Pastor Kirk McCormick: Lessons from the Wilderness

Lessons about How God Works

Numbers 27:12-23

“For now we see in a mirror, dimly, but then we will see face to face.

Now I know only in part; then I will know fully, even as I have been fully known.”

1 Corinthians 13:12

As God works, He “A.C.T.S.”

** As God works, He “A”ppoints.

Numbers 27:18 - So the LORD said to Moses, “Take Joshua son of Nun, a man in whom is the spirit and lay your hand upon him”
Our Hang Up: Ego.
** Our Egos get involved in three ways...

1) Jealousy

2) Distortion

3) Distrust

Point: God never chooses the wrong person for his purposes.

** As God works, He “C”ommissions.

Numbers 27:19 - So the LORD said to Moses, “Have him [Joshua] stand before Eleazar the priest and the entire assembly and commission him in their presence.”
Point: God always confirms the appointments he makes.
Our Hang Up: Poor Listening ...which causes resistance to God’s will.
Application: When intimidated by God’s appointment remember...it’s a “co-mission” with God.

** As God works, He “T”eaches.

Numbers 27:21- God said about Joshua, “He is to stand before Eleazar the priest, who will obtain decisions for him by inquiring of the Urim before the LORD.”
Jesus said, “When he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth.” - John 16:13
Our Hang Up: Ignorance.
Application Question: What training exercises am I involved in?

** As God works, He “S”ends.

Numbers 27:21b - God said about Joshua – “At his command he (Joshua) and the entire community of the Israelites will go out, and at his command they will come in.”

Note: God does not appoint, commission and train us so we can sit at home.

Matthew 28:18-20 – Jesus said -

“All authority in heaven and on earth has been given to me. 19 Go therefore and make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, 20 teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.”