Focal Passage: Numbers 20:2-13

As a dad of three growing boys, I can say one thing with certainty: They can eat. Our refrigerator is rarely safe. Yet sometimes I’ll find one of them standing with the fridge door wide open, frustrated because “there’s nothing to eat.” Of course, there’s food — it just may not be what they want in that moment. Their mom and I will never let them go without. But their frustration blinds them to what’s already been provided.

That’s the spirit we see in Numbers 20. God had proven His faithfulness to Israel again and again, yet the people chose to complain. The passage reveals a progression of distrust that we, too, often fall into. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Numbers 11:4-17 

One of the most fascinating careers to study is that of Hotshot Crews — elite firefighters trained to face the most dangerous wildfires. One of their primary tools is the “firebreak,” a strip of cleared land that stops flames from spreading and creates a safe zone. 

In Numbers 14, Moses functions as a spiritual firebreak. He stands between God’s judgment and the people’s rebellion, interceding on their behalf.

By this point, Israel had rebelled repeatedly. Despite seeing God’s power in undeniable ways, they persisted in unbelief (vv. 11-12). God asked, “How long will they despise me? How long will they not trust me?” At its core, sin is rebellion — not just against God’s commands, but against His character. Outwardly, Israel may have followed at times, but inwardly their hearts were far from Him. Rebellion always begins in the heart, and rebellion against a holy God demands justice. His anger was justified, and His judgment was deserved. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Numbers 13:17-31

Recently, my wife and I were talking about skydiving. A couple we knew had gone, so I asked her if she’d ever want to try it. Without hesitation, she said, “Yes, absolutely!” 

I, on the other hand, began listing all the risks — chief among them, jumping out of a perfectly good airplane. My hesitations came from fear, while hers came from anticipation of the thrill. We looked at the same event and saw two very different perspectives. That’s exactly what happens in Numbers 13. The Israelites were given a chance to look at the promised land, and their perspectives revealed whether they would trust God or fear the obstacles before them.

Moses sent twelve spies to scout the land God had promised. He gave them an opportunity to trust (vv. 17-20, 27). This was never about whether the land was good — it was about seeing God’s gift with their own eyes. They had already witnessed His miraculous power: the Red Sea parting, manna from heaven, water from the rock. God had proved Himself faithful. This mission was an opportunity to trust Him again and to celebrate the goodness of the land He was giving. But instead of rejoicing in the gift, most of them focused elsewhere. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Numbers 11:4-17

Recently, I traveled on a mission trip to Ecuador. In one village, the people graciously prepared lunch for our team—a local delicacy I hadn’t encountered before: guinea pig. To me, guinea pig is a pet, not a meal, but we felt compelled to partake. 

I managed to get it down (barely) while longing for the familiar food back at the hotel. It wasn’t what I wanted, but it was what I had. I should have been grateful, yet I found myself frustrated. [Read more…]

Focal Passage: Numbers 9:15-23

When I was a little boy in sunny Orlando, my dad often took my older brother and me on bike rides around our neighborhood. We rarely took the same route twice. At the start of each ride, Dad gave us our “jobs.” 

My brother’s task was to ride in the back and “watch out for alligators or bad guys coming from behind” — a role that sounded heroic to my six-year-old ears.  [Read more…]