Day 64

Read Numbers 19:1 – 21:35

Today’s reading reveals how God provides purification, sustains His people, and judges sin. Moving from the red heifer ritual to the Israelites’ complaints after losing Miriam and Aaron… despite the constant grumbling God provides water and the bronze serpent for healing.

The Red Heifer
In Numbers 19, God establishes a law to purify people contaminated by death. Death is the ultimate consequence of sin and coming into contact with death makes us unclean before a holy God. The red heifer ritual, while seemingly strange, foreshadows the superior sacrifice of Jesus Christ.
Are you trying to purify yourself through works, or are you relying on the “ashes” (Christ’s sacrifice)?

The Water From The Rock
In Numbers 20, the people were lacking water and returned to grumbling and longing for their old life in Egypt (the same sin that doomed the previous generation). Even Moses, in his frustration, fails to honor God’s holiness. God gave Moses specific directions to demonstrate God’s answer to the complaints of the people. However, Moses not only struck the rock twice instead of simply speaking as he was commanded to do… he also sinned in the fact that he tried to share the credit when he refers to “we” in verse 10.
In times of scarcity (like the lack of water), do you complain or trust that God can bring water from a rock?

The Bronze Snake
In Numbers 21, the cycle of sin, judgment (the snakes), and grace is highlighted. When the people repent, God provides the bronze serpent – a type of Christ lifted on the cross. Whoever looks at it – meaning whoever places their faith in Jesus – will live.
When suffering the consequences of sin, do you look to the remedy God has provided, or do you fix it yourself?

Prayer:

Lord, thank You for being a God of purification and provision. Forgive me for the times I have grumbled instead of trusted, and for the times I have failed to honor your holiness. Thank You for the sacrifice of Jesus, which cleanses me, and for the eternal life that comes from looking to Him. Help me to walk in faith rather than complaining. In Jesus’ name, Amen.