Tuesday, March 6, 2012

The Parallels between Israel's Indwelling Enemies and Believers' Indwelling Sin

In the Old Testament, Israel was commanded to drive out the inhabitants of Canaan once they conquered the land. In the New Testament, believers are commanded to drive out the sin that still dwells within. Neither of these commands were (or are) fully obeyed. And sadly, our disobedience brings about the same consequences.
But if you do not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you, then those of them whom you let remain shall be as barbs in your eyes and thorns in your sides, and they shall trouble you in the land where you dwell. (Numbers 33:55)

Lord, by your grace and through your Spirit, drive out the sins that act as barbs in my eyes, thorns in my side, and trouble to my soul.