Israel's Obedience

So far, we have read through the first 3 books of the Law, inspired by God and written by Moses. What do you think? It is hard to believe the details of all of the laws, isn't it? There are laws for almost everything from food and clothes to worship and business. I can see how it could have been overwhelming. However, the Israelites were not overwhelmed. Even when it came to the group of 2 million people moving through the desert with the Tabernacle carried by the Levites, and everyone else camping in just the right places, they did what the Lord had commanded them. (Numbers 1:54) In fact, Moses recorded that the Israelites did everything in just the way the Lord had commanded. That is pretty amazing, isn't it? But it is very true.

I wonder how we are doing in keeping God's commands? I know we are saved by grace and not by works. We do not have to keep the Law to be saved and go to heaven. However, every command has a meaning for us or a principle for us. If we keep God's commands our lives will go much better than if we live in our own way. The problem is that many believers feel that we can only partially obey the commands of God or that we can modify them to meet our needs. That doesn't work. God won't bless us, and we will be living in disobedience which is sin, so we will suffer the consequences of our sins. That is why so many Christians are not experiencing the abundant life Jesus wants for us. (John 10:10) I would like to urge each of us to follow the example of the Israelites and be totally obedient to God and do it all in His way. Yes, we have to do it in His strength through the Holy Spirit, but we can do it. If we will, God will smile on us.

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Tomorrow, I intend to read Numbers 2-4.