DEVOTION
FOR SUNDAY DECEMBER 4, 2016
Topic: A
GOOD INTENTION MISCONSTRUED
Text:
Numbers 13:26 – 33
Though the issue of spying out the Promised Land was first suggested
by the Israelites themselves but when God later gave the approval, it was His
intension that their findings will encourage them to swiftly go into action to
posses the land. Unfortunately, it was not so. The Promised Land was indeed
magnificent, as the 12 spies discovered (13:27). The Bible calls it the land
flowing with milk and honey. Although the land was relatively small (150 miles
long and 60 miles wide), its lush hillsides were covered with fig, date, and
nut trees. These good descriptions of the land were despised by the majority
report given by 10 out of the 12 spies because of the descendants of Anak there
(13:28). The minority report of Caleb and Joshua were rejected.
The scenario after the reports was never the intent of God
in approving their request to spy out the land. God wanted them to see and
believe but it turned out the opposite. Most times, this is how God’s goodwill,
providence, grace and mercies are defeated, misunderstood or abused. For
example, God has called us into liberty. Many has misunderstood it and abused
it by willfully committing immoral sins. This was the reason Paul said, “Shall
we continue in sin that grace may abound (Rom. 6:1b)? We shouldn’t abuse the
good intentions of God in providing that spouse, job, vehicle, etc by despising
God, neglecting fellowships, church services and programmes. We should make
good use of every opportunity God gives us to worship and glorify Him.
Memory
verse: Numbers 13 verse 31
Food for
Thought: Grace is not a license to continue
in sin.
Prayer:
Almighty God, help me to understand the essence
of the grace and mercies I enjoy now so I can live my life therein to glorify
you.
