DEVOTION
FOR: MONDAY DECEMBER 5, 2016
Topic: STAND
OUT
Text:
Numbers 14:1 – 10
In some cases, the multitude can be deceptive. There are
sometimes in the game WHO WANTS TO BE A MILLIONAIRE, the audience failed the
contestant by giving wrong answer. It is not always in every case that the
majority of people are right in their opinion or belief. Thus it is very
important we view issues from different perspectives to enable us draw a true
conclusion of matters. This is also very important in our Christianity
especially now that many false teachers and prophets are in the Church of
Christ.
The best thing we can do as Christians to stand well on
God’s side is to be very careful of the multitude. God hardly works with
multitude. Rather, He chooses those who will separate themselves from the
multitude to stand out. The majority report of 10 men caused a great rebellion
among the people (Numbers 14:1–4). Because it is in human nature to accept
opinion as fact, we must be very careful when voicing our negative opinions as
Christians. Moses was put into more trouble (Numbers 14:5) by the majority report.
The action of the multitude in rebelling, grieved Joshua and Caleb that they had
to tear their clothes (Numbers 14:6).
Tearing clothing was a customary way of showing deep
sorrow, mourning, or despair. Joshua and Caleb were greatly distressed by the people’s
refusal to enter the land. They maintained their stand that they are able to
take the land despite the majority report (Numbers 14:6–9). By standing out on
God’s side, the Israelites wanted to stone them (Numbers 14:10). This is the
greatest height of distrust on God and what He can do.
When the chorus of despair went up, everyone joined in.
Their greatest fears were being realized. They lost their perspective and were
caught up in the emotion of the moment, forgetting what they knew about God’s
character. They quickly forgot that with Him all things are possible. They
forgot that He can make way where there is no way. Unfortunately, they (those
who doubted God) didn’t enter the Promised Land at last. When a cry of despair
goes up around you, consider the larger perspective before you join in. You
have better ways to use your energy than to grumble. Above all stand out. Don’t
join others to do evil in your office, neighbourhood, business arena, etc. Show
the people that you are different through being punctual, honesty, integrity,
faithfulness, etc. Our call is to come out and be separate (2 Corinthians 6:17
and 18).
Food for
Thought: A compromising Christian is a thorn
on the flesh of the Church of God.
Memory
verse: Numbers 4 verse 6
Prayer:
Help me, O Lord, to stand out for you no matter
the situation I find myself in Jesus name. Amen.
