Thoughts on Numbers 9

Rule, Reaction, Referral, Response

The Rule

“Let the people of Israel keep the Passover at its appointed time. (Numbers 9:2 ESV)

Rules are given by God as guidelines to help men understand how to approach a Holy God.

The Reaction

And those men said to him, “We are unclean through touching a dead body. Why are we kept from bringing the Lord ’s offering at its appointed time among the people of Israel?” (Numbers 9:7 ESV)

First, they remembered and understood a previous rule so we give them credit for that. Second, their hearts are right, as is what is important to God more than just mindlessly obeying the rules.

The Referral

And Moses said to them, “Wait, that I may hear what the Lord will command concerning you.” (Numbers 9:8 ESV)

Excellent move by Moses! Many times we are quick to answer for God. He is available and willing to give us His decisions regarding unclear matters. We are to understand the Scriptures, yes, but our ultimate goal is to understand the One who wrote it.

A guideline could be, instead of just asking “What does the Bible say about it?”, we can ask “What does God say about it? Let us pray and read His Word.”

The Response

The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel, saying, If any one of you or of your descendants is unclean through touching a dead body, or is on a long journey, he shall still keep the Passover to the Lord. (Numbers 9:9, 10 ESV)

God will respond. Why wouldn’t He? Especially to people who want to do right by Him. Pray expectantly, listen intently, obey unwaveringly.

And whenever the cloud lifted from over the tent, after that the people of Israel set out, and in the place where the cloud settled down, there the people of Israel camped. (Numbers 9:17 ESV)

When we take care of the temple of God, we can feel – and see – His presence over it. If we can see God, we can keep in step with His movements. And we should be ready when He does move. Whether in this life or in preparation of the life after, we should hold the things of this world lighty. Don’t bear so many burdens. Travel light.

Thoughts on Psalm 128

Blessed is everyone who fears the Lord, who walks in his ways!
You shall eat the fruit of the labor of your hands;
you shall be blessed, and it shall be well with you.
Your wife will be like a fruitful vine within your house;
your children will be like olive shoots around your table.
Behold, thus shall the man be blessed who fears the Lord.
(Psalm 128:1-4 ESV)

What a promise!

Thoughts on Philippians 4

Noticed a huge difference in Paul’s “tone” between The ESV version and The Message version. The Message gives Paul’s words more emotion – less stoic strict teacher, more heart passion mentor. It’s good to refer to different versions from time to time.

I entreat Euodia and I entreat Syntyche to agree in the Lord. (Philippians 4:2 ESV)

Disagreements between believers, even leaders, have existed even in the early church. We don’t know what they disagreed about, but it’s something small enough that Paul didn’t blast them like he did for those who caused disagreements about salvation by grace and faith in Jesus. In that sense it was minor, but it was important enough, and a church-wide issue, for him to include them specifically in his letter (as guided by the Holy Spirit, so God is concerned about this – these kinds of issues as well). We must help them, because these kinds of disagreements hurt the church. The key phrase being – “in the Lord “.

Let your reasonableness be known to everyone. The Lord is at hand; (Philippians 4:5 ESV)

Reasonable. Could be “able to reason”, or “able to be reasoned with”. Not unreasonable. NIV and NIV uses gentleness. MSG gives the image of a person who works well with people. In context of verse 2, it gives a clearer picture.

Finally, brothers, whatever is true, whatever is honorable, whatever is just, whatever is pure, whatever is lovely, whatever is commendable, if there is any excellence, if there is anything worthy of praise, think about these things. (Philippians 4:8 ESV)

I should memorize this..

Not that I am speaking of being in need, for I have learned in whatever situation I am to be content…I can do all things through him who strengthens me. (Philippians 4:11, 13 ESV)

The secret to being content, is God’s strength!

There’s still more to this chapter.. definitely for another time ^^

Thoughts on Isaiah 44

Today’s post is shorter, but a great message was given today.

For I will pour water on the thirsty land, and streams on the dry ground; I will pour my Spirit upon your offspring, and my blessing on your descendants. They shall spring up among the grass like willows by flowing streams. This one will say, ‘I am the Lord ’s,’ another will call on the name of Jacob, and another will write on his hand, ‘The Lord ’s,’ and name himself by the name of Israel.” (Isaiah 44:3-5 ESV)

This passage is relevant today because of an ongoing conversation with some close friends. By offspring and descendants we know that God is not merely talking about physical descendants, but spiritual descendants. We should remain faithful and abide in Him, and He will cause our efforts to bear fruit – not only in ourselves but in the expansion of His Kingdom.

No one considers, nor is there knowledge or discernment to say, “Half of it I burned in the fire; I also baked bread on its coals; I roasted meat and have eaten. And shall I make the rest of it an abomination? Shall I fall down before a block of wood?” (Isaiah 44:19 ESV)

The folly of mankind, serving things that were meant to serve us.

Thoughts on Numbers 8

Themes and concepts (theology?) present in these verses:
• Purification – “Take the Levites from among the people of Israel and cleanse them. (Numbers 8:6 ESV)
• Consecration – When you bring the Levites before the Lord, the people of Israel shall lay their hands on the Levites, and Aaron shall offer the Levites before the Lord as a wave offering from the people of Israel, that they may do the service of the Lord. (Numbers 8:10, 11 ESV)
• Sanctification – “Thus you shall separate the Levites from among the people of Israel, and the Levites shall be mine. (Numbers 8:14 ESV)
• Replacement – For all the firstborn among the people of Israel are mine, both of man and of beast. On the day that I struck down all the firstborn in the land of Egypt I consecrated them for myself, and I have taken the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the people of Israel. (Numbers 8:17, 18 ESV)
• Mediation – And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and his sons from among the people of Israel, to do the service for the people of Israel at the tent of meeting and to make atonement for the people of Israel, that there may be no plague among the people of Israel when the people of Israel come near the sanctuary.” (Numbers 8:19 ESV)
• Obedience – Thus did Moses and Aaron and all the congregation of the people of Israel to the Levites. According to all that the Lord commanded Moses concerning the Levites, the people of Israel did to them. (Numbers 8:20 ESV)

Sudden Clarity:
The firstborn of the earth belong to God, because the earth received from God the firstborn of Heaven.

Others:
Effective working age for Levites is 25 to 50. Might be important.