Generation of Blessing

Num 26:32-45         12/18/2017

Census information for the tribes of Manasseh, Ephraim, Benjamin, Dan, and Asher.

A new generation –

Basically, as the Israelites camped on the plains of Moab, no one who left Egypt as an adult was still alive.

The entire generation had died. There was no one left to say, “If only we could go back to Egypt where we enjoyed leeks and cucumbers and meat”. There was no one left to complain about the tiresome manna. There was no one left to complain about the lack of meat.

Forty years of following God in a desolate wilderness made the idea of following God – almost automatic. This new generation knew nothing else. In deprivation, they learned obedience.

So now they are fit for the greatest challenge of all – prosperity. What will the Israelites do with a land “flowing with milk and honey”? And what will prosperity do to the children of Israel?

The other day I was challenged by a man who asked, “If God answered your fervent prayers, would anyone benefit beside you?”

We all have dreams. We have things we’d like to accomplish, experiences we’d like to share with the special people in our lives, a bucket list we’d like to fulfill. But that’s the challenge: What would you do with wealth – especially unearned wealth? Whose life would be changed?

Who would benefit if my prayers were answered as I wished?

“You are being enriched in every way for all generosity, which through us produces thanksgiving to God” 2 Cor 9:11