Lasso of Truth

Reflection on Numbers

So, we just spent the better part of two months reading through the book of Numbers.  What are you going to take with you from this book? Is there anything that you learned in Numbers that has changed the way you live your life or the way you view God?

Last night I was looking through my notes trying to come up with a theme for this section of scripture.  Something I could remember that would fit in a nutshell.  It was tough, but I think I'll be able to do it.

The lesson that I'm taking from Numbers is about obedience.  Just like the Hebrews were passing through the desert on their journey to the promised land, as Christians we are passing through our lives on earth in the same way.  We have not arrived at our destination. That comes later.  Our life isn't about our own glory or our own plans.  It's not about the American dream or achieving success. 

It is about being part of the body of Christ.  It's about living our lives in a way that God can use us.  About being close enough to God through scripture and Bible study that we can hear Him when He guides us to our next "post".  And when we do feel led by God in a particular direction, it's about obedience. 

This Christmas I received a supreme complement in regard to this blog.  I won't repeat it here, because I'm still treasuring it in my heart, but it was about how this blog has affected someone.  I was amazed that anyone had even noticed it in the first place, and the idea that it had blessed someone's life was more than I could understand.  But as I look over the last two months' study I realize that this is exactly what Numbers is about.  I am unqualified in my own humanity to lead a Bible Study.  I am inconsistent, I have bad days (and weeks) where I don't post, I have my own flawed view of the world, and the Bible for that matter.  But this summer I felt a strong urging from the Holy Spirit to start this Bible Study. To walk with Him through His Word again.  All I can take credit for in this is obedience.  That's why those kind words on Christmas meant so much to me.  I could see that God was indeed using my obedience, not my scholarship or my piousness, but just my simple obedience to impact someone else's life. 

So that's what I'm taking from Numbers.  The next time God asks me to do something, I'm not going to try to see the big picture.  I'm not going to worry that I am not able.  I'm going to concentrate on the task at hand and obey.  At least that's the plan.

Is there something in Numbers that you are taking with you?  I bet you can find something--just look through the archives to jog your memory, and if you feel like it, post what you've learned in the comments.  Thanks everyone!

Next time:  Deuteronomy 1-3

Numbers 35-36

Chapter 35
The Inheritance of the Levites looked a lot different than that of the other tribes.  They were meant to live among the other tribes as priests.  Although they did not have riches of their own, they were well provided for by God through the tithing system and other offerings--much like traditional pastors and missionaries are today.

The cities of refuge are evidence that God does not take death lightly--even accidental death.  Life is valuable to Him.  But God is always providing refuge for us in spite of our imperfection.

Chapter 36
I don't know why this chapter was placed at the end of Numbers, but I did find this law very interesting.  Like all laws, it provides great protection for His people, the potential enemy in this case being themselves.

If transference of inheritance was allowed, men could orchestrate deals and marriages between the tribes.  One could become great and powerful, while another disappeared completely.  God's way, the tribes have no personal gain.  Again, all of the glory belongs to God.

Next time: A look back at Numbers

Numbers 33-34

Happy New year, y'all!  I have truly missed posting here, and it looks like the holiday insanity is about to slow down...I hope!  Let's get this thing going again.

Chapter 33 gives a brief history of the journey of the Israelites over the last forty years.  But as we see in verse 4 and verse 14, it is more than just a verbal map of where they have been; it might have served as a history lesson for the nation's children.  Woven throughout the names of the cities they passed are tidbits of history that go along with them.  I wonder if kids were required to memorize this chapter as a school lesson.  The rhythm is almost poetic. 

Another part of this chapter is the law about possessing land.  We learn in verse 52 that God's plan has very little to do with the glory of the Hebrews.  His master plan is to use them to demolish many godless nations and bring glory to Himself.  This is something that we must remember when we see how God is blessing our lives.  None of it is meant to glorify us.  He is the only one worthy of that.

