God's
Ambassadors

Suggestions? Comments?
email the Webmaster

January 05, 2007

Suggested Scripture Reading: II Peter 3:15-18

Going in Circles

"Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward."
Deuteronomy 2:3

The word "compassed" is Cabab in the Hebrew original. It means to "revolve." It may be translated to "go in circles." Israel had been to the very borders of the promised land of Canaan. They could have gone in immediately. In Deuteronomy 1:21 we read, "Behold the Lord thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it." Then they had sent spies, who, with the exception of Caleb and Joshua, brought in a discouraging report of great walled cities and mighty giants in the land; and Israel believed the spies instead of God. Going to possess the land meant fighting and hard work, and they were afraid. Moses says, "Notwithstanding ye would not go up, but rebelled against the commandment of the Lord your God" (Deut. 1:26). As a result Israel turned back into the wilderness instead of going into Canaan in victory. They found a place of comfort and ease at Mt. Seir. Here were no battles, no toil. All they did was drink from the rock and eat of the manna. There was no progress, no victory. And here they abode many days. "We compassed Mt. Seir many days." They went in circles around and around and around and got nowhere. And then the Lord says, "Ye have compassed this mountain long enough: turn you northward."

Believer, how far have you progressed since you were saved? Have you just gone in circles? Is the Word more precious to you now than a year ago? Do you pray more effectively than a year ago? Is your love for Christ and souls more fervent than a year ago? Are you growing, or just going in circles? Take stock this day and listen to His Word, "Turn you northward," where Canaan and victory lies.

MRD

First   Previous   Calendar   Next   Today