Pressing Forward in Obedience to God’s Full Promise
Morning: Numbers 32-33
Evening: Mark 9:1-31
In today’s readings, we see two powerful lessons about our walk with God—obedience and perseverance in the midst of comfort and challenges. In Numbers 32:4-9, we learn that the tribes of Reuben and Gad, having found a comfortable place in the land they had conquered, wanted to settle there. But God had more for them—He called them to continue their journey and to help their brothers secure the entire promised land. Often, we can be just like these tribes—initially zealous when we see God move in our lives, but then, when the struggles seem less intense, we settle into complacency and miss out on God’s greater promises.
Similarly, in Numbers 33:51-55, God tells the Israelites that in order to fully take possession of the promised land, they must drive out the inhabitants. This is a picture of sanctification in the Christian life—there are parts of us, the “old man” or the sinful nature, that need to be driven out, much like the inhabitants of the land. Just as the Israelites faced the challenge of conquering the land, we too face a battle with our flesh that can hinder us from fully embracing God’s promises. Our old sinful tendencies, if left unchecked, can cause trouble and pain, as they are “pricks in your eyes and thorns in your sides.”
In Mark 10:1-31, Jesus teaches about the sanctity of marriage, the dangers of wealth, and the call to follow Him with a heart of sacrifice and faith. These passages urge us to make decisions based on God’s commands, to hold loosely to worldly comforts, and to step forward in trust that He will fulfill His promises.
Christ calls us to press forward, to pursue holiness, and to remain committed to His will, even when we are tempted to settle for comfort. His ultimate promise is not just a temporary relief, but an abundant life in Him—one that requires a continual commitment to obedience, sacrifice, and perseverance.
Key Insights:
- Complacency in Comfort (Numbers 32:4-9): The tribes of Reuben and Gad were content with what they had achieved and wanted to settle in a place of comfort, but God had more for them. Similarly, we can become complacent in our spiritual walk when things get easier, missing the fullness of God’s promise. We are called to press on, trusting that God has greater things ahead.
- The Battle with the Old Man (Numbers 33:51-55): Just as the Israelites needed to drive out the inhabitants of the land, we too must confront and remove the old sinful nature in our lives. If we don’t, this is going to be a continuous battle where the carnal mind constantly tries to hinder our relationship with God. We must crucify the old man and live in the victory Christ offers.
- Sanctification is Instantaneous (Numbers 33:51-55): Sanctification is like crossing the Jordan River—it’s a decisive moment where you either step into the fullness of God’s holiness or remain where you are. To be sanctified, we must leave behind our old ways and wholeheartedly pursue God’s righteousness. Just as the Israelites were commanded to drive out the nations in the land, we are called to remove the sinful habits and attitudes in our hearts that hinder us from fully following God.
- God’s Promises Require Obedience (Numbers 32:20-24): The tribes of Reuben and Gad had to obey God’s command to help their brothers take the promised land before they could settle in their own. Similarly, we must continue to walk in obedience, even when the path seems easier, because God’s promises are often tied to our obedience and faithfulness.
- Unresolved Sin Hinders Us (Numbers 33:55): God warns that if the Israelites did not drive out the inhabitants, they would become a constant source of trouble. Unresolved sin in our lives will do the same—it will become a source of ongoing struggle and temptation, hindering us from walking in the fullness of God’s plan.
- The Importance of Sacrifice (Mark 10:29-30): Jesus promised that anyone who sacrifices for His sake will receive a hundredfold in return, though with challenges. Living for God often requires sacrifice, but it is never in vain. The blessings may not always be material, but they are eternal.
- Wealth Can Be a Barrier (Mark 10:23-25): Jesus’ warning about wealth highlights how attachments to material possessions can distract us from fully following Him. Our hearts should be set on eternal treasures, not temporary riches. God calls us to be generous and free from the love of money.
Connection to Other Scripture:
The call to drive out the old nature and live in holiness is seen in Romans 6:6, where Paul says, “Knowing this, that our old man is crucified with him, that the body of sin might be destroyed, that henceforth we should not serve sin.” Similarly, Philippians 3:13-14 reminds us to “forget those things which are behind, and reach forth unto those things which are before,” pressing toward the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.
Questions to Reflect On:
- In what areas of your life have you become complacent, settling for comfort instead of pursuing God’s greater promises?
- What “old man” tendencies or sinful habits do you need to confront and drive out in your life in order to experience entire sanctification?
- Are there any parts of your relationship with God that have been hindered by unresolved sin or distractions? What steps can you take to remove these obstacles?
- How can you ensure that you continue pressing forward in faith, even when things seem easier or less challenging?
- Are there areas where you’ve been tempted to “settle” instead of continuing to pursue God’s will for your life?
A Prayer for Today:
Heavenly Father, we thank You for Your promises and for leading us into the fullness of Your will. We confess that there are times we become complacent when things get easier, and we fail to press forward in obedience to all You have for us. Help us to confront the old nature within us, to drive out the sinful habits and thoughts that hinder our relationship with You. Strengthen us to persevere, even in the comfortable seasons, and to live in obedience to Your call. We trust You, Lord, that Your promises are worth the journey, and we desire to press on toward the fullness of Your plan. In Jesus’ name, Amen.