Numbers 20-22, Mark 7:1-13 • Key Verse: Numbers 21:7
Do you ever get frustrated to the point of saying, It's about time”? Maybe you have tried to get
something across to another person but were unsuccessful. Then, finally, he got it and you
uttered those words in exasperated relief. Actually, those would be words of hopeful relief. If the
person got it now, hopefully he will get it later too.
In Numbers 21 there is such a scenario. It starts with a deja vu of sorts. "The people grew
impatient on the way; they spoke against God and against Moses” (vv. 4-5)-again, we might
note. They spoke against God and Moses again.
And God dealt with them for their rebellion—again. This time venomous snakes bit people and
many died. Their grumbling rebellion again had resulted in judgment.
This time, though, something different happened after the judgment. The people came to Moses
and confessed, “We sinned” (v. 7). They acknowledged their wrong and also asked Moses to
pray for them. It was not the first time he had intervened on their behalf. This time, though, he
was asked to do so. It was about time!
Too often the people of God fail to come to grips with the reality of their wrong actions. In such
times we need to confess, seek God's forgiveness and quit doing what is wrong.
Is there a sin you need to confess? If so, confess it now.
Woodrow Kroll & Tony Beckett
www.backtothebible.in