The reward of obedience.

Scripture:
Divide the spoils equally between the soldiers who took part in the battle and the rest of the community. – Numbers 31:27

Observation:
God commanded Moses to send 12,000 troops (1,000 from each tribe) to destroy the Midianites. The men suited up for battle and did as the LORD commanded. Because they and the people of Israel had obeyed the LORD in this matter, he told Moses to equally divide up the spoils between the soldiers and the community of Israel.

Application:
Here we have a solid proof of the theorem present as a lesson to us in the Bible – obedience brings blessing. In this case, the blessing consisted of tangible items: people, animals, precious metals, and other spoils of war. However, the blessing we receive in this life for our obedience to God may not always be so tangible. It may be something that brings us healing in our spirit, soul, or body. The result is tangible in the sense of seeing and knowing it happened. Whatever the case may be, just know that when we obey God, we can expect to see his blessing in our lives. As a word of caution, though, we are not to seek out the blessing but the One who gives the blessing. Don’t let blessings become an idol in your life. We are to always keep God first in our life.

Prayer:
Father, I am reminded of the words of the old hymn, “count your many blessing one by one.”  Too often we take for granted the goodness you’ve bestowed upon us here in the USA. My people have become idolatrous and rebellious and are now starting to feel and see the effects of their godless ways. You have lifted your hand off of this country and opened her up to attack and judgment. No nation will go unpunished for rebelling against you. I interceded for this nation and ask you to stay your mighty hand against her. Please allow your people within her borders to advance your kingdom a while longer to bring into it as many souls as possible. We want your blessing on their lives for being obedient to your wooing call to redemption. May those who carry out your Great Commission be blessed for obeying you and enjoy the spoils of spiritual warfare. In Jesus’ name, Amen.