Numbers 15:30-31

Question to think on:  Are you thankful for Jesus Christ?

The book of Numbers was written to the Israelites by Moses over 3400 years ago.  God's law had been given to Israel, the tent of meeting had been built, worship of the Lord was underway, and yet the people continued to rebel against God.  When they arrived at the promise land, spies were sent out and the majority of the spy's reported back that they would not be able to defeat those in the land.  As a result of hearing this Israel continued to grumble at the Lord.  God's response was 40 years of wandering in the desert for Israel rather than entering the promise land.

Israel was commanded to love the Lord and obey His commandments - but their hearts were far from Him.

Numbers 15:30-31
30 But the person who does anything defiantly, whether he is native or an alien, that one is blaspheming the Lord; and that person shall be cut off from among his people. 31 Because he has despised the word of the Lord and has broken His commandment, that person shall be completely cut off; his guilt will be on him.’”

This commandment is directed towards a particular individual "the person who does anything defiantly".  This is a person that knows the commandments of the Lord but chooses to disobey them.  The consequence of this persons actions when caught, is being cut off (death).  If you read just two verses down there is an example of this command being carried out.

I could not help but identify myself with the one that is deserving of death; choosing sin rather than God's commandments and incurring judgement.  This is the place where all of mankind walks - knowing what is right but choosing wrong (sin).  Rest assured that God WILL judge all for their individual sin before Him and condemnation will follow.

But... for those that are sorrowful of their sin, desire to turn from it, and trust in Jesus Christ's death, burial and resurrection on their behalf WILL be saved.  I am more thankful for the Gospel after reading Numbers 15 - because Christ bore my defiant willful sins on the cross in my place.

photo by:  ryk neethling