Sermon - Audio
Num 1-2 - Audio
Num 1-2 - Daily Reading
Daily Insights - Please Comment
Intro to Numbers
The book of Numbers as a chapter in the master story of the Bible.
The master story of the Bible is partly the history of a covenant nation as the OT manifestation of the kingdom of God on earth. Another part of that story is the system of religious practices by which God's people can receive his blessing and by faith participate in his salvation. Both the narrative and the law-giving sections of Numbers tell these stories. Within this story of redemption, the incident of the bronze serpent (21:4-9) is a symbolic, foreshadowing picture of redemption through Christ (John 3:14-15). (ESV Study Bible)
The Hebrew name for the book is "In the Wilderness," is a great theme that is consistent with so much of the human experience and our personal stories of recovery. While Israel was in the wilderness they experienced God's love and discipline. The learned that 'freedom' from slavery in Egypt called for a life of grateful service to God.
Chapter 1:
Numbers begins at Mount Sinai in the Desert of Sinai with Moses taking a census of the men eligible for battle. As the battle preparations begin, the people also prepared for several spiritual challenges as well. The census was a great reminder of God's promise to Abraham. Israel also needed to know the size and scope of their military as well as make preparations for occupying the Promised Land. At the risk of some over-spiritualizing of the text, it is good for God's people to take stock of many things before beginning a task that God has called them to. God expects us to do our part, but ultimately success or failure of any calling depends on God's grace.
There is also a theme in chapter one that stands against the individualism of our day.
In the census each person was reminded of her/his tribal and family background, as well as a testimony to their common heritage as children of Abraham.
Chapter 2
This must have been a monster camp site! As they traveled and camped, the Israelites were to arrange themselves by tribe around the Tabernacle. God wanted to the Israelites to keep him in constant focus, making him the center of all their thoughts and actions. Many times we try to compartmentalize our lives and give God a certain time-slot like everything else. God's call is to be the focus and center of our existence. How can we better reflect the call for EverGreen (you and me) to have God be the focal point of all living?
The book of Numbers as a chapter in the master story of the Bible.
The master story of the Bible is partly the history of a covenant nation as the OT manifestation of the kingdom of God on earth. Another part of that story is the system of religious practices by which God's people can receive his blessing and by faith participate in his salvation. Both the narrative and the law-giving sections of Numbers tell these stories. Within this story of redemption, the incident of the bronze serpent (21:4-9) is a symbolic, foreshadowing picture of redemption through Christ (John 3:14-15). (ESV Study Bible)
The Hebrew name for the book is "In the Wilderness," is a great theme that is consistent with so much of the human experience and our personal stories of recovery. While Israel was in the wilderness they experienced God's love and discipline. The learned that 'freedom' from slavery in Egypt called for a life of grateful service to God.
Chapter 1:
Numbers begins at Mount Sinai in the Desert of Sinai with Moses taking a census of the men eligible for battle. As the battle preparations begin, the people also prepared for several spiritual challenges as well. The census was a great reminder of God's promise to Abraham. Israel also needed to know the size and scope of their military as well as make preparations for occupying the Promised Land. At the risk of some over-spiritualizing of the text, it is good for God's people to take stock of many things before beginning a task that God has called them to. God expects us to do our part, but ultimately success or failure of any calling depends on God's grace.
There is also a theme in chapter one that stands against the individualism of our day.
In the census each person was reminded of her/his tribal and family background, as well as a testimony to their common heritage as children of Abraham.
Chapter 2
This must have been a monster camp site! As they traveled and camped, the Israelites were to arrange themselves by tribe around the Tabernacle. God wanted to the Israelites to keep him in constant focus, making him the center of all their thoughts and actions. Many times we try to compartmentalize our lives and give God a certain time-slot like everything else. God's call is to be the focus and center of our existence. How can we better reflect the call for EverGreen (you and me) to have God be the focal point of all living?
4 comments:
The only way that I have found to keep God at the center of my life is to read His Word, keep in prayer, AND continually ask myself the following two questions:
1. I am making this choice based on His motive, or mine?
2. Am I working out of my own strength or does it flow from His holy righteousness?
I know it is Thanksgiving today, but I'd love to learn more ways to keep God central so I hope others will post too :)
Happy Thanksgiving :)
Hi Kristen,
I wold also add the importance of my church and allowing other members of the body check my motives. Self deception is easy God put other Christians in my life to keep my thinking in check.
tk
Happy thanksgiving Kristin,
I am finding the continual reminder that this is God's story not mine is huge in this. The more I make my decisions remembering this, the more I deal with situations with this focus, the more I keep God in the center. Another way that I keep God in that place is by learning about others who have walked faithfully. Their lives can be a great example. I also love Pastor Tom's reminder that community keeps us rightly focused.
For me I need to ask the holy spirit daily to fill me with the desire to bring glory to God alone. That can't be a one time requests but a daily and sometimes hourly request. The Holy spirit is constantly moving and we need to be constantly asking to be filled. I echo Tom's comment about community. Having trusting godly people in your lives is vital. Asking them to speak into your life is important as well. Sometimes they may not be willing to speak into your life until you ask them to.
One more question: Why would God have not wanted the Levites counted?
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