Senior Pastor David Rose continues our study through the book of Numbers by examining chapters 26-30. God is bringing a new generation of Israelites to the edge of the Promised Land once more. Though the people have changed, God’s character has not─He is shown to be just in dealing with sin, and faithful in fulfilling His promises to His people.
Recognizing His grace stirs humble obedience. The search for satisfaction ends only in Jesus.
Next Week: Numbers 31-32
God is perfectly just and cannot overlook sin. Like the generation of Israelites who perished in the wilderness, we are all sinners deserving of God’s judgment (Romans 3:23). But God, because of His great love, made a way where there seemed to be no way. He provided a solution for the biggest problem we face─our separation from Him because of sin.
That solution was Jesus. God raised up the ultimate leader in Christ to shepherd His people (Hebrews 3:1-2). Jesus lived a sinless life so His perfection could be imputed to us (2 Corinthians 5:21). Then, on the cross, He bore the punishment for our sins─satisfying both God’s justice and His grace. He took our place and died as our substitute (Romans 5:8, 1 Peter 2:24).
The resurrection proves God’s justice has been fulfilled and we can now be justified by faith in Christ alone─apart from works (Romans 4:25). Everyone who believes in Jesus─trusting wholly in His finished work and not their own efforts─receives new life and right standing with God (John 3:16, Romans 10:9-10).
God desires for us individually to repent and believe, and then to live surrendered lives for Him. As our pastor said, when we respond to His grace with a willing obedience, we find our purpose and satisfaction in Christ alone (Colossians 2:6-7, 3:17). This is the heart of the gospel message.