God has a Reason

Leprosy, a picture of sin

Today's Through the Bible Reading: Numbers 4:34-6:27

Abbreviated Reading: Numbers 4:46 - 5:10; 5:22-27

Can being “seeker friendly” lead to not seeking the One who came to seek and save the lost? (Luke 19:10)

As Christians, we are fishers of men (Matt 4:19). The Holy Spirit burdens our hearts for the lost and gives us a desire to see people come to Christ. This is a good thing and a fruit of the Spirit. BUT, as we fish for men, our focus has to remain on Him who sought us first, JESUS. God’s instructions to us cannot be diminished or ignored in an effort to comfortably convert the unbeliever. There is a great example of this in today’s Bible reading…

In Numbers chapter 5 we find God’s instructions to Israel regarding leprosy. In the Bible, leprosy is always a picture of sin. (i.e., sin and leprosy affect the whole person, his body and his entire house; both lead to death; both bring separation, both have a desensitizing effect, etc.) God commands was that anyone with leprosy must be removed from the camp.

…put out of the camp every leper…that they defile not their camps, in the midst whereof I dwell. Numbers 5:1-3

Why such a harsh response and such an extreme measure? Because that’s where God dwelled. Just like Israel’s camp, God has instructed us to rid our hearts of sin and impurity.

Draw nigh to God, and He will draw nigh to you. Cleanse your hands, ye sinners; and purify your hearts, ye double minded. James 4:8

Because it is written, Be ye holy; for I am holy. 1 Peter 1:16

Our zeal to spread the Good News, God’s standards, His Word, His instructions, and our worship and love of Him should not be muted by a desire to make the world comfortable. Like Israel, we are where God dwells (1 Cor 3:16) and He calls us to yield to His work in us as He purges sin and compromise.

As we fish for men, remember that it is the Holy Spirit who is the ultimate seeker. He stands at the door of hearts knocking (Rev 3:20) and we love Him, because He first loved us (1 John 4:19). As His people, our first priority is to seek Him with all our hearts (Deut 4:29), walk in His ways, and preach the truth of His Word. As you do…

The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up His countenance upon thee, and give thee peace. Numbers 6:24-26