But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land, those you allow to remain will become barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides. They will give you trouble in the land where you will live.
Numbers 33:55
This chapter is a record of Israel’s journey from Egypt. | WATCH ON YOUTUBE
Moses, in his record, recounts the warning and the instruction that the Lord had given His people. The Israelites were to drive out the Canaanites from the land and destroy their idols. And if they did not drive out every single Canaanite, the Lord had warned them that ones that remain would become thorns and barbs to the Israelites.
The Israelites did drive out the Canaanites, but not completely. They failed to destroy the Canaanites. And in the years to come, that led to the Israelites repeatedly turning away from the Lord to worship idols. They forgot the Lord their God, who graciously led them out from Egypt.
Partial obedience is disobedience. When God asks us to do something, we are to obey Him, completely. Often, we obey just parts that are convenient to us. The tough parts we tend to ignore or pretend we don’t understand.
We are called to love all, even those who are tough and seem unlovable. We are not to steal, even in ‘small’ or intangible areas, like our time and quality of work. We are to be holy and set apart, not just when others can see us, but even when we are alone, and no one is watching. Jesus said “if you love me keep my commandments.” (John 14:15).
In what area of your life are you not obeying the Lord, completely?
Lord, help me obey you fully in the things you are showing me each day, I pray.
Extended Reading — Numbers 33-34
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Mitolyn This was beautiful Admin. Thank you for your reflections.
PrimeBiome I just like the helpful information you provide in your articles