Numbers 21

God's plan does not call for a compromise with evil, but an utter defeat of it. He does call us to live quietly, peacefully, and submissively in all societies in as much as that is possible. But in the days approaching the conquest of Canaan, He gave His people a sense of what would come one day by to bringing about the utter destruction of those who captured some of their number.

How can we make sense of this in light of the love of the cross? We are reminded that the cross itself is not a compromise with evil, but a stunning defeat of it through the death of Christ as our substitute.

The enemy within the hearts of the people of God was at least as serious as the enemy powers outside Israel. God would not compromise with that internal foe either. The people were brought to look to the serpent on the pole, and live. In John 3:14-16 we learn that this is the way that God loves the world. He has provided a Redeemer for all mankind, so that we might look to Him and live. Our Substitute has been lifted up upon the cross. He died for all who would look to Him for life, and now we are counted among the living.

The Lord carried His people safely past those who would have destroyed them. He provided for their need for water in the wilderness. The praise of His people became a chosen instrument for refreshment and nourishment. “Spring up. O well! Sing to it!”

Great works of victory against powerful enemies are recorded in the praise of the songs of God's people. They rejoice in the Lord who enables them to live and thrive, though their enemies desire to destroy them.

Our New Testament songs are not recounting a victory against Sihon and Og. But we do sing, “A Mighty Fortress is Our God.” The Word above all earthly powers has defeated the evil inside us and outside us.

Believing, we rejoice! And in the praise of the saints of the Lord, there is power. May the Lord continue to use the songs of His people to defeat every enemy. May the victory of the cross be complete in our lives and over all the earth. And may the Name of Jesus Christ be our boast forever and ever.