Not Another Word! Learning to Accept God’s Final Answer

Today’s Passage – Deuteronomy 3 – 5 (Click on the references to listen to the audio – Click here to view the passage from Blue Letter Bible)

(Second Milers also read – 1 Corinthians 13 – 16; Proverbs 2; Psalms 6 – 10

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – SSPsalm 92:1 – 4

Read the “0302 Evening and Morning” devotion for today, by the late Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

When we were kids, we used to drive our parents crazy asking for things. We would keep asking over and over again until they finally acquiesced to our request, or until they got angry and said, “enough is enough – not another word!”

Moses’ Plea and God’s Final “No”

“23 And I besought the LORD at that time, saying, 24 O Lord GOD, thou hast begun to shew thy servant thy greatness, and thy mighty hand: for what God is there in heaven or in earth, that can do according to thy works, and according to thy might? 25 I pray thee, let me go over, and see the good land that is beyond Jordan, that goodly mountain, and Lebanon. 26 But the LORD was wroth with me for your sakes, and would not hear me: and the LORD said unto me, Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.“ (Deut 3:23–26)

In our passage today we have Moses asking the Lord to change His mind about letting him enter into the land. Moses had been leading the nation for over 40 years, delivering them up to the border of the Promised Land. He had put up with all of their problems and complaints. You would think that God would have cut Moses some slack, and let him see what he had been working toward for a good portion of his life. But God had already told Moses “no”. God is not like us, either: when He says “no” He means no. God told Moses, “Let it suffice thee; speak no more unto me of this matter.” He basically told Moses to quit asking. He wanted Moses to be content with God’s will, whether or not it seemed fair.

Paul’s Thorn and God’s Sufficient Grace

“7 And lest I should be exalted above measure through the abundance of the revelations, there was given to me a thorn in the flesh, the messenger of Satan to buffet me, lest I should be exalted above measure. 8 For this thing I besought the Lord thrice, that it might depart from me. 9 And he said unto me, My grace is sufficient for thee: for my strength is made perfect in weakness. Most gladly therefore will I rather glory in my infirmities, that the power of Christ may rest upon me.” (2 Cor 12:7–9)

Paul had a similar situation in the New Testament. He had a thorn in the flesh that He wanted God to take away from him. He asked God three times to remove it. God finally told Paul to stop asking. He wanted Paul to be content with the thorn, which for some reason was the will of God. He told Him that He would give him grace to go with the thorn, and that He should be content with that because it is sufficient.

When to Stop Asking – Biblical Balance

I think it is just human nature for us to keep asking for things. By the way, there is nothing wrong with asking, and God even wants us to keep asking over and over again for the same thing. Persistent prayer honors God (Luke 18:1–8), yet submission to His revealed will is equally vital (James 4:15). But eventually there will come a point when He will answer. He will either grant you the desire, or He will tell you “no.”

Another biblical example that comes to mind is when David begged God with prayer and fasting not to let his child die. God said “no” to that request as well. David’s response was worship:

“16 David therefore besought God for the child; and David fasted, and went in, and lay all night upon the earth. … 19 But when David saw that his servants whispered, David perceived that the child was dead: therefore David said unto his servants, Is the child dead? And they said, He is dead. 20 Then David arose from the earth, and washed, and anointed himself, and changed his apparel, and came into the house of the LORD, and worshipped: then he came to his own house; and when he required, they set bread before him, and he did eat.” (2 Sam 12:16, 19–20)

Application: Embracing Contentment Today

When He tells you “no,” quit asking, and then be content with His will coupled with His grace. If you really needed what you were asking for, He would have given it to you (Phil 4:19). Be satisfied with what you do get, and know that God knows what is best. Perhaps someday we will understand a little better why God answered the way He did, but for now, just trust Him.

In my years at Jersey Shore Baptist Church, I’ve counseled many who struggled with unanswered prayers, and I’ve had many of my own. Every once in a while I dream about doing something else besides pastoring. Or, I think about moving to a new area, maybe out west in the mountains (I love the mountains). However, God always reminds me that He called my wife and I to Jersey Shore Baptist to pastor this church and He will let me know when He wants me to do something else.

Have you experienced God’s “no” that later proved His grace was sufficient? Share in the comments below—your story may encourage someone else!

