Do not ignore God's Word
As it is said:
Today, if you hear his voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion. For who heard and rebelled? Wasn’t it all who came out of Egypt under Moses? With whom was God angry for forty years? Wasn’t it with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness? Hebrews 3:15-17 CSB
We see again that the author of Hebrews quoting Psalm 95:7b-8 from the text, which was a reference to the history of Israel’s exodus from Egypt. Most likely, the readers of this letter were very familiar with the Exodus story, on how Israel was led through the Red Sea, on how they were constantly rebelling against God, and on how they were sentenced by God to wander in the wilderness for 40 years until that entire rebellious generation passed away. The author then asks a series of questions to engage the reader. First, “who heard and rebelled,” which is answered soon after by question two, “Wasn’t it all who came out of Egypt under Moses?” Essentially, how many participants were rebelling against God’s leading, “His voice?” As we see in the text, it was “ALL who came out of Egypt under Moses.” Everyone was subject under God’s judgment. Our third question then is, “With whom was God angry for forty years,” which is again, answered with the following question, “Wasn’t it with those who sinned, whose bodies fell in the wilderness?” We see now the extent of the punishment of this act of rebellion: 40 years of wandering in the desert until the entire generation passed away.” Exodus 17 records the first rebellion at the beginning of the forty-year period and Numbers 25 records the grievous sin of immorality at the end of that period. The Israelites had not changed: they remained rebellious and stubborn. The only exceptions, of course, were Joshua and Caleb, who demonstrated their faith and were privileged to conquer and possess the land. The heart of the rebellion was sin, which led to judgment. The story of Israel in Exodus is amazing, as they were able to see God’s miraculous power: through the plagues, through parting the Red Sea, through provision of manna and water, and through His daily presence leading them. Yet, the Israelites continued to sin and rebel against God, which led to their ruin. So, what does this mean for us? “Today if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as in the rebellion.” Sin puts us in direct opposition to Almighty God. He provides for those who are with Him, but He also passes judgment on those who are against Him. God’s voice is heard through His Word. It is important for us to take heart by not neglecting His Word.
Blessings,
Isaac De Guzman
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