Numbers 16-17, Long Suffering

 “The next day the entire Israelite community complained about Moses and Aaron,  saying, “You have killed the Lord’s people! ””

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭16‬:‭41‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I wonder how long it had been since Aarons son had been killed when offering unauthorized fire to the Lord, before this episode where 250 people did something similar.  And shockingly, right after God destroys them and their families, the next day the rest of the people are blaming Aaron and Moses.  God is required to have massive patience with them…and me…

Lord, thank you for being long suffering because we need it.  Help us to have better memories and more trust that You are at work in every area of life.

Number 14-15, Psalm 90, Rest & Worship

 “While the Israelites were in the wilderness, they found a man gathering wood on the Sabbath day.  Then the Lord told Moses, “The man is to be put to death. The entire community is to stone him outside the camp.” ”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭15‬:‭32‬, ‭35‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

God was serious about the Sabbath…I find it interesting that the Israelites were told over and over that they were need to deny themselves to follow the Sabbath.  Why is it so hard to rest and worship?

Numbers 11-13, Sovereign Orchestration

“Tell the people: Consecrate yourselves in readiness for tomorrow, and you will eat meat because you wept in the Lord’s hearing, ‘Who will feed us meat? We were better off in Egypt.’ The Lord will give you meat and you will eat. 

But Moses replied, “I’m in the middle of a people with six hundred thousand foot soldiers, yet you say, ‘I will give them meat, and they will eat for a month.’ 

The Lord answered Moses, “Is the Lord’s arm weak? , Now you will see whether or not what I have promised will happen to you.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭11‬:‭18‬, ‭21‬, ‭23‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Everyone was complaining against God…asking for more than they were given and God responds by providing superabundantly in an impossible way.  This was also a tragic moment, because the complainers died after seeing Gods provision and even Moses didn’t believe God could follow through on His promise.

When do I view God as incapable or unable?  What an insult, a slap in the face to the One who created the universe, planned salvation and has always provided abundantly for my every need!  Lord, strengthen my faith to never doubt Your ability to accomplish Your will.  Your arm is not weak, but powerful. Your Sovereignty is over every detail and You personally weave every scenario to perfectly accomplish what is best for us all.  Help me to never doubt your power or love for me!!!

Leviticus 5-7, Following God

 “Sometimes the cloud remained only from evening until morning; when the cloud lifted in the morning, they set out. Or if it remained a day and a night, they moved out when the cloud lifted. Whether it was two days, a month, or longer,  the Israelites camped and did not set out as long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle. But when it was lifted, they set out.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭9‬:‭21‬-‭22‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

I wish following God in my life was as obvious as this.  What a blessing to physically see what God was asking them to do.  At any moment they could look and see where God was leading them.  Although, they still had to wait for instruction moment by moment.  They didn’t have a predefined plan for what the future held…still walking by faith!

Numbers 7, Knowing God

 “When Moses entered the tent of meeting to speak with the Lord, he heard the voice speaking to him  from above the mercy seat that was on the ark of the testimony, from between the two cherubim.  He spoke to him that way.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭7‬:‭89‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Contexr

Although these offerings are extravagant, I think the most impressive is that God shows up to talk to Moses.

Lord, help me to be in awe that I can know You…that I can read Your Word and that You want to hear my prayers!  Help me to know You more intimately!!!

Numbers 5-6, Salvation Trumps

 “He is not to defile himself for his father or mother, or his brother or sister, when they die, while the mark of consecration to his God is on his head. He is holy to the Lord during the time of consecration.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭6‬:‭7‬-‭8‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

Interesting how making a vow to the Lord trumps all other relationships.  It seems like the Lord is pointing out that a decision to follow Him should become the lens for viewing all other decisions.  Just like our salvation should shape every following choice, path or venture.

Lord, help me to thoughtfully consider every idea, word or action that I make in light of knowing You!

Numbers 3-4, Share the Load

“At the Lord’s command they were registered under the direction of Moses, each one according to his work and transportation duty, and his assignment was as the Lord commanded Moses.”

‭‭Numbers‬ ‭4‬:‭49‬ ‭CSB‬‬

Read Context

The division of duties was clearly laid out and there was plenty of people whit whom to share the load.  So many times when something new is started, there are just a handful of people to do all the work.  God is making sure that the necessary work will not overburden but can be shared effectively.

Lord, help me not to attempt to take on too much, but help me to be intentional about sharing the load and working with others to train and encourage their participation.