What lessons about obedience can we learn from Numbers 25:16? Setting the Scene Israel had just fallen into immorality and idolatry with the Moabites. A plague had broken out, and Phinehas’ zeal had halted it (Numbers 25:1-15). Immediately after, Scripture reports: “Then the LORD said to Moses,” (Numbers 25:16) This short statement may seem like a mere transition, yet it brims with instruction on obedience. The Simple but Weighty Phrase “Then the LORD said to Moses” reminds us that obedience is anchored in two realities: God speaks, and God expects a response. Every lesson flows from that foundation. Lessons on Obedience • Hearing Comes First – Moses could not obey until he listened. – Deuteronomy 6:4: “Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One!” – John 10:27: “My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me.” – Cultivating attentiveness to Scripture opens the door to obedient living. • Recognizing Divine Authority – The directive originates with “the LORD,” not a committee, culture, or personal feeling. – Isaiah 66:2: “These are the ones I will look on with favor: those who are humble and contrite in spirit, who tremble at My word.” – Obedience thrives when God’s Word is treated as supreme. • Responding Promptly – God’s instruction in verses 17-18 (“Treat the Midianites as enemies and attack them…”) required swift follow-through. – Psalm 119:60: “I hurried without hesitating to keep Your commandments.” – Delayed obedience easily drifts into disobedience. • Upholding Covenant Loyalty – The Midianite seduction threatened Israel’s exclusive devotion to the LORD. – Obedience safeguards covenant faithfulness (Exodus 20:3). – James 4:4 warns that friendship with the world is enmity with God—loyalty matters. • Confronting Sin Decisively – God commanded action against the very source of Israel’s stumble. – Romans 6:12: “Therefore do not let sin reign in your mortal body, so that you obey its desires.” – True obedience refuses half-measures; it deals with sin at the root. • Acting in Alignment with God’s Holiness – The context shows divine holiness insisting on separation from corruption. – 1 Peter 1:15-16: “Be holy in all you do, for it is written: ‘Be holy, because I am holy.’” – Obedience mirrors God’s character to a watching world. Living It Out Today 1. Start each day in the Word, expecting God to speak. 2. Treat every biblical command as non-negotiable truth. 3. Respond quickly—practice same-day obedience. 4. Guard your heart from influences that lure you away from exclusive devotion to Christ. 5. Address sinful patterns decisively, not casually. 6. Let God’s holiness set the standard for every choice. The simple statement, “Then the LORD said to Moses,” invites us into a life where God’s voice is heard, honored, and obeyed—promptly, fully, and joyfully. |
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