“Lord, help me accept Your answers—even the ‘no’s’—with trust in Your perfect plan. What request have I been clinging to that I need to surrender today? Amen.”


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The Daughters of Zelophehad Speak Right

Listen to today’s passage – Numbers 27 – 29

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Numbers 27

Second Milers also read – Romans 9 – 12; Proverbs 25; Psalms 126 – 130

Listen to this morning’s Scripture song – Psalm 51

Read a previous post from this passage – “A Pastor’s Heart“

Read the “0225 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by Charles Spurgeon.

“1 Then came the daughters of Zelophehad, the son of Hepher, the son of Gilead, the son of Machir, the son of Manasseh, of the families of Manasseh the son of Joseph: and these are the names of his daughters; Mahlah, Noah, and Hoglah, and Milcah, and Tirzah. 2 And they stood before Moses, and before Eleazar the priest, and before the princes and all the congregation, by the door of the tabernacle of the congregation, saying, 3 Our father died in the wilderness, and he was not in the company of them that gathered themselves together against the LORD in the company of Korah; but died in his own sin, and had no sons. 4 Why should the name of our father be done away from among his family, because he hath no son? Give unto us therefore a possession among the brethren of our father. 5 And Moses brought their cause before the LORD.” (Num 27:1–5)

In Numbers chapter 27, we have the story of the daughters of Zelophehad. The land of Canaan was about to be divided among all of the tribes of Israel, and within each of the tribe’s portions, the land would be divided among the families of that tribe. Zelophehad’s family was entitled to a portion of the land but because he had no sons, there was nobody to give the land to. The five daughters of Zelophehad boldly come to Moses and ask him to authorize that Zelophehad’s portion of land be given to them because there was no son to receive the inheritance. Moses didn’t know what to do. The law up until this point read that only a son could receive the inheritance. There was no previous case to use for precedence in this matter. Moses then goes to God, and asks Him what they should do. God settles the question in favor of the daughters and establishes new law that would cover unique cases like this.

“7 The daughters of Zelophehad speak right: thou shalt surely give them a possession of an inheritance among their father’s brethren; and thou shalt cause the inheritance of their father to pass unto them. 8 And thou shalt speak unto the children of Israel, saying, If a man die, and have no son, then ye shall cause his inheritance to pass unto his daughter. 9 And if he have no daughter, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his brethren. 10 And if he have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his father’s brethren. 11 And if his father have no brethren, then ye shall give his inheritance unto his kinsman that is next to him of his family, and he shall possess it: and it shall be unto the children of Israel a statute of judgment, as the LORD commanded Moses.” (Num 27:7–11)

The point of my thought this morning is not about land distribution and inheritances, however. I wanted to point out that Moses did not take matters into his own hands. He went to God when he wasn’t sure what to do. This particular question regarding inheritances was not clearly covered in the Bible up until this point and Moses wanted to be sure that he would give the right answer – God’s answer – to these ladies.

I think there is an important lesson that we can all learn from this. There are many situations in life that will come up that are not clearly dealt with in the Scripture. There may be Bible principle that deals with it generally, or partially, but often questions arise that are not specifically covered by God in His Word. That’s when we need to do three things:

  • First, we need to immerse ourselves in Scripture to see if there are any passages that deal with something even remotely similar that might apply to our situation.
  • Second, we need to go to God in prayer, just like Moses did.
  • Third, we need to seek some godly counsel from others who may have dealt with this situation before.

Parents can find out from other, more experienced Christian parents about what to do in certain situations regarding their children. Young pastors can go to the older pastors. We can benefit from the godly wisdom of others.

Now I want to emphasize again that most of our questions that we face can be answered from the principles found in the Bible, but in those unique situations where there seems to be no Scriptural answer, seek God through prayer, and seek counsel from some godly influences in your life. Remember, in the multitude of counselors there is safety (Proverbs 11:14; 15:22; 24:6).


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I’ll Meet You There: God’s Invitation in Exodus 29

Listen to Today’s Passage – Exodus 28 – 29 

Follow along on Blue Letter Bible – Exodus 28

Second Milers also read – Luke 13 – 14; Proverbs 29; Psalms 141 – 145

Listen to this morning’s Scripture Song – 1 Timothy 1:17

Read the “0129 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by Charles Spurgeon.

