Daily Devotion, January 14, 2023

 

Devotion:

Read Deuteronomy 32:48-52.

This week we have been looking at some of the Bible stories and passages that are troubling. We are doing that as a reminder to all of us that such passages exist for us. Hopefully, this will also give us a point of connection and dialogue with people outside of the Church who struggle with parts of the Bible and other aspects of what being a Christian is all about.  

This passage is certainly one I have struggled with over the years. First, a quick background to this story. In Numbers 20:1-12 is the story of when Moses struck the rock for water, rather than simply speaking to the rock as he had been instructed by God. The result is he does not get to enter the Promised Land with the rest of the people.  

I have read many explanations for why God reacted to Moses’ action in this way. Some are more plausible than others, but none fully explain this level of punishment. There is no simple answer for me on this one.  

This is certainly not the only situation in the Bible or in my own life experience that I have no explanation for why things have happened as they have. And I have often said to God, “I do not understand what is going on here, but I still believe in you, and I believe that somewhere in the future, you are going to bring about justice for everyone. In the meantime, help me know how I can best serve your mission.”

Personal Worship Option:

What story in the Bible or passage of Scripture is the most challenging for you to understand why God acted in a particular way? What causes you to continue to place your trust in God even though there are some things you don’t understand? How might you use that as part of how you connect with people you are trying to convince to become followers of Jesus Christ?