Chapter 117 of 1163

NUMBERS 9

God teaches us in different ways. There are commandments to obey (vv. 1–5), and we must know them and do them. Passover was the annual reminder that God had redeemed Israel from bondage and they belonged to Him. Think of the thousands of lambs that were slain so that the people might obey God! Think of the Lamb of God who died for the whole world (John 1:29)!

There are also exceptions to consider (vv. 6–14). The legalist makes no exceptions, and the anarchist makes everything an exception; but the child of God waits on the Lord for His orders. Each problem in life is an opportunity to learn how to wait on God and discover His will. Let’s not fear exceptions. Our job is to be obedient even if what we do does not always appear to be consistent.

There are leadings to follow (vv. 15–23). Note the sequence: obeying the Lord, waiting on the Lord, following the Lord. God has His times and His routes, and we must watch for His leading. Perhaps the most difficult time for us is when God tarries and we have to wait (v. 19). It is also the most dangerous time, for human nature wants to rush ahead. We must “rest in the Lord, and wait patiently for Him” (Ps. 37:7).

The Will of God

Never be afraid of the will of God; God’s will is the expression of God’s love, and it comes from His heart (Ps. 33:11). It is food, not medicine (John 4:31–34), and nourishes us as we obey. Oswald Chambers was correct when he said, “Doing God’s will is never hard. The only thing that is hard is not doing His will.” Are you doing His will now?

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