Bucket List

Daily Reading: Numbers 31

Scripture Focus: Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people. (Numbers 31.2)

Devotional Thought: Do you have a 'bucket list'? What's in it? Mine contains the goal to travel around each of the Great Lakes. In Numbers 31, God gave Moses something to put on his 'bucket list'. "Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites.” Seems harsh, doesn't it?

Several days ago, as we read about the Midianites, we considered the fact that we cannot understand all the ways of the Lord, but we do know that we must deal resolutely with sin. Today's chapter isn't any more pleasant than what we read before, but there is still something for us to learn.

The Israelites were still living in the vicinity of the Midianites. And, once again, we need to consider the Midianites as a symbol of sin. God knew that Moses was soon to die (be gathered to his people) and that the people would miss his spiritual leadership. He knew that they would be easy prey for the temptations of sin. So God continued the campaign to cleanse sin from among his people.

Each one of us has an influence that will live on after we are "gathered to our people." Each of us also will give an accounting to God for our own lives at that time. We may have 'Midianites' from our past - sins that have been forgiven and we can do nothing more about. But, let us put on our bucket list that we will deal decisively with sin and leave a legacy of holiness for our children and their children after them.

Prayer: Thank you, Father, for giving us the way of life, which is a way of holiness, purity, and integrity. It is a way that honors you and helps others. Grant that we would so live - from this day forward - to your glory and others' good. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 1 Unless the LORD builds the house, those who build it labor in vain. Unless the LORD watches over the city, the watchman stays awake in vain. 2 It is in vain that you rise up early and go late to rest, eating the bread of anxious toil; for he gives to his beloved sleep. 3 Behold, children are a heritage from the LORD, the fruit of the womb a reward. 4 Like arrows in the hand of a warrior are the children of one's youth. 5 Blessed is the man who fills his quiver with them! He shall not be put to shame when he speaks with his enemies in the gate. (Psalms 127:1-5)