Numbers 11:24–35, Wednesday, April 9, 2025

Numbers 11:29–30 (NIV)29 But Moses replied, “Are you jealous for my sake? I wish that all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put his Spirit on them!”30 Then Moses and the elders of Israel returned to the camp.

There are two major accounts of the Holy Spirit’s work in the Bible. One is well known: the outpouring of the Holy Spirit on the disciples gathered in the upper room after Jesus’ resurrection and ascension. The other is found in today’s passage—the moment when the Spirit of God came upon the seventy elders of Israel.

What makes today’s event unique is that the Spirit came upon the elders as Moses mediated between God and the people. (More precisely, the passage says the Spirit that was on Moses was also given to the elders.) What’s remarkable is that even amid the people’s overwhelming complaints about not having meat, the Spirit’s presence brought forth prophecy. In other words, God enabled them to see what He sees—to look beyond their grumbling through the eyes of the Spirit.

Another striking detail is that all seventy elders were gathered at the tent, yet Eldad and Medad, who had remained in the camp and did not join the assembly, also received the Spirit and began to prophesy.

When Joshua saw this, he urged Moses to stop them since they were not with the others. But Moses responded with frustration, rebuking Joshua by saying, “I wish all the Lord’s people were prophets and that the Lord would put His Spirit on them!”

Interestingly, Eldad and Medad are only mentioned in this part of the Bible. Though they were outside the designated gathering, they are remembered as ones who received the Spirit and prophesied.

This unusual story speaks deeply to us today. God does not work only through the people we expect. In fact, He often works through those we might overlook—those outside the boundaries we’ve drawn. God moves freely, beyond our categories and expectations.

I'm currently participating in a retreat that started yesterday. I found a short moment this morning to write this reflection. After hearing various stories from fellow pastors last night, I went to bed quite late. Everyone is doing ministry in different places under different circumstances, and the stories of God’s work in those places are incredibly precious.

I pray that today will also be a day the Lord walks with you!

Reflection

Have you ever experienced unexpected grace?

Intercessory Prayer

• Please pray for our church’s Easter Egg Hunt prepared by the Children’s Ministry. It will be held on Easter Sunday, April 20 at 1:00 PM.

• Today is Wednesday. Even though I’m away, there will still be a service. Evangelist Jin Hee-won will be delivering the message. Please keep it in your prayers!