How would you like to read through God's Love Letter—His Word, the Bible, with a group of like-minded, Christian girlfriends? We're doing that over in the private, Sweeter Than Honey, Facebook group. Did you know you don't have to start a Bible reading plan on January 1? You can begin today! This simple plan, and an accountability partner, will help you succeed. Who will be your accountability partner? Share this post with them and invite them to the private Facebook group.
Sweeter Than Honey is patterned after this Bible Reading Itinerary. On Tuesdays, here at the blog, I would love it if you and I could take a trip through God's Word and Sweeter Than Honey, together! I would also encourage you to Join us over in the private, Sweeter Than Honey, Facebook group, introduce yourself, meet new friends, and share your thoughts there as well. We're waiting for you!
Numbers 19-21: Consequences of Sin
Numbers 20 begins with the death of Miriam: “And the people of Israel, the whole congregation, came into the wilderness of Zin in the first month, and the people stayed in Kadesh. And Miriam died there and was buried there” (20:1).
Miriam had been such a help to her brother Moses, first when he was just a baby in a basket floating in the Nile and then as he led the people through the wilderness. Back in Exodus 15, we read where she led the women in a song of victory after the people of Israel crossed the Red Sea. But then, in Numbers 12, we read of Miriam and her brother, Aaron, talking negatively about the woman Moses married all because Miriam was jealous of Moses' special relationship with God. Because of this, God spoke directly to Miriam and Aaron and told them it was not right for them to speak against their brother Moses. As a result of her disobedience, Miriam had the terrible disease of leprosy. That’s the last thing the Bible records about her life until it records her death here in chapter 20.
Miriam was jealous. Moses was angry. Both were wrong. Miriam became leprous for seven days and had it not been for the pleading to God by her brother Moses, she may have been leprous for the rest of her life. Moses was not allowed to enter the Promised Land because of his anger.
These are two excellent reminders for us today that sin has real consequences, and even leaders like Moses and Miriam are not perfect. We all need God’s grace, mercy, and forgiveness. I am so glad that His grace, mercy, and forgiveness are available to us today! Aren’t you?
As we read about the consequences of sin today, I am reminded of chapter 26 of Leviticus and the promises of both obedience and disobedience listed for us there.
Promises of Obedience:
Promises of Disobedience:
About Sweeter Than Honey
Let's be intentional about focusing on God’s Word and the truths found there. Let's let it inspire us to live out our faith each day in a way that causes those we come in contact with to want what we have found. God sees you. He knows you by name, He knows the number of hairs on your head, and He cares about every detail of your daily existence. He wrote you a Love Letter. Let’s dive in!
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12 Comments
2/22/2022 09:51:54 am
It's comforting to know that we're not the only ones that continue to make mistakes. Everyone does, even our heroes from the Bible. Yes, so grateful for God's grace and forgiveness! May we be as generous to give it to others as God gives it to us.
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2/22/2022 10:04:48 am
That's a great point, Lisa!! —> "...so grateful for God's grace and forgiveness! May we be as generous to give it to others as God gives it to us."
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2/22/2022 10:50:33 am
Thank you, Donna. God IS so merciful and forgiving and I am so thankful for that!! Over and over we fail Him, just like the Israelites. And, like Miriam and Aaron, we make bad choices. GRACE!
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2/22/2022 01:20:01 pm
Yes, both stories are an encouragement and a warning, aren't they? I do thank God for His grace in my life. I have fallen short so many times.
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2/22/2022 01:32:18 pm
We all have, Donna! " I was just reading in the book of Romans this morning. "For ALL have sinned and fall short of the glory of God, and are justified by His grace as a gift, through the redemption that is in Christ Jesus, whom God put forward as a propitiation by His blood, to be received by faith." Romans 3:23-25 It doesn't get much simpler or clearer than that—Gospel truth!
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As a pastor's wife I have witnessed people trying to put my husband or myself on a pedestal. I diligently rebuke that because we are both wrapped in human flesh. We will mess up from time to time. If not, what would be the need of God's cleansing power found in I John 1:9. My desire is to live a life that brings God glory. But I find comfort in knowing when I mess up, Jesus is still faithful and just to forgive.
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2/22/2022 01:36:04 pm
Beautiful testimony, Calvonia! I don't like when our children are put on a pedestal either! That's a lot of pressure, and we're all just human flesh living under God's grace.
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2/22/2022 02:51:42 pm
It is both encouraging and comforting to me to read of those in Scripture who made mistakes. God still used them in His plan and recorded their lives in the Bible for us to learn from.
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2/22/2022 02:56:40 pm
Yes, Joanne, I am greatly encouraged by how, even after Miriam and Aaron sinned, God still used them for His glory. GRACE!
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2/23/2022 09:29:52 am
This is both a warning and a comfort. Our pastor often says, "The best of men are men at best." None of us is above falling, but God's grace is available to us all.
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2/23/2022 02:31:23 pm
"The best of men are men at best." <— I love that, Barbara! GRACE!
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