Numbers 30-33; Psalm 35; Luke 3
Numbers 31 describes God's judgment on the Midianites. God commands Moses to have Israel attack the Midianites, destroy their cities, and kill their inhabitants (Numbers 31:3-8). Furthermore, when the Israelites spared the lives of women and children, God questions them: why did you do this? (Numbers 31:15-16), and commands them to kill all the male children and women. Such commands from God often raise questions: How can God be so harsh?
In reality, such situations demonstrate the true horror of sin and the seriousness of God's holy and righteous wrath against sin. Scripture clearly states that all sinners deserve death and eternal punishment in hell. Accustomed to God's mercy, to His withholding of His wrath, people forget about the reality of sin and punishment for it. Through these stories, God shows that His response to sin is just; everything above it is grace, absolutely undeserved by humans.
Psalm 35. Amidst difficulties and betrayal by loved ones, David seeks help, sincerely expressing his pain - "O Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my soul from their destruction..." (Psalm 35:17). This is a perfectly natural state when we are suffering. Still, the ultimate solution to this problem can only be rejoicing in the Lord, which David does (Psalm 35:9).
Luke 3. John the Baptist preaches in Judea, fulfilling prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. His mission is to present Christ to the people. The nation recognizes John as a prophet, going to him to be baptized, which makes his testimony particularly significant. Furthermore, God Himself testifies about the Son, as immediately after His baptism, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the voice of God from heaven proclaims: "You are My beloved Son; in You, I am well pleased!" (Luke 3:22).
In reality, such situations demonstrate the true horror of sin and the seriousness of God's holy and righteous wrath against sin. Scripture clearly states that all sinners deserve death and eternal punishment in hell. Accustomed to God's mercy, to His withholding of His wrath, people forget about the reality of sin and punishment for it. Through these stories, God shows that His response to sin is just; everything above it is grace, absolutely undeserved by humans.
Psalm 35. Amidst difficulties and betrayal by loved ones, David seeks help, sincerely expressing his pain - "O Lord, how long will you look on? Rescue my soul from their destruction..." (Psalm 35:17). This is a perfectly natural state when we are suffering. Still, the ultimate solution to this problem can only be rejoicing in the Lord, which David does (Psalm 35:9).
Luke 3. John the Baptist preaches in Judea, fulfilling prophecies about the coming of the Messiah. His mission is to present Christ to the people. The nation recognizes John as a prophet, going to him to be baptized, which makes his testimony particularly significant. Furthermore, God Himself testifies about the Son, as immediately after His baptism, the Holy Spirit descends like a dove, and the voice of God from heaven proclaims: "You are My beloved Son; in You, I am well pleased!" (Luke 3:22).
Posted in Reading Bible Together