Chapter 34
Imagine having God--audible and almost visible--acting as General of our army.  This is what the Hebrews had.  They didn't need a human king, because they had the King calling the shots.

Sometimes I wish that God would direct me as clearly as He did the Israelites.  Sometimes I think He does, and I choose not to listen. 

Next time: Numbers 35-36, and an overview.

Numbers 30-32

Chapter 30 is all about making vows.  Basically, according to this we are held accountable for what we say we are going to do.  Verse 2 says it all:  "He shall do according to all that proceeds out of his mouth."  This one hits home for me.  I tend to have a lot of great ideas, get excited and share them with others, and then realize that there are not enough hours in the day to follow through, and drop the ball.  I don't think there's anything wrong with dreaming big.  I spend lots of my time there.  But this passage reminds me to be careful with what proceeds out of my mouth.

The rest of the chapter, interestingly, focuses on what to do when an unmarried woman makes a vow.  Foremost, her vow is taken just as seriously as any man's in that she is responsible for following through.  But if her father disagrees with it, he can say so, and then she is free from that obligation.  The same happens if the woman gets married, and her husband has a problem with a vow that she made while single.  I thought that this was a very good picture of submission.  Submission isn't a weakness in women.  It doesn't mean that a woman has given up her rights.  I see it as more of a covering or protection.  Whether men or women, we are all under submission to someone.  Instead of fighting against a foundation that God put into place, let's look for the blessings in it.

Chapter 31
The slaughter of Midian was horrible.  Israel had to go back and kill a second wave of prisoners because they had disobeyed God's orders.  It's hard to think about, but we know that God would have spared anyone with a repentant heart.  His goal was to give His people a fresh start.

Verses 17-18 Why do you think Moses spared the young women, but not those who had been with a man?  Do you think it has more to do with being pure, or do you think it went deeper?  Women have a way of holding grudges.  And the bond that comes with intimacy would have hardened them against the Israelite way, even though it was the Truth.  This might seem a little off the subject, but have you ever noticed how a dating couple that is sleeping together stays in an unhealthy relationship much longer than one who isn't?  I can almost always spot the teenage couples I know who are more physical than they should be.  I wonder how much this physical bond had to do with the order to kill these women.

Verse 52 - once again, God is increasing the wealth of his people.

In chapter 32, several of the tribes decide that they want to settle where they are.  They vow to go into battle with the rest of the nation, and then return to this land as their inheritance.  I think it's cool that this idea comes to them after they've just been taught about the law of vows.  They know exactly what is required of them, as well as the consequences they'll encounter if they don't keep their word.

Next time: Numbers 33-34

Numbers 27-29

Chapter 27
In this chapter, I learned that it is OK to state your case and stand up for yourself, as long as you do it with the right attitude and with a pure motive. The daughters of Zelophehad ask if there's any way that they could receive an inheritance, since their father had no sons.  Not only are they granted an inheritance, but this starts a new law that women can inherit land when there are no brothers. 

Moses will be able to see the promised land before he dies, according to verse 13.  But his own sin will prevent him from entering it.

Joshua is named as Moses' successor. 

Chapter 28
This chapter is a re-statement of the offering laws.  I think they are setting everything into place before Moses dies.

Chapter 29
So often we think of humbling ourselves as making ourselves like servants.  If I'm humble, I will have no reason not to serve and work for anyone else.  It means putting aside my pride and getting down to business, right?  Look at verse 7.  Sometimes, God's view of humility means not doing work.  Letting Him provide for me, so that I can only give Him the credit.  This must be part of what it means to "be still."

Reading through the rest of chapter 29, I realize that the seventh month was a really busy time of year!

