It all kind of fits in this COVID world too…
I’m not sure Poland is ready for Numbers! (*smile*) However, I appreciate your response to that critical section in the book. Agree totally about how relevant it is during such a time. I can’t remember so much grumbling in my lifetime. Keep up the good work of faith, brother.