At the waters of Meribath-Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin from Egypt, the Israelites including Moses and Aaron broke faith and covenant with God. On approaching Canaan, the promised land, God said to Moses in Deuteronomy 32: 49-52 ascend this mountain of Abarim, Mount Nebo… and view the land of Canaan, which I am giving to the Israelites for possession; you shall die there… because both of you broke faith with me… by failing to maintain my holiness among the Israelites. Although you may view the land from a distance, you shall not enter it—the land that I am giving to the Israelites.
What is God’s plan for us?
God has a beautiful plan for everyone. Jeremiah 29: 11 says for surely I know the plans I have for you, says the LORD, plans for your welfare and not for your harm, to give you a future with hope. God does not always put time to his promise. Genesis 28: 15 says… I will not leave you until I have done what I have promised you. No matter how long it takes, it will surely be fulfilled. Psalms 90: 4 says for a thousand years in your sight are like yesterday when it is past, or like a watch in the night. 2Peter 3: 8 says with the Lord one day is like a thousand years, and a thousand years are like one day.
The Israelites’ expectation differed from that of God. They shifted or lost focus from God to themselves. They broke faith and the covenant of service with holiness. They rivaled and took God’s glory and honour. They disappointed God. God works differently from us. Isaiah 55: 8-9 says for my thoughts are not your thoughts, nor are your ways my ways, says the LORD. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways and my thoughts than your thoughts. When we break faith and covenant with God, we will surely disqualify ourselves from partaking in his welfare plans for us.
How we break faith and covenant
What may appear trivial to us may not be so in God’s sight. Jesus said in Luke 16: 15 you are those who justify yourselves in the sight of others; but God knows your hearts; for what is prized by human beings is an abomination in the sight of God. What we term as righteousness may be sinful before God. Isaiah 64: 6 says we have all become like one who is unclean, and all our righteous deeds are like a filthy cloth. Israel broke faith, Moses robbed God of his glory and honour. God said in Exodus 20: 5 I the LORD your God am a jealous God. God honours us by his own grace through Christ Jesus, not by our deeds.
Breaking faith is tantamount to a rebellion and an idolatry against God. It is like a sin of divination. Leviticus 11: 44, 45 say be holy for I am holy. What detracts from God’s honour is not holy. (See also Leviticus 19: 2; 20: 7.) Our faith must be well grounded in God. Jesus said in Mark 11: 22 have faith in God. We must seek contentment in God through Christ Jesus rather than break faith with him. Jesus said in Matthew 7: 21 not everyone who says to me, Lord, Lord, will enter the kingdom of heaven, but only the one who does the will of my Father in heaven.
How to mend broken faith and covenant
For us to restore faith in God through Christ Jesus, we must be like children before God. Matthew 18: 3 says unless you become like little children, you will never enter the kingdom of heaven. Moses and Aaron did not assume such character but self-importance. We must be confident about God’s instructions. Ezekiel 2: 7 says you shall speak my words to them, whether they hear or refuse to hear; for they are a rebellious house. We must not try to please the public contrary to our instructions from the Lord.
The Israelites including Moses and Aaron failed to show faith and honour to God. Hebrews 11: 6 says without faith, it is impossible to please God, for whoever would approach him must believe that he rewards those who seek him. Without trust or faith, our deeds will be contrary to God’s command. The Israelites had enough evidence to support their faith in God yet rather focused on their human circumstances.
Reward for covenant faithful
The thief crucified with Jesus showed faith and boldness in Christ Jesus. He confronted the lies on the cross so he gained paradise. Jesus said in Luke 23: 43 truly I tell you, today you will be with me in Paradise. Stephen showed boldness and faith in Christ Jesus whilst he faced eminent stoning to death. He confronted the lies of the Jewish religious leaders. He entered heaven when he prayed in Acts 7: 59 Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
Caleb honoured God with his faith and courage as one of the spies sent to Canaan. He said in Numbers 13: 30 let us go and occupy it, for we are well able to overcome it. He led the Israelites to possess Canaan. Do we trust God by his word or by what surrounds us? Romans 1: 21 says for though they knew God, they did not honour him as God or give thanks to him, but they became futile in their thinking, and their senseless minds were darkened. Will our faith and courage lead us to God’s promises? Or will see heaven from hell fire yet not enter there? Let us avoid the day of mourning, tears and gnashing of teeth.
Prayer
Dear Lord Jesus Christ, without trust in you, we shall not enter heaven though our eyes may see it. We have broken faith and dishonoured you in many ways. We are sorry for rivaling your glory when we deserve none. Increase our faith in you so we may be humble and obedient to you. May your plan work together for our good as we submit to you. We pray in your holy name, Amen!!
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