Next time: Chapter 30-32

Numbers 25-26

Numbers 25
It's sometimes hard for us to equate the loving God that we know with His actions in this chapter.  But we have to trust that God knew the hearts of these people.  There was not a chance that they would turn away from their wickedness.  Satan was using them (verse 2) to lure Israel away from their goal...away from their God.  I was having a hard time understanding this myself, but my grandfather explained it to me this way:

The Moabites were destined for hell.  There was no chance of repentance, and letting them live would only pull others down with them.  If God let them live, they would give birth to future generations of hell-bound children, who would lure more men away from God.  God is being merciful to future generations by pruning away these fruitless branches.  It's hard for us to understand something like this, but we have to trust God's ultimate knowlege of men's hearts.

Numbers 26
This chapter is a census record of the nation on Israel.  But throughout the list, God recaps important historical events, and gives honor to key players.  For example, in verse 59, He gives special mention to Amram and Jochebed, Moses' parents.  It is the little things like this that encourage me in my daily walk.  God remembers every time you follow His lead.

We also find out in verse 64 that the original Israelites are all gone.  (Except for Joshua, Caleb, and Moses.)  It'll be time soon to enter the promised land.

Next time:
Numbers 27-29

Numbers 24

Hey, there you are!  I've been looking all over for you!  Oh, wait.  It was me that was missing for a while.  Well, here I am.  Recovering from a birthday party, a thanksgiving dinner made entirely by me (what was I thinking!?), and a badly pulled back, and trying very hard not to be overwhelmed by the fact that Christmas is only 20 days away, and I have many presents not even started.  Needless to say, the living of life is getting in the way of a regularly-posted Bible study.  I hope to do better in the coming weeks, but I hope that you will understand if the blog entries are a little hit-and-miss until the end of the year.  I'll play it by ear, and maybe we'll bite off fewer chapters each day to get us through.  Alright, with that out of the way, lets jump in!

Numbers 24
Okay, to recap, here we have Balaam, who was supposed to be cursing Israel for the sake of Balak and his people.  But the Spirit of God came upon him (doesn't that send shivers up your spine?) and he could only bless God's people.  The blessing goes on and on, and when it's over, Balak has had enough.

Look at what Balak says to Balaam in verse 11.  "The Lord has held you back from honor."  See, Balak had promised honor him richly if he would only curse the Israelites for the coming battle.  But he had no choice but to do as God wanted instead. "The Lord has held you back from honor."  Don't you feel like this sometimes?  You do what's right, and the only credit you get for it is betwee you and God.  Whoop-dee-doo, right?  I just heard this incredible sermon the other day by Tony Evans--who I LOVE--where he reminded me that not all blessings are from God.  Remember that the Enemy is also capable of giving you "blessings" in your life too.  He can make really awesome things happen in your life, the sole purpose of which is to distract you from your spiritual goals.  The difference between God's blessings and Satan's "blessings" is that Satan cannot give you anything that is truly good.  He can't give you anything for your greater good, or for your ultimate prosperity.  Every windfall that does not come from God ends in death.  It's all smoke and mirrors.  Imagine if Balaam had been motivated by Balak's offer,  He could have cursed God's army, but it wouldn't have mattered.  He would have been given riches and fame, but who would be knocking on the door days later? Israel,  Balaam and all his wealth, fame and power would have ended in rubble.  Plunder for the enemy. 

Staying on track with the purpose that God has given you can seem thankless and never-ending.  But honor and glory for ourselves doesn't last very long.  If that is our goal, we quickly learn that we have to work very hard to maintain it.  That's the key to knowing where your blessings are coming from.  If you have stress and turmoil just to maintain what you already have, maybe this isn't a gift from God.  God's blessings work the opposite way.  They happen when you are wrapped up in giving Him the glory.  His blessings are free, loving, and full of life.

Balaam, as we already knew, is not shaken by the comment made by Balak.  He goes on to tell them in great detail exactly what is about to happen in their clash with Israel.  I was struck by his statement in verse 23.  "Who can live unless God has ordained it?"  This statement is true whether you look at it from the perspective of the doomed, like in this context or from the perspective of the unexpectedly conceived.  In the weeks leading up to the presidential election, there was quite a bit of talk about the sanctity of life, or lack of it.  This statement made by Balaam reminds us that life--all life is in the hands of God.  We are powerless to create life.  We think we have the power to prevent its creation, but we all know that's not really true.  But if we could look at unplanned pregnancy from this point of view, we would see that there is no way that life could be formed without being ordained by God--whatever the circumstances of the conception.

