I confess I had a hard time with Numbers 15. Even before finishing the Chapter I knew I needed to take it to God in prayer. I struggle with the ancient sacrifices. We just read in the last Chapter about the rebellious hearts, the disbelief in God able to protect them and the decree they would stay in the wilderness for 40 years until their next generation would enter the Promised Land. It felt so futile going right into discussing the sacrificial offerings. Yet God was patient and continued to teach them.

From Jesus Calling this morning: Blessed is the one whose transgressions are forgiven, whose sins are covered. Blessed is the one whose sin the Lord does not count against them and in whose spirit is no deceit. When I kept silent, my bones wasted away through my groaning all day long. For day and night your hand was heavy on me; my strength was sapped as in the heat of summer. Then I acknowledged my sin to you and did not cover up my iniquity. I said, “I will confess my transgressions to the Lord.” And you forgave the guilt of my sin. Therefore let all the faithful pray to you while you may be found; surely the rising of the mighty waters will not reach them. You are my hiding place; you will protect me from trouble and surround me with songs of deliverance. I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. Do not be like the horse or the mule, which have no understanding but must be controlled by bit and bridle or they will not come to you. Many are the woes of the wicked, but the Lord’s unfailing love surrounds the one who trusts in him. Rejoice in the Lord and be glad, you righteous; sing, all you who are upright in heart! David. Psalm 32.

The only verse of Psalm 32 referenced in Jesus Calling this morning was verse 8: I will instruct you and teach you in the way you should go; I will counsel you with my loving eye on you. When my heart needs more, I read the whole Psalm.

My consternation sprang from doubting what God was doing. What was the point? The people were rebellious. I am rebellious if I am honest. His answer to me? Because you can’t see you don’t trust Me. Let go of trusting yourself. Look deep within. You see a never ending dark tunnel and you are afraid of the darkness of your own thoughts and feelings. That self reliance is a prison of lies. There is no light there. I came to open that prison and set you free to be with Me. Leave the prison and be with Me. Trust me for all you need. Stop trusting yourself and trust fully in Me. I am here always.

I don’t always understand Scripture and I get discouraged as if God is hiding something vital from me. Can you imagine that hubris? V. 37-41 God instructs the people in making tassels on the corners of their garments so they would remember God. Why? Because it’s so easy to forget. I am the Lord your God, who brought you out of Egypt to be your God. I am the Lord your God.

He told us not to be like the horse or mule – stubborn. He promises to instruct us and teach us and counsel us with His loving eye on us. I found that loving counsel this morning in prayer and it was so needed. I can’t save myself or anyone else. That is His job and He alone is able. When you or I acknowledge our sins and not try to hide them from Him, He forgives us. With His loving eye on us He protects us from trouble and surrounds us with songs of deliverance. What a wonderful place to be. Pleasing to the Lord and a blessing for us.