Let Us Persuade Others

Numbers 14:5-9 “Then Moses and Aaron fell on their faces in the presence of all the assembly of the congregation of the sons of Israel. Joshua the son of Nun and Caleb the son of Jephunneh, of those who had spied out the land, tore their clothes; and they spoke to all the congregation of the sons of Israel, saying, “The land which we passed through to spy out is an exceedingly good land. “If the LORD is pleased with us, then He will bring us into this land and give it to us—a land which flows with milk and honey. “Only do not rebel against the LORD; and do not fear the people of the land, for they will be our prey. Their protection has been removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them.” Do we care about others? What do we do to demonstrate that concern? Moses, Aaron, Joshua and Caleb are attempting to persuade their people. The Israelites have decided to not go into the land. This is against the direction of The Lord. The thought of going against The Lord isn’t an option to these four. God is to be obeyed, even if the route may be challenging. These four fall on their faces, tear their clothes and attempt to persuade the people. Granted, they would also receive some of the punishment, but not the judgment. So, there is some self interest. Just as a coach receives some blame, but not all. These four are their leaders and they are giving an impassioned plea. Are we intertwined with people that we might be considered their coach or atleast an influence? We have earned the right to be concerned. We can speak into their lives. If we see them making bad decisions will we speak to them? Paul and Moses prayed to God and asked for their own names to be blotted out of the heavenly role book in a trade for people. This is a great amount of concern. I can claim some, but nothing approaching this. I honestly can’t comprehend it. What keeps us from this type of love? Selfishness and lack of faith. It’s natural and important to have self interest. However, we need to not be absorbed with ourselves. To do so is unhealthy. We are to have faith that God will care for us. Jesus said to take the lower seat. If we are to be promoted, it will happen. Anything else is selfishness. It is actually good for us to look to others and serve them. Lord, help us to have a heart for others.