Numbers 13 and 14 concern the pivotal moment when the twelve spies brought back their report of the land of Canaan. All saw that the land was flowing with ‘milk and honey’ and was exactly as God had told them would be. However, in unbelief, ten of the spies reported that the giants in the land were too big for them to fight, while only Joshua and Caleb urged them all to trust in God’s promises and go in and take the land. It is not easy to live by faith and not by sight, but God calls us to do just that and not take our eyes of His presence or His promises.
Philip Burns
Rev Philip Burns is the minister of Bendigo Presbyterian Church.
‘Have you trials and temptations?’ (James 1:12-18)
Trials. Temptations. Is there a difference? Are the two connected? James writes of both of these in this important text. What do we learn from the presence of trials? What attitude is called for? What do we learn from the temptations we face? Where do they come from? What do we need to do in response to all this? Listen on…
‘A community of grumblers’ (Numbers 11:1-12:16)
Numbers 11 and 12 is mainly concerned with the ‘attitude of ingratitude’ shown by the people of Israel on their journey through the desert. The people had a mind to complain about the food they had and didn’t have, some blessings others had and the leader (Moses) they all had. Such grumbling was evidence of their lack of trust in the Lord and His gracious gifts. A spirit of grumbling and complaint can still afflict the people of God today, whenever our eyes are off the Lord and His undeserved blessings.
‘Words for the (would be) wise’ (James 1:5-11)
Trials have a habit of making us think soberly about life and help us to see that we lack wisdom. God has a habit of generously giving wisdom to those who ask Him, but James reminds us that faith will be an essential pre-requisite. Wisdom will also be needed to live in this world where the rich seem to have status over the poor. James has something to say about that too.
‘Led by cloud and fire’ (Numbers 9:15-10:23)
According to Numbers 9 and 10, the people of Israel made their way ‘on foot through the desert’ led by a pillar of cloud and fire, but also by His Word and by the advice of a friend. Though God led His people through supernatural means, He continues to use ordinary means – especially the reading and hearing of His Word – to lead and guide His people today. These are big questions, but the bigger question is, once we know which way God is leading us, will we be willing to do what He wants?
‘Trials are spelt J-O-Y’ (James 1:1-4)
The practical and helpful letter of James begins where it most hurts. Trials (whatever form they take) have a habit of testing and trying our faith. In this first installment on James, Philip Burns tackles the connection between trials and the grand purpose they serve in God’s plan to help us on the path toward maturity.
‘Moses before the Lord’ (Exodus 33:12-23)
Rev. Philip Burns continues this series highlighting the text of Exodus 33. The passage speaks of Moses’ bold approach to God in prayer that he might not pour out His wrath upon the wayward people of Israel and that he might see something of God’s glory. This happened when God put Moses on a rock and covered Moses with His hand as His glory passed by. The passage challenges to also be bold in our approach to God’s throne which will enable us to be bold in sharing the gospel with others. We also have been granted access into the presence of God through the Lord Jesus Christ to know something of this glory.
‘That golden calf’ (Exodus 32:1-35)
Rev. Philip Burns begins this series of messages on the people of Israel’s journey through the desert at Exodus 32. The text tells how the people of Israel worshiped the golden calf in the desert. The core problem was not just idolatry but unbelief which led them forget all about the God who saved them and His commands to them. The circumstances caused by the absence of Moses remind us that Jesus our Redeemer is also ‘out of sight’ and the question is whether or not we will live and act in faith or unbelief until the day He returns.
‘The ‘real’ Lord’s Prayer’ (John 17:1-26)
Rev Philip Burns concludes this series on prayer with this message on the prayer of Jesus in John 17. In what is called His ‘High Priestly prayer’, Jesus sought to glorify God by praying for the protection, the sanctification and the unity of his disciples and those who would believe their testimony in later years. Jesus not only prayed these things then, but also continues to intercede on behalf of His people now, so that we might be in the world and living effectively as witnesses to His truth.
‘A living reality’ (Matthew 6:13)
Rev Philip Burns concludes this series on ‘The Disciple’s Prayer’ by highlighting the words of Jesus in Matthew 6:13, ‘And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil’. By these words Jesus did not imply that God ever tempts us to do evil, but He did teach that we ought to pray for God’s protection from temptation and from the the spiritual powers of evil in this world. Having begun with the ‘Father in heaven’, the prayer does not end with reference to evil, but to God to whom belongs the ‘kingdom, power and glory forever’. On the last Day, the fullness of this truth will be seen and known by all.