Pastor Gary's OYB Devotion Archive for March 13

“Take the rod; you and your brother Aaron gather the congregation together. Speak to the rock before their eyes, and it will yield its water; thus you shall bring water for them out of the rock, and give drink to the congregation and their animals” (Numbers 20:8 NKJV).

From: March 13, 2017

To speak or strike?

There were two “water from the rock” miracles under Moses’ wilderness ministry. The first was at Horeb, early in the Israelites 40 year trek. In this, Moses was instructed by God to “strike the rock,” and water would come out of it for the people to drink (Ex.17:1-7). And Moses obeyed. Some 38 years later, the children of the generation who had complained against Moses, complained of no water again. The sins of the fathers are passed on to the sons. Complaining is catching.

The second time, God told Moses to “speak to the rock” and it would yield water. But Moses disobeyed. Nearly 40 years of the Israelites’ complaining had no doubt taken a toll on him. So Moses, took his rod and struck the rock twice, yelling, “Hear now, you rebels! Must we bring water for you out of this rock?” (Num. 20:10). Moses acted out of frustration and anger. He not only struck the rock rather than speaking to it, he took credit for the miracle: “Must we fetch water for you?”

The Lord still honored Moses before the people, allowing water to gush forth from the rock in spite of his disobedience. But Moses and Aaron would pay the price for not considering the Lord’s holiness before the people. Neither of them would enter the Promised Land.

The issue is not whether to “speak or strike.” The issue is about obeying God’s Word and giving Him all the credit for what that obedience brings forth.

“This I know, that God is for me” (Psalm 56:9 ESV)

From: March 13, 2016

When men and circumstances were all against him, David wrote this psalm. He had been anointed by the prophet Samuel to be the king of Israel, yet he still hid from King Saul’s attempts to kill him. And now, at the writing of this psalm, he had been seized by the Philistines. It certainly didn’t appear that “God was for” David. Yet, David still trusted God and His Word. God’s anointing and promise ultimately were fulfilled in David, and he became Israel’s greatest king. Do you ever question whether God is for you? Do not be dismayed. Learn from David who trusted God in spite of circumstances. Put your trust in Jesus, Son of David and Son of God. He is for you.

“it seemed good to me also, having had perfect understanding of all things from the very first, to write to you an orderly account, most excellent Theophilus” (Luke 1:3 NKJV)

From: March 13, 2015

Luke addressed both his gospel as well as the book of Acts to a man named “Theophilus,” whose name means “lover of God.” Luke addressed him with the title, “most excellent,” which would imply that he was a person of prominence. Some have suggested that Theophilus was a man of wealth and position that Luke had been discipling in the faith. Perhaps he had offered to underwrite the expense of publishing Luke’s gospel and the book of Acts as well, which means that Luke addressed both of these books to him as his patron. The cost of copying these two works, so that they could be shared among the churches would have been great. There was no printing press, so the cost of copyists and paper was very high. At any rate, Luke the physician, under the inspiration of the Spirit, offered a very well-researched and “orderly account” of the gospel of Jesus and the history of the early church. And we are able to hold this account in our hands and read it with our eyes and receive it into our hearts today!

“Then the angel said, ‘I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!'” (Luke 1:19 NLT)

From: March 13, 2014

The angel that appeared to Zechariah in the temple and foretold the birth of John the Baptist was no common messenger. He was Gabriel, one of the angelic host that continuously stood in the very presence of God. He did not appreciate the doubtful questioning of old Zechariah. He identified himself, delivered the divine message, and stilled Zechariah’s doubting tongue until it could speak faithfully again. Perhaps Gabriel was surprised by Zechariah’s unbelief since they both had similar jobs. For while Gabriel stood before God’s heavenly throne, Zechariah stood burning incense before God’s presence in His earthly Temple. Yet, there was a curtain in the Temple separating Zechariah from the Holy of Holies, while Gabriel stood in the burning presence of God’s very throne. When Jesus died on the cross, that curtain was torn, so that those who believe on Him may boldly approach God’s throne with all our requests.

“This I know, that God is for me” (Psalm 56:9 ESV)

From: March 13, 2013

David probably wrote this psalm while hiding in the cave of Adullam. This after fleeing from Saul to the Philistine King Achish of Gath, then fleeing from him as well when the reception turned dangerous. While every circumstance around David turned negative, he still didn’t blame it on God. He still believed that God was for him. David decided to place his trust in God rather than man. A broken and scared David went into that cave, but a man who believed that if God was for him, no one could stand against him emerged. Have you ever met with God in a cave?

“Then the angel said, ‘I am Gabriel! I stand in the very presence of God. It was he who sent me to bring you this good news!'” (Luke 1:19)

From: March 13, 2012

Gabriel appeared to Zechariah during his time of Temple service. He came to announce the imminent births of both John the Baptist and Jesus. This was what Israel had long awaited. Yet, Z doubted. Do you doubt God’s good news?

“The Lord has done this for me,” she said. “In these days he has shown his favor and taken away my disgrace among the people.” (Luke 1:25)

From: March 13, 2011

Literally, “He looked on me.” The Lord sees our need. By His grace He removes our disgrace.

Zechariah’s tribe

From: March 13, 2009

Zechariah’s tribe. We began reading the book of Luke today. Again, I’m struck by the way OT and NT complement one another. Did you notice the lineage of Zechariah, husband of Elizabeth? They are of the lineage of Aaron. Yes, the same Aaron who God first anointed high priest. This lineage is what qualified Zechariah to serve inside the Temple, handling the incense job. Zechariah was a Levite priest (Both Aaron and Moses were of the tribe of Levi) And according to the rotation, it was his turn to serve (Like WCC, they rotated their church workers too, apparently one month on, 11 off.). It was while he was doing his assigned service that God spoke to him. Do you think God still speaks to those who are busy doing Kingdom work?