AWAY FROM THE LORD’S PRESENCE (NUMBERS 14:39-45)
AWAY FROM THE LORD’S PRESENCE
NUMBERS 14:39-45
Lesson prepared by: Krisha of Solomon Wisdom FB page
DATE: APRIL 08, 2018
MEMORY
VERSE:
Jeremiah
10:23
“O Lord, I know
that the way of man is not in himself: it is not in man that walketh to direct
his steps.” (KJV)
INTRODUCTION:
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When
you were asked, “Do you need revival?” Some will possibly answer, “No” maybe
because you see yourself okay; you go to church, you pray, and surrounded by
Christian friends. But deep inside there’s no spark in the things you do in the
church. You are not blessed with testimonies and touched by sermons. The things
you do are just routine.
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The
Israelites had a spiritual leader to guide them, they can talk to God through
Moses. Though they had experiences showing God’s guidance and presence, still
they rebelled against the Lord.
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Though
they can have the access to talk and feel God’s presenceTheir hearts need
revival.
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Have
you felt the times in your life that though you are in the church or you’re in
the middle of praying it seems that you’re away from God’s presence? This was
what happened to Israelites. There were in distress situation and they wanted
God’s answers but He didn’t respond.
LESSON
OUTLINE: AWAY FROM GOD’S PRESENCE…
1)
YOU CANNOT PURSUE THE PROMISES AND BENEFITS OF GOD (NUMBERS
14:39)
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In Numbers 14:39-45 the Bible explains that the children of
Israel sought to do just that. The scriptures explain that Moses informed the
children of Israel about the things that God said concerning their judgment.
Since God saw that the people despised Him and His eternally unconditional
promises, God told Moses that the complaining generation would not inherit the
land. The generation of Israelites that came out of Egypt had grown accustomed
to complaining about God and the methods of His work. The generation of
Israelites that came out of Egypt was rebellious against God and considered Him
to be unable and unfaithful in regards to His promises. Though God guaranteed
that His people would inherit the land according to the promises made to
Abraham, the people were afraid of the native inhabitants of the land,
considered to be too great to overcome for God, and desired to go back to the
bondage of Egypt rather that move forward by the command of God. Therefore, God
told Moses that those ungrateful people would not inherit the land, and Moses
relayed the message to the people.
https://www.properknowledge.com/devotional/numbers-1439-45-without-the-lord
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Upon hearing about God’s displeasure and judgment, the Bible
explains that the people were sad and regretful. In response, the people tried
to appease God to ease their regret. They did not seek to change their hearts
in repentance. God had previously told the Israelites to prepare to enter into
the land, but Israel rebelled against God in fear and unbelief. After hearing
that God was going to cut them off from the inheritance, the people decided
they would just go into the land as God originally promised. However, the Bible
does not explain that the people repented. The Bible does not say that the
people sought God. Though the Bible does say that the people acknowledged their
sin, the scriptures testify that the people sought to address their sin their
own way rather than seek God for forgiveness. https://www.properknowledge.com/devotional/numbers-1439-45-without-the-
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After so many struggles and painful experiences, there’s an
announcement that you have been denied to go or experience the “Promise Land.”
Though they were with Moses that time, they were complaining a lot and this is
the reason, they didn’t trust the Lord. I think a great manifestation that a
believer heart’s need revival is when he becomes a complainer.
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2)
YOUR DECISIONS ARE
WITHOUT WISDOM (NUMBERS 14:39-41)
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Numbers 14:39-45
explains that the people decided they would go up over the mountain and enter
the land to try and please God. Rather than seeking forgiveness and turning
back to the Lord, they sought to make up for their mistakes on their own.
Feeling regret about being disqualified from God’s promises, the children of
Israel pursued the promises of God without God. When Moses saw what the people
were preparing to do, he warned them not to do so. Moses candidly told the
people that God had decreed His judgment and would not relent. God had already
showed mercy by allowing the people to live. God had also exercised His
righteousness by administrating proper justice and consequence for the
unfaithfulness of the people. The actions of the people were not going to
change the mind and heart of God since the people sought to do their work
without repenting and turning back to God. Moses warned the people that they
would not succeed, but instead be embarrassed and destroyed by the people,
seeking to take advantage of God’s blessings without God. Moses plainly told
the people that God would not go with them into battle, and as a result, they
would lose. The people despised God and did not want to trust Him so God let
the people go on their own to their own demise. (https://www.properknowledge.com/devotional/numbers-1439-45-without-the-)
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Have you
experienced praying earnestly but God didn’t answer? Have you felt the feeling
that you are trapped and the only way which you think to get out of it is
following the knowledge of this world? For example, you are trapped with
financial debt and your decision is to loan with a higher interest because you
can’t longer find a company or a debtor with a lesser interest. Then this
decision gives you a more tiring situation in life. Then this comes the feeling
that you can longer feel the God’s presence in your decisions. You cannot
decide properly because instead of surrendering your will to the Lord and
repent to the things you do without Him, you decide with your own way and not
in God’s way.
3)
YOU WOULD NOT SUCCEED
IN THE BATTLE (NUMBERS 14:42-45)
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Numbers 14:39-45
candidly testifies that the children of Israel did not heed Moses’ warnings,
went up the hill and were defeated by the Amalekites and the Canaanites. The
children of Israel were pushed way back so that they lost ground. Moses did not
go with the people and kept the ark from going with the people as well. The
history of Israel shows that one cannot pursue the promises and benefits of God
without trusting in God. The Book of Hebrews puts it this way – it is
impossible to please God without faith (Hebrews 11:6). The testimony of Israel
shows that one cannot have a superficial affection for God, only desiring the
“good things” that God provides without desiring God as the Provider. One must
trust in who God is, trust that the methods of His provision are good and
right, and trust that God is greater than any circumstances to fulfill His
promises and is faithful to do so in spite of circumstances. In order to
receive the benefits that God gives according to His promises, one must desire
God and trust His ways according to the scriptures. The testimony of Israel
shows that when one seeks after God’s rewards without God, one will eventually
experience defeat. Those who deny God and do not pursue Him in faith by His
Word cannot expect God to be in the lead of one’s daily endeavors to bring
victory, peace, joy, and contentment. Those who do not receive the benefits of
God’s promises can only blame themselves for departing from the God who gives
them.
(https://www.properknowledge.com/devotional/numbers-1439-45-without-the-)
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Two things that caught my attention is in verse 44. They still
went up to the hill even without their spiritual leader and the Ark
of the Covenant which is the symbol of God’s presence. I remember situations in churches wherein some
members still do what their wants even with warnings from our pastor. We still
do things without the guidance of the Lord through His word. Remember you would
not succeed in this battle of life without our spiritual leader (finds him in
the church) and most especially the Lord in our lives.
CONCLUSION:
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