Justin Houtz

Numbers 19-20; Psalm 28; Mark 5

DateVersionReading Plan
February 26, 2026ESV (2016)ESV Life Journal Plan – 2026

Numbers 19-20

Observation & Interpretation

In chapter 20, we read of how the people complained at having no water to drink, the LORD’s instruction for Moses to tell the rock to yield its water and Moses’ disobedience in striking the rock twice rather than speaking to it. Worth noting is that even though Moses failed to proceed with the rock as he was commanded by the LORD, water still “came out abundantly, and the congregation drank, and their livestock.” (Num. 20:11). The LORD was gracious to provide for His people despite their leader’s insubordination, thus illuminating His patience and longsuffering. What sorrow and conviction for our sin this should engender but also what gratitude we should extend to our LORD who is slow to anger and abounding in steadfast love and faithfulness.

Mark 5

Observation & Interpretation

In the account of the healing of the man with an unclean spirit and Jesus sending of the legion into the pigs, the difference in reaction between the people who heard of Jesus’ work and the man who was healed is striking. The people “began to beg Jesus to depart from their region” (Mark 15:17) but the healed man “begged him that he might be with him.” (Mark 5:18). Compounding the profundity is the degree to which each party expressed their desire; the people begging Jesus to depart vs. the man begging that he might be with Jesus. In this we see the extreme divisiveness of Jesus. There is no neutral ground when it comes to man’s disposition toward the Lord God of all creation. Those who have been given eyes to see their own sin and ears to hear the gospel will fully embrace Him as Lord and Savior while those who have not will seek (and eternally obtain) complete separation from Him.

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