Getting Back on Track

At the end of winter, baseball season is almost here. Several players who played poorly last year are looking to get back on track. How do they do that?

What about us—have we failed or lost discipline in our lives? Today, we will look at how we can get back on track in our spiritual life by learning from the Israelites.

Recognize how you got off track

All along their wilderness journey from Egypt to Canaan, the Israelites complained. God supplied all their needs and even protected them from their enemies. However, they still failed to trust him. They even rebelled against him and his chosen leaders, Moses and Aaron. God was angry, but time and again, he was merciful, forgiving, and very patient.

The Israelites’ faith in God finally derailed—ten of the men sent to spy out Canaan reported there were giants in the land, and they could not defeat them! They refused to believe God could help them win against the Canaanites and bring them into their inheritance. Instead, they wanted to choose new leadership to take them back to Egypt. Such ingratitude! What a slap in the face!

As a punishing consequence, the LORD declared that the Israelites will wander in the wilderness for forty years. All who are at least twenty-years-old will die (except Joshua and Caleb).

Make Changes

Now God’s judgment is complete, and he is bringing the Israelites back on track. This new generation begins to trust the LORD. Although they still do wrong things, he is leading them into Canaan to receive their promised inheritance.

To get back on track, it is sometimes necessary to change leadership. Moses and Aaron had been Israel’s leaders for the last forty years, but they failed at Meribah. God told them to speak to a particular rock to get water for the Israelites and all their animals. But in anger, Moses said, “Listen, you rebels, must we bring you water out from this rock?” [emphasis mine] They did not honor God (Numbers 20:9-12; 27:14). They were taking the credit for something only God could do.

You may need New leadership

The Israelites need new leadership. Aaron is dead. God’s humble and faithful leader, Moses, knows his job is also finished. He asks God to provide a shepherd to lead the people into the Promised Land. The LORD chooses Moses’ aid and military leader, Joshua.

Joshua’s name means “savior” and is the Hebrew language equivalent of the New Testament Greek name, “Jesus.” Joshua is a type of Christ (see (more…). He is a type of Christ because it is Jesus Christ who leads his followers into the Promised Land of heaven.Joshua is filled with the Spirit of God and always completely obeys the LORD in everything. Joshua will lead the Israelites into Canaan. Moses commissions him publicly before all the people to take his place. Then as God directs, Moses gives him some of his authority so they will respect Joshua as they do himself. Moses allows Joshua to go to the priests for spiritual direction from the LORD. At Joshua’s command, the entire community of Israel moves or sets up camp.

It is a wise leader who will realize it is time for him to move on. Pride or profit should not stand in the way of the best interests of the people. Sometimes, leaders can see their errors and change, but usually, there needs to be a change in leadership. Following God’s will and keeping people on track is what is most important.

Establish Good Habits

In Numbers 28:1–30:16, instructions are given to the Israelites regarding sacrifices and vows. This was taught to the first generation of Israelites when they were at Mount Sinai forty years ago, but their parents were rebels. Most likely, the Word of God was not faithfully taught to their children and grandchildren. They were spiritually off track.

A significant part of getting back on track is re-establishing good regular habits. In today’s Bible reading, there is a particular emphasis on daily burnt offerings, in addition to weekly Sabbath offerings, monthly new moon offerings (something new), and the special days of Passover and the Day of Atonement with their accompanying feasts.

Our spiritual habits must be daily habits if we want them to be effective. Here are some excellent spiritual practices:

• read God’s Word, the Bible
• Pray
• be actively involved in church
• be committed to following the teachings of God’s Word
• do good works of kindness in our family and community
• be a witness of his grace and blessings.

Make Wise Commitments and Keep Them

In addition to these regulations is a new one regarding the keeping of vows. Keeping vows is extremely important to God (Numbers 30:2). This regulation protects Israelite women, in particular, from making foolish promises (Numbers 30:3-16). Otherwise, everyone is to keep his/her commitment to the LORD and accept whatever consequences there might be. Sometimes, when we seek to get back on track, spiritually, we, too, make vows which are later problematic. The Scriptures warn us about making rash vows (Matthew 5:33-37; James 5:12). Let us be fully committed to the LORD to obey him but not over-zealous, making emotionally-based promises we cannot keep.

Discussion

How do Christians and Christian organizations get off track spiritually? How can they get back on?

What good habits can we establish to stay on track in our relationship with the LORD?

Why should we be careful about making vows?

 .Focus Verse

Joshua 1:8 (NIV) “Do not let this Book of the Law depart from your mouth; meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do everything written in it. Then you will be prosperous and successful.”

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Looking Ahead:God is jealous of his love for Israel (and us). He will act in vengeance against those who try to harm her, or he will discipline her if she gets off track again. God will reward her for faithfulness. Join us for our next lesson, entitled, Vengeance andRewards, to discover what that means and how it affects us.