So all the congregation lifted up their voices and cried, and the people wept that night. (Numbers 14:1)
If they would have only understood that it was not their natural abilities that had brought them this far; but it was only because of the LORD, they would not have cried. They would have sought the LORD instead.
I think they cried because they look to their natural abilities; their natural resources and found themselves severely lacking hence they cried out in helplessness. In fact this was not helplessness but foolishness and pride to even think that they had come this far by virtue of their strength and intellectual capacities.
Our past victories in the LORD should be a reminder signs boards instructing us of our need and dependence on God more than ever for future victories.
"Say to them, 'As I live,' says the LORD, 'just as you have spoken in My hearing, so I will do to you: (Numbers 14:28)
A man’s faith never rises above the word that he speaks. Confessing the word of God and His promises are so important.
But they presumed to go up to the mountaintop; nevertheless, neither the ark of the covenant of the LORD nor Moses departed from the camp. (Numbers 14:44)
Difference between faith and presumption
Faith:
Faith begins with a promise from God.
Faith is God-centered (God wants to do something that brings glory to Himself).
Faith is humble.
Faith waits on God and surrenders to Him.
Presumption:
Presumption begins with a personal desire.
Presumption is man-centered (Man wants God to do something for him).
Presumption is arrogant and demanding.
Presumption dictates what God must do.
Presuming that the LORD is with you will only lead to disaster as it was in the case of the Israelites. “Then the Amalekites came down and the Canaanites who dwelt in that hill country and smote the Israelites and beat them back, even as far as Hormah.” (Numbers 14:45)
Chapters
- Chapter 1
- Chapter 2
- Chapter 3
- Chapter 4
- Chapter 5
- Chapter 6
- Chapter 7
- Chapter 8
- Chapter 9
- Chapter 10
- Chapter 11
- Chapter 12
- Chapter 13
- Chapter 14
- Chapter 15
- Chapter 16
- Chapter 17
- Chapter 18
- Chapter 19
- Chapter 20
- Chapter 21
- Chapter 22
- Chapter 23
- Chapter 24
- Chapter 25
- Chapter 26
- Chapter 27
- Chapter 28
- Chapter 29
- Chapter 33