Parashot Chukat and Balak
Through the events of these two portions, God shows us He will:
- Cleanse us from death (red heifer)
- Provide for our physical and spiritual needs (water from the rock)
- Deliver us from trouble and heal our afflictions (serpent on the pole)
- Deliver us from our enemies physically (Sihon and Og)
- Shield us from our enemies spiritually (Balak and Balaam)
- Expect us to walk faithfully and hold us accountable for our actions (all of the above)
Though we have these assurances, we still face challenges. It’s important in these trying times that we not lose heart. We need to prepare both spiritually and physically for the days ahead.
We are not declaring difficulties, but we are equipping ourselves to be ready for whatever lies ahead as we journey toward the good that God has prepared for us!
God is our refuge and strength, an ever-present help in trouble. Therefore we will not fear, though the earth give way and the mountains fall into the heart of the sea, though its waters roar and foam and the mountains quake with their surging.
psalm 46:1-3, NIV