Old Testament reading: Numbers 12-14
Today’s text contains what are to me some of the most disgusting displays on the part of Israel. In chapter 12, Aaron and Miriam begin a slander campaign against Moses in an attempt to feather their own nest. God intervened on Moses’ behalf by reminding those two that it was Moses with whom God spoke face to face. And, in spite of their knowledge of this very thing, they were unafraid to speak evil of God’s servant. In chapters 13-14, while on the very precipice of entering Canaan, the people reject the report of Caleb in favor of the ten faithless spies, again pining for the “good old days of Egypt.” (I will be honest, I get angry when I read these chapters, but then manage to calm down upon a little self reflection of my own inadequacies.) Then, after they were told they would die in the wilderness, they have a sudden change of heart. Despite Moses’ warnings not to attempt an invasion, they rush ahead only to be defeated by their enemies. From there it was downhill. A constant stream of faithless complaining and criticism of Moses. The more I read this text, the more I love and appreciate Moses.
New Testament reading: Acts 15-16
“From among your own selves shall men arise, speaking perverse things, to draw the disciples after them.” So said the apostle Paul to the elders of Ephesus. Acts 15 contains the first instance of false teaching in the church, namely the Judaizers’ assault on God’s plan of salvation by attempting to integrate the Law of Moses into the law of Christ. After this error was hotly disputed by Paul and the false teachers, it was determined to send Paul and Barnabas to the apostles and elders in Jerusalem about the matter. The source of this heresy was exposed when Paul and Barnabas arrived and addressed the church in Jerusalem, as some of the “Pharisees who believed” affirmed and contested that circumcision must be included with the preaching of the gospel. This matter was discussed among all who were present, again hotly at times (v 7). As in Acts 11:30, we see the importance of the elders, even in the earliest days of the church. Note here how they are listed alongside the apostles in the settling of this matter.
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