Numbers +#5

Today's Reading: Numbers 9-10, Romans 5, Psalm 82.

Chapter 9 of Numbers is a beautiful reading. The first part is concerning the celebration of the Passover for all. We find that when anyone was on a trip or unclean from touching a dead body, they were to celebrate the Passover on the 2nd month instead of the 1st like everyone else. Everyone, whether Israelite or foreigner, were to celebrate it. This feast, that we found in Leviticus 23 is a shadow of the crucification of the Lord Jesus. He, of course, is the perfect Lamb of God. Israel offered this Passover Feast each year in celebration of what He would do. Of course, they did not know that, but we do. All things point to Jesus Christ!

The latter part of the chapter concerns itself with the movement of the 2-3 million known by the name Israel. There was a cloud above the Tabernacle. It looked like a cloud by day, and it turned to fire by night. (What an awesome night-light - but I digress). This was the essence of the LORD's presence. Verses 17 - 18 says, "Whenever the cloud lifted from above the tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. At the LORD's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the Tabernacle, they remained in camp." NIV Then the last verse (23) states, "At the LORD's command they encamped, and at the LORD's command they set out. They obeyed the LORD's order, in accordance with his command through Moses." NIV


We have it much easier today in every way. The cloud was a shadow of the Holy Spirit. He lives in us and directs our movement (or at least would like to do so) from within. He is the fire and the mist (refreshment) in our Jesus. The cloud lives in us and is ever ready to let us know the wise thing to do, say and be.

Chapter 10 begins with the explanation of the silver trumpets. Oddly enough, we never really have instructions about the blowing of the shofar (ram's horn) trumpets until they are used in the Battle of Jericho in the book of Joshua. (We will discuss them when we get there). However, silver trumpets were to be used to call the assembly of the congregation, leaders, movement, or battle. Again we see the organization of our Father in making certain all would understand and move appropriately.

The remaining part of the chapter is about Israel setting out from Sinai. We find the order of march which we learned in Chapter 2, now becomes their action. Judah and its associated tribes set out, then the Gershonites and Merarites who carried the tabernacle structure and curtains set out.

Next was the tribe of Reuben and their associated tribes, then the Kohathites, carrying the furniture of the Tabernacle and the veil set out. The Tabernacle was to be set up and waiting for them when the furniture (altars, laver, lamp stand, shewbread table, and Ark) arrived. However, we find out that the Ark was placed at the front of their march, to find their way for them. (verse 33). Then the camp of Ephraim and their associated tribes. Bringing up the rear was the camp of Dan with their associated tribes. It must have been quite an amazing thing to travel with such a large group.

Again we are amazed at the LORD's order and care of them. What an awesome God!

"Therefore, since we have been justified through faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ, through whom we have gained access by faith into this grace in which we now stand. And we boast in the hope of the glory of God." Romans 5:1-2. NIV I love this chapter in Romans. The explanation of how we are justified by faith in this New Adam thrills my heart. Once we were all dead in our sins, but now made alive through birth into the family of God, "...because God's love has been poured out into our hearts through the Holy Spirit, who has been given to us." When we were powerless, Christ died for us. The rest of the chapter is an explanation of the "much more" that is ours in Christ as a result of His work for us. Death came through the first Adam, life comes through the second Adam - Jesus our Lord.

Go through this chapter and underline the "much more." you will find it again and again. Write them out and enjoy them with Him.

Psalm 82 is a court scene. We discover as we read the Old Testament prophets, that often God will set up just such a scene (especially in Isaiah) and call witnesses, like the earth to come and testify. Here we have an outcry from His heart about a lack of integrity among His people. He called them "gods" because of all He empowered them to be and do, but they choose darkness instead of light as they did not defend the weak and needy among them. So He said they would die like mere mortals.

We, as believers, are His children, His seed. We are not mere mortals at all. We have the Holy Spirit within, therefore are being imaged in the image of Jesus Christ. He would call us to allow the Spirit within to fill us with the integrity of God Himself, and live in that power and light. What a marvelous, high calling!

Tomorrow's Reading: Numbers 11-12