Replacing the grasshopper mentality
Number 13:33, “We seemed like grasshoppers in our own eyes, and we looked the same to them.”
What is your perspective? How do you view yourself?
The events of our past can influence our view of our selves. The Israelites were slaves. They were the lowest of the low, tending to flocks that no one else wanted to be around. They were servants. They were nothing but victims.
They saw themselves first as grasshoppers. Perspective matters. The way we view ourselves is a strong influence on our lives. And, while life experiences are very real, we do not have to allow them to shape us and control our perspective.
You and I have the power to change our perspective. It starts with 1 God in His name, 2 words: I am.
- I am a child of God.
- I am saved.
- I am a brother to Jesus.
- I am filled with the power of the Holy Spirit.
- I am a new creation, the old has gone, the new has come.
- I am washed clean by the blood of the lamb.
What a difference. We can see ourselves as grasshoppers, in our own eyes and in the eyes of others. Or we can adopt the perspective of the Great I AM.
But, when it seems like everyone is fighting against you, how do change your perspective? Moses and Aaron modeled that for us in our lesson. All of Israel, 2-3 Million of them, were rising up against them in revolt. They were ready to fight. So what did Moses and Aaron do? They assumed their fighting stances, the best fighting stance you or I can take. They dropped to their knees. The very best fighting position we can take is to get on our knees and call in God’s Calvary.
My Answers:
8.
a.
They knew they were sinning against God (again). They recognized this was a pivotal moment – choosing sides
b.
They tore their clothes in mourning. They put their faith and trust in the might of God. They acknowledged the might of the people of the land, but knew God was more powerful
c.
The whole assembly talked about stoning them
d.
It is only through the grace of God that I am alive. I’ve done enough stupid and insolent things that there is no reason I’m alive
9.
a.
I will strike them down with a plague and destroy them, but I will make you into a nation greater and stronger than they.
b.
Not for his own glory but that he feared that God’s reputation would be tarnished.
c.
The Egyptians will hear, they will tell, They have heard you are with them, they will hear the “Lord was not able to bring these people into the land”
The Notes are Good 