Devotion back log

March 8, 2011
Changing relationships
When Moses commissioned Joshua he directed him to go to Eleazar the priest and consult the urim when direction from the Lord was needed (Num 27:21). It strikes me that this is a degradation in the relationship that Moses enjoyed with God. Moses spoke with God face to face as a man speaks to his friend (Ex 33:11). It seems like God is withdrawing a little. Flash forward to today. When we need direction from God we rely on the Bible, counsel, circumstances, and a sense of calling. Very few (if any) have experienced a direct relationship with God. God is more hidden and we are required to seek Him out (Jer 29:13, Luke 11:9).
March 9, 2011
Sex and religion
In Numbers 31 we discover that Balaam was giving evil counsel even while God was using him (in spite of himself) to bless Israel. He advised the Midianites to lure the Israelites into idolatry with sex. The plan worked and the Israelites were led astray at Mount Peor (Num 31:16). He paid for this sin with his life (Num 31:8). I wonder how much Balaam was paid for his services as a consultant to Balak. However we look externally, we must monitor our motives lest we fall into the error of Balaam (Rev 2:14).