SEPTEMBER 23 - Stand Up and Speak Out
3-Year-Bible Reading: Proverbs 24:11–12; Numbers 17–19
3-Year Bible Devotional Book Available on Amazon
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Rescue those who are being taken away to death; hold back those who are stumbling to the slaughter. If you say, “Behold, we did not know this,” does not he who weighs the heart perceive it? — Proverbs 24:11–12
And the staff of the man whom I choose shall sprout. Thus I will make to cease from me the grumblings of the people of Israel, which they grumble against you. — Numbers 17:5
Whoever touches the dead body of any person shall be unclean seven days. — Numbers 19:11
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It’s easy to think, “That’s not my problem,” when we see someone going down a destructive path—whether it's bullying, cheating, or walking away from faith. But Proverbs 24:11–12 challenges that mindset. It reminds us that God sees not only what we do but also what we ignore. In Numbers 17, God confirms Aaron’s leadership by making his staff miraculously grow. It was a clear sign to stop complaining and trust God's chosen plan.
Later in Numbers 19, we see how God set rules about purity, showing how seriously He takes sin and its consequences. When we put all this together, we get a powerful message: God wants us to care enough about others to step in and speak truth—because walking away in silence isn’t love; it’s indifference.
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THINK ABOUT IT
1. Speak Up With Courage: Who around you might be “stumbling to the slaughter”? It could be a friend making risky choices or someone hurting emotionally. Ask God for boldness to say what needs to be said—with love.
2. Trust God’s Confirmation: Just like God made Aaron’s staff sprout to show His will, God often gives us signs or nudges when we’re on the right path. Are you listening for His direction? Are you open to what He might ask you to do, even if it's hard?
3. Take Sin Seriously: God gave the Israelites strict rules about what made them unclean—not to punish them, but to show how much they needed His help to stay holy. Do you view sin as something serious, or something casual? What would it look like to pursue spiritual “cleanness” today?
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BOTTOM LINE
God calls us not just to follow Him, but to help others follow too—even when it’s uncomfortable. He sees our hearts and wants us to be bold, compassionate, and obedient.
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PRAYER
Heavenly Father, Thank You for caring so deeply about each of us. Help me to see the people around me through Your eyes and give me the courage to speak up when someone is headed toward harm. Teach me to trust Your direction and to take my walk with You seriously. I want to honor You not just with my words, but with my actions and choices. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
