The lifting up of the brazen serpent was to teach Israel an important lesson. They could not save themselves from the fatal effect of the poison in their wounds. God alone was able to heal them. Yet they were required to show their faith in the provision which He had made. They must look in order to live. It was their faith that was acceptable with God, and by looking upon the serpent their faith was shown. (PP 430.3)
Reading Plan, Week 7
Patriarchs and Prophets
Chapters: 33–38
Monday: 374.1–386.1
Tuesday: 387.1–396.4
Wednesday: 397.1–407.5
Thursday: 408.1–421.2
Friday: 422.1–432.2
All page/paragraph numbers are the original page numbers and can be used with any edition of Conflict of the Ages (shown in gray on the inside margin within The Conflict Beautiful).
The following is an overview of this week’s reading. Each chapter is introduced with a short paragraph, followed by a couple of thoughts/questions for you to consider.
Chapter 33: From Sinai to Kadesh
After spending nearly a year encamped at Sinai while building the Tabernacle and organizing the system of government outlined by God, the Israelites follow God’s leading toward the nearby Promised Land. Dissatisfaction rises quickly over food as well as Moses’ leadership, so God provides 70 elders to share Moses’ responsibilities and a miraculous flock of quail to feed the multitude’s meat cravings. At the next encampment, Aaron and Miriam express their jealousy over Moses’ authority as well as sanctimonious racism against his wife. God responds by withdrawing His presence from the Tabernacle and striking Miriam with leprosy for seven days as a sign of the seriousness of doubting His appointed leader.
How have you seen God’s direction revealed through your faith community’s organizational structure?
When has God allowed you to have something you really wanted, only for you to realize that relying on His plan and timing may have been better for you?
How can you support and encourage people God has placed in leadership positions around you?
Chapter 34: The Twelve Spies
Arriving at the border of Canaan, the Israelites send twelve spies to survey the land. Inspired by the spies’ description of Canaan’s plenty, the people nonetheless become discouraged as ten of the selected leaders describe the nations, cities, and giants they will face. Caleb and Joshua’s attempt to reassure them with reminders of God’s promises and strength ends in a murderous mob assaulting them. God interrupts and is only dissuaded from destroying the entire nation by Moses’ impassioned intercession. After God informs them that entry into the Promised Land will now be delayed by forty years, during which time all of the adults except Caleb and Joshua will die, the people regret their hastiness and unsuccessfully attempt to attack the Canaanites on their own.
When have you focused so much on difficulties that you forgot to rely on God’s strength and provision? How can you intentionally reflect on God’s guidance in your past to give you confidence for the future?
How can you nurture a Moses-like heart of intercession?
Chapter 35: The Rebellion of Korah
Korah, Dathan, and Abiram conspire with 250 tribal princes to overthrow Moses and Aaron’s leadership and seize control of both civil and religious institutions. Spreading dissatisfaction among the people, Korah accuses Moses and Aaron of hoarding power. Moses appeals to God, who warns the people to step back before destroying the three unrepentant rebels and their families in a supernatural sinkhole. Continuing His work of destruction through a plague that strikes the multitude, God again relents at the intercession of Moses and Aaron. Aaron’s election to the priesthood is confirmed by the miraculous budding of his staff.
How is your grumbling and gossiping against spiritual leaders different than that of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram? Or is it?
How can we press for accountability and reform without causing division and dissent?
Chapter 36: In the Wilderness
Wandering in the wilderness serves as a punishment for the older generation as well as training in faith for the younger generation. Noteworthy death sentences illustrate that God is serious about the consequences of sin. After forty years, the Israelites return to Kadesh, where Miriam dies and is buried.
What can you learn from the blessings and/or consequences experienced by previous generations in your family or faith community?
Chapter 37: The Smitten Rock
The life-giving flow of water representing Christ that had started when Moses struck the rock at Horeb continued to sustain Israel throughout their wanderings. Just before they are to pass through well-watered Edom on their way into Canaan, this miraculous provision ceases. Instead of trusting in God to provide for their needs, the Israelites quickly turn against Moses and Aaron. Annoyed and impatient, Moses strikes the rock again rather than following God’s new command to speak to it. As a result, Moses is forbidden to enter the Promised Land with the people.
How has God provided for your needs in miraculous or unlikely ways?
How can you continue to rely on God in the midst of highly trying or annoying circumstances?
Chapter 38: The Journey Around Edom
As a result of their distrust in God at Kadesh, the Israelites lose the opportunity to travel through Edom and must go around instead. At Mount Hor, Aaron dies and is succeeded as high priest by his son Eleazar. In response to the people’s continuous complaints, God withdraws His protection and allows the camp to be invaded by venomous snakes. Moses makes and elevates a brass serpent, following God’s instructions, and those who look at it are healed.
How can focusing on your blessings help limit complaints and dissatisfaction?
What can you do today to focus on Jesus and His righteousness?