Second Chances, Limited Time - Day 103 Month 4-13 Week 15-5

Today's Reading (Bible in 1 year)


Numbers 16:1-40 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Numbers%2016%3A1-40&version=NASB1995

Psalm 82 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Psalm%2082&version=NASB1995

Jeremiah 4:1-18 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Jeremiah%204%3A1-18&version=NASB1995

Luke 13:22-14:6 https://www.biblegateway.com/passage/?search=Luke%2013%3A22-14%3A6&version=NASB1995


Second Chances, Limited time


1. In today’s reading from Numbers we see a rebellion against God’s chosen leaders.  Israel had already sinned greatly by choosing not to enter the promised land when they had an opportunity.  Now they felt that Moses and Aaron were not God’s chosen leaders.   I find it a little mind boggling.  They saw the glory of the Lord in the form of a cloud during the day.  They saw the glory of the Lord by fire during the night.  They had already witnessed two of Aaron’s sons die from approaching the tent with “strange fire.”  They had experienced God bringing them out of Egypt under Moses’ leadership.  All this, yet they still felt Moses and Aaron were not up to the task. “You have gone far enough, for all the congregation are holy, every one of them, and the Lord is in their midst; so why do you exalt yourselves above the assembly of the LORD?”


Their action wasn’t disagreement.  This was rebellion!


In Jeremiah 4:1, we see a similar pattern “If you will return, O Israel…break up your fallow ground.”  He’s asking Israel to make itself right or “My wrath will go forth like fire.”


God gives repeated opportunities to return to Him. Despite Israel’s rebellion in the wilderness, He still intended to bring them into the promised land.  Yet Korah, Dathan, Abiram, and others chose to question God’s choice.  Years later, in Jeremiah’s time, the invitation was extended again—but once more, it was largely ignored and the people eventually went into captivity.


Opportunity is there to return to God but it’s not endless.


2. When we first moved into our current home, the house had a huge bathroom on the main floor.  It was about ten by fifteen feet and for added bonus…there was a patio door.   The patio door provided a beautiful view of our back deck and the Bay of Fundy!   However, there was a problem.  This large bathroom only had a very narrow door leading into it.  I suspect there are some people who may not have even been able to get through it. Also the bathtub was situated directly across from the patio doors! We've since renovated. Larger door smaller bathroom!


Our original view from the bathtub

That contrast, a wide room but a narrow entrance, comes to mind when reading Luke 13:23.  Someone asks Jesus “Lord, are there just a few who are being saved?”  Jesus answered in verse 24, “Strive to enter through the narrow door; for many, I tell you, will seek to enter and will not be able.”   This image is straight forward, the opportunity is real, but not unlimited.  There comes a time when the door is shut!  


Jesus makes it clearer in John 14:6 “I am the way, and the truth, and the life; no one comes to the Father but through Me.”  Jesus is the narrow door.  The invitation is open, but the way is specific. And like the narrow door, it must be entered through while it is still open. 


Have a great day!

Steve

steve.d.pauls@gmail.com


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