Read previous posts from this passage – “Interceding on Behalf of God’s People,” and “Serving Together as a Family“

Have you ever felt unworthy to approach God? This morning in Exodus 28–29, I was struck by something astonishing: the holy, perfect God of the universe says, “I will meet you there.”

The Amazing Invitation

“42 This shall be a continual burnt offering throughout your generations at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation before the LORD: where I will meet you, to speak there unto thee. 43 And there I will meet with the children of Israel, and the tabernacle shall be sanctified by my glory.” (Exodus 29:42-43)

“45 And I will dwell among the children of Israel, and will be their God. 46 And they shall know that I am the LORD their God, that brought them forth out of the land of Egypt, that I may dwell among them: I am the LORD their God.” (Exodus 29:45–46)

Did you notice the phrase, “where I will meet you,” in Exodus 29:42, and then also “there I will meet with the children of Israel,” in v. 43. God had a specific place that He chose to meet with His people. My first thought this morning is that it is amazing that a holy God wants to meet with people like us at all. Why would God desire to commune with creatures like us who are laden with sin? Isn’t it amazing that God can choose to love us and want to be with us at all? I know that there are certain people that I don’t like to be around, but God desires fellowship with each of His children.

The Place God Chose

My second thought concerns the place where God meets with us. During the time of the Wilderness wandering, God carefully designed the place and set the conditions Israel to enter His presence, and it was quite an elaborate process for the people to go through in order for them to commune with God. By the way, we know that God is now and has always been omnipresent, so there is never a time when we are not in His presence, but still God set up special conditions for corporate worship.

A New Way to Meet with God

Today, God has changed some things. The veil that once separated most men (except the High Priest – once per year) from entering into God’s immediate presence has been removed through the blood of the Lord Jesus Christ. That means that all men and women who are saved can enter directly into His presence:

“Let us therefore come boldly unto the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy, and find grace to help in time of need.” (Hebrews 4:16)

God encourages us to come into His presence, and to also recognize that there is never a time that He is not with us:

“Let your conversation be without covetousness; and be content with such things as ye have: for he hath said, I will never leave thee, nor forsake thee.” (Hebrews 13:5)

“Teaching them to observe all things whatsoever I have commanded you: and, lo, I am with you alway, even unto the end of the world. Amen.” (Matthew 28:20)

Still, today there are also special places and times that God wants to meet with us. God wants us to meet with Him as we set aside a specific time and place to read the Bible, where He can feed our souls with nourishment and strength, and give us the wisdom that we need in order for us to serve as His ambassadors. He also invites us to come meet with Him in the prayer closet, where we can confess our sins to Him, petition Him for our needs, and praise and worship Him. Of course, He still has a special place for corporate worship, the local church. This is the place where all believers can enter together into His presence for preaching, prayer, and praise. He promises to be “in the midst” of us when two or more are gathered in His name.

Don’t Miss the Invitation

God wants to meet with you and me. Don’t forsake any of God’s invitations.

“22 Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, having our hearts sprinkled from an evil conscience, and our bodies washed with pure water. 23 Let us hold fast the profession of our faith without wavering; (for he is faithful that promised;) 24 And let us consider one another to provoke unto love and to good works: 25 Not forsaking the assembling of ourselves together, as the manner of some is; but exhorting one another: and so much the more, as ye see the day approaching.” (Hebrews 10:22–25)

Questions for Reflection
  • Where and when will you intentionally meet with God today?
  • Are you regularly accepting His invitation to corporate worship, or have you been “forsaking the assembling”?

Share how God met with you today! I would love to hear your thoughts.

 


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A Friend’s Prayer for a Friend: The Power of Intercession

Today’s Passage – Listen to Genesis 17 – 19 (Audio link).

Read along at Blue Letter Bible – Genesis 17

(Second Milers also read – Matthew 11 – 12; Proverbs 6; Psalms 26 – 30)

Listen to today’s Scripture Song – Psalm 25

Read the “0106 Evening and Morning“ devotion for today, by Charles Haddon Spurgeon.

