Today’s reading

Numbers 30-31; Mark 9:30-50

Selected Verses

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Avenge the people of Israel on the Midianites. Afterward you shall be gathered to your people.” So Moses spoke to the people, saying, “Arm men from among you for the war, that they may go against Midian to execute the Lord's vengeance on Midian. Numbers 31:1-3

Whoever causes one of these little ones who believe in me to sin, it would be better for him if a great millstone were hung around his neck and he were thrown into the sea. Mark 9:42

Reflections

God’s final assignment to Moses was to bring judgment on the Midianites for the way they had seduced the Israelites into sin. Indeed, as we saw in our March 1 reading, the Israelites paid a severe price for their foolish sin, but now God sends Moses to repay their tempters for causing His people to sin.

The disciples were beginning to show their true colors as the thought of Jesus’ death dawned on them. They began to jockey for positions of leadership and wanted to curtail any would-be competitors that they had not authorized. In a forceful statement, Jesus warned them of the danger of defiling little ones who believe in Him. The Reformation Study Bible note explains that the phrase “little ones” may refer either to children or to those who are “insignificant believers.” So the warning has broad application. The disciples saw those who were not following them as insignificant and worthy of rebuke (Mark 9:38).

Think about it

Who are the little ones in your life? Are they children? Are they just the so-called insignificant believers? Remember that God holds them in high esteem. He gave His Son for their salvation. Beware of causing others to sin who look up to you either because of your age or status. Treat them all as children of the King for, as believers, that is what they are. If you have failed in this regard, repent of all known sin, confess to God and those offended. Seek the Lord's grace and forgiveness through Christ. God has promised: "If we confess our sins, he is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness" 1 John 1:9.

© 2017 John A Carroll Used by permission