Did God speak directly to Moses? 14 times the Bible says “God spoke to Moses,” thus Moses directly received instructions from Him. Does God speak to us? Yes, read on to find out how.
First, let’s look at the setting of today’s verse. A year after leaving Egypt God gave Moses instructions about the Passover. The Lord told him what day and time they needed to do it.
Some men, however, had become ceremonially unclean by touching a dead body. They wanted to know why they should be prevented from presenting the Lord’s offering at the proper time.
Moses answered, “Wait here until I have received instructions for you from the Lord.” Numbers 9:8
Moses Received a Reply
- God said, “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people now or in future generations are ceremonially unclean at Passover time
- because of touching a dead body, or
- if they are on a journey and cannot be present at the ceremony,
- they may still celebrate the Lord’s Passover. Numbers 9:10
Any time God gave instructions to Moses He kept them very specific. So the last thing Moses wanted to do was anything contrary to the Lord’s instructions.
Therefore, I can’t see Moses guessing or changing any of God’s instructions. So we can believe that God spoke directly to him. Verse 9 clearly says This was the Lord’s reply to Moses.
The new instructions God gave to Moses contained an exemption amendment. It signified when those who qualified for the exemption could celebrate the Passover.
They must offer the Passover sacrifice one month later, at twilight on the fourteenth day of the second month. They must eat the Passover lamb at that time with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast. Numbers 9:11
Because God was the one who set limitations on people when they became unclean, He made provision for them. In other words, God understood.
Those who neglected the Passover for any old reason at all misjudged God. They thought He would understand. They didn’t understand that God expected His instructions to be followed.
But those who neglect to celebrate the Passover at the regular time. Even though they are ceremonially clean and not away on a trip. They will be cut off from the community of Israel. If they fail to present the Lord’s offering at the proper time. They will suffer the consequences of their guilt. Numbers 9:13
What Instructions does God have for Us?
Moving from the Old Testament to the New, Jesus fulfilled the law. Thus freeing us from it. God, though still speaks plainly through His Word and He expects us to follow His instructions.
Sacrificing the Passover lamb in the Old Testament was a type of salvation. It was a practice that He required all of His people to celebrate. If they didn’t, they were cut off from the community.
In the New Testament Jesus became our salvation. He made it available to all who accept it. Through Jesus, we can enjoy eternal life with Him.
If you openly declare that Jesus is Lord and believe in your heart that God raised him from the dead, you will be saved. For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved. Romans 10:9-10
Anyone would doesn’t celebrate salvation through Jesus will suffer the consequences. They will be cut off from God and His community for all eternity.
Those who don’t know God and on those who refuse to obey the Good News of our Lord Jesus. They will be punished with eternal destruction, forever separated from the Lord and from his glorious power. 2 Thessalonians 1:8-9
How Does God Give Instructions to You?
Do we have access to God like Moses did when God chose him to lead the children of Israel? Yes, we absolutely do! God, however, chooses how he will communicate with people.
What does the Bible say about the ways God spoke? He spoke through a burning bush, a donkey, and messengers from heaven, just to name a few. The writer of Hebrews said this;
Long ago God spoke many times and in many ways to our ancestors through the prophets. And now in these final days, he has spoken to us through his Son. Hebrews 1:1-2
John the apostle wrote, in the beginning, was the Word and Jesus is the Word. So His Word is the first and foremost way God speaks to us. Does He use other methods?
Yes, He will. But He will never tell us anything that contradicts His Word. When we ask anything of God, we must wait upon Him for His instructions.
I know God has spoken to me, but not in the same way He spoke to Moses. He has never audibly spoken to me. But He has spoken to my heart or laid something in my mind.
God has never led me by a cloud or pillar of fire. But He has opened some doors for me and He has closed some as well. I can trust Him because He said my steps are ordered by Him.
He also spoke to me through other people. Some of those people I’ve known and trusted. Others God has given me confirmation in one way or another. And there are things I’ve just forgotten.
A Personal Example
Let me give you an example. A person (whom I trusted) told me 3 things would happen in my life. I dismissed all three of them, one of which, I would write a book. I had no interest in that at all.
Years before when we were children’s evangelists I told a story for kids about the Fruit of the Spirit. Some time later after the prophetic word, my two sons talked me into making it into an illustrated book.
They had no knowledge of the prophecy and I had forgotten about it. After it was published, my wife reminded me of the prophetic word spoken over me. One of the other two happened also.
To date, I have 11 books available on Amazon. Two of them are children’s books. The rest are devotionals that have served as the inspiration for these blog posts.
You can check out my books by clicking here
God gives us His instructions in many ways. Trust Him and put your faith in Him. Listen to what he might be saying to you.
Lord, speak to me today. Dear God, let me hear your instructions and not doubt. Help me to trust you and have complete faith in you.
Check out these related post about following God’s instructions
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