“And the scripture was fulfilled which saith, Abraham believed God, and it was imputed unto him for righteousness: and he was called the Friend of God.“ (Jas 2:23)

“And said, My Lord, if now I have found favour in thy sight, pass not away, I pray thee, from thy servant:” (Gen 18:3)

In our text today, we read about Abraham, the friend of God, interceding on behalf of his own friend and nephew, Lot.

Sweet Fellowship with the Lord

Genesis 18 is a wonderful account which tells of the communion that Abraham had with his God. In the passage, three “men” appear at the tent of Abraham. We are not sure who all of these “men” are. Some have concluded that one of them was the Lord, and the other two were angels, which is certainly a good possibility because the very next chapter begins with two angels going to rescue Lot from the destruction of Sodom. Others believe, however, that these three men were physical manifestations of the three members of the Trinity. I tend to agree with the former opinion but it is interesting that though there were three men, Abraham always only addresses them in the singular form as one. Nevertheless, the Lord and Abraham enjoy a sweet time of fellowship during this time. You get the feeling from the passage that they were not rushing to conclude their time together. A meal was prepared while the Lord waited.

Speaking of Waiting – God Reaffirms His Promise to Abraham

During this time, God, no doubt, spoke to Abraham about many things; but one thing that he told Abraham was that he would, in fact, have a son that would be born to Sarah. The miraculous thing about all of this is that Sarah and Abraham both are well beyond the childbearing years. Abraham and Sarah waited 25 years from the time that God first promised them a child to the time when their son, Isaac, was finally born (see Gen 12:4 & 21:5). God is faithful to do all that He says that He will do in His time. During this afternoon of fellowship with Abraham, God reassures him again of the promise.

Abraham’s Concern for Lot

God reveals something else to Abraham during their time together. As Abraham was walking with the Lord as He was leaving, God shares with Abraham his planned destruction of the city of Sodom. God didn’t have to tell him, but He did. Of course, this got Abraham’s attention because he had a nephew in Sodom that he cared for. Abraham interceded for the city of Sodom, particularly for Lot and his family. He is begging God to spare the city, but his concern is really about Lot. The Bible tells us that Abraham was the friend of God, but here we see that he was also a good friend to Lot. God never promises to spare the city and interestingly, He never promises to spare Lot; but He did say that He would spare the city if He found ten righteous people there, which he did not find. However, God does spare Lot and the family members that were willing to listen to Lot’s warning of the coming destruction.

God Remembered Abraham

I want you to notice something very important, however:

“And it came to pass, when God destroyed the cities of the plain, that God remembered Abraham, and sent Lot out of the midst of the overthrow, when he overthrew the cities in the which Lot dwelt.” (Gen 19:29)

Did you catch it? It does not say that God spared Lot because he was righteous, though we know that the New Testament speaks of him as being “just” (justified – 2 Pe 2:7). It also does not say that God remembered Lot. It does say that God remembered Abraham. What did God remember about Abraham? He remembered Abraham’s intercession on behalf of his nephew, Lot. God spared Lot and his family because of the prayer of Abraham.

The Power of Intercessory Prayer

What a wonderful picture we have here of prayer. God communing in sweet fellowship with his child. God revealing something to that child that would be of concern to him. God giving that child an opportunity to intercede, to pray for that very concern. And then the best part: God answering the request of the child: not exactly the way he wanted it; but a wonderful answer none the less. Kind of causes you to want to spend a little time in prayer yourself, doesn’t it?

Questions for Reflection
  1. Have you ever experienced that kind of sweet, unhurried fellowship with God—like Abraham lingering with the Lord?
  2. What promises from God are you still waiting on, and how does Abraham’s 25-year journey encourage you today?
  3. Who in your life is a “Lot”—someone you care about who needs God’s mercy—and how is the Lord prompting you to intercede for them?
  4. When has God answered your prayers in a way you didn’t exactly expect, yet it was even better?
  5. If God “remembers” the prayers of His friends, what concern will you bring to Him in prayer right now?

Take a moment to pray for a friend today.

Read related previous posts from this passage – “Don’t Look Back,” “Abraham Did a Little Walking With God, Too,” “Walk Thou Before Me and Be Thou Perfect” and “God Knows You.”


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