Numbers 14:44

New International Version (NIV)

 Nevertheless, in their presumption they went up toward the highest point in the hill country, though neither Moses nor the ark of the Lord’s covenant moved from the camp.

For meditation

Do you see how we can get things mixed up sometimes? How many haven’t thought they were acting by faith, when in reality, they were assuming on God’s promises and grace? How dangerous could that be?

Do you remember the, “Name it and claim it” wave that swept the charismatic landscape a few years back? How poisonous was it to the church, and how much devastation did it leave in its wake? How reckless it is for any to think that preceding sentence with the phrase, “In the name of Jesus”, is a powerful expression of faith that should move God to stamp His approval on our selfish desires? But, how often we get caught up in that unfortunate delusive thinking!

As disastrous as it could be for us; do you know how offensive it is to presume on God that way? Think about it for a moment. How do you feel when your spouse or child takes your love for granted? When your extended family members, friends, boss, and worse of all, your Christian brothers and sisters abuse your generosity and kindness; don’t you feel used?

Even when God said, “No”, to the Israelites at Kadesh (Nu. 14:20-35), do you remember how, “in their presumption”, they attempted a forced entry, but were sadly beaten back (44)? Again, when Israel was defeated by the Philistines due to their sinfulness (1 Sam 4:1-2), do you see how the elders thought the mere presence of the Ark of the Covenant could magically turn things around for them (3)? Did they succeed (10-11)?

Why then do we do it? Why do we think we can equate God to Father Christmas? Why do we think we can presume on God’s grace and do whatever we want and not suffer defeat (Rm. 6:1-2)? How can we reduce God’s presence to mere objects and clichés, and expect His power to flow towards us?

I pray we realize that true faith is an expression of the heart in complete surrender to the will of God; and not a presumptuous appeal to our human sentiments.

So: May we trust God’s faithfulness to His word and promises at all times; but may we never presume on His grace in our wishful thinking that disregards His will. May our attitude of faith be as that of the three Jewish boys before Nebuchadnezzar – the expression of faith that recognizes the supremacy of God’s sovereignty, and readiness to accept His will; and may God reveal His glory in our lives, as we learn to walk with him in total surrender and obedience!

Faith is the victory; not presumption!

Shalom