Wow.  I'm going to take my own advice, and stop right here.  This chapter has unexpectedly given us a lot to absorb about the nature of God, and how we fit into His plan.  Next time: Numbers 25-26

Numbers 21-23

Chapter 21
Fiery serpents. Can you imagine this?
Notice the mention of the Book of the Wars of the Lord.  God is making a name for Himself through these victories. 

Chapter 22
The Israelites are facing Moab--these are the descendants of Lot, remember?  Abraham's nation against Lot's.  God will correct wrongs done to Him in His own time.

The text doesn't say where Balaam came from.  He wasn't part of the Israelites from Egypt, but he know about the Lord.  I really admired Balaam's resolve in verse 18.  He isn't shaken at all by their lavish offers.  Because, really...what can they actually do for them after they are destroyed.  He is aware of who has the power here.

I really love the story of Balaam's donkey.  It's so bizzare! Don't you wonder what her voice sounded like?  Was it human-like or did it have that "hee-haw" quality to it?  And Balaam doesn't seem too shocked about his talking pet.  Maybe because he's familiar with the spiritual world.  The lesson I get out of this story can two ways:  1. Sometimes God puts up a roadblock to get our attention.  2. If we keep trying to go around that roadblock on our own initiative, He'll get our attention in whatever way necessary, ie the talking ass.

Chapter 23
Balak seems a little frustrated in verse 11.  This is clearly someone who does not understand God.  How did you feel when you read this part?  Since I've been learning so much about the way God opperates, I know I was worried as soon as he suggested the second hilltop.  Get a clue, man!  It's only going to turn out bad for you! 

Next time: Numbers 24-26

Numbers 18-20

Chapter 18
Those closest to God are often the ones He requires the most of.  Have you noticed that?  Or maybe, he requires the same of everyone, but those closest to Him are the only ones who hear it?  Either way.

The Levites were held to the strictest standards, but they were given the first fruits of the nation's wealth.

Chapter 19
Verse 9  The ashes could remove impurity.
Verse 13 - The Uncleanness of man isn't something that we can see.  It is invisible to human eyes.  This makes me curious.  What does God see when He looks at us?  I bet it is drastically different than what we see.  (Have you read The Shack yet?  The author of that book suggests that He might see us in vivid colors, according to our emotions, personalities, and spiritual walk.  Cool idea.)

Chapter 20
A lot of heavy stuff happens in this chapter.  Miriam is dead.  The people are upset because of lack of water.  But once again, they are grumbling to Moses instead of calling out to God.

God tells Moses how to get water for the people--speak to the rock.  But Moses takes it a theatrical step farther and hits the rock twice with his rod.  I don't know why he would do this, but considering God's reaction in verse 24, I don't think it was for the glory of God.  Aaron and Moses himself are now banned from entering the promised land.

Next time: Numbers 21-23

Numbers 15-17

Chapter 15
Verse 16  Non-Hebrews living in the community are held to the same standards.  I guess this was to protect the culture from outside harm.

Verse 30  Intentional sin is equated with blasphemy.  That would make all of us guilty, wouldn't it.   

Chapter 16
In verse 3, Korah accuses Moses of exalting himself.  Considering what we read about God's feelings toward Moses (i.e. he's the world's most humble man) this can't be good for Korah.

The speech that Moses gives Korah and his men is relevant in our own lives.  Is it not enough what God has given you?  We have no right to whine about our situations when we consider the blessings He has heaped onto our lives.

--Just a side note:  With all of these stories of rebellion and corruption, it seems that God was using the extra 40 years in the desert to weed out the unfaithful.--

Verse 30  There could be no doubt that God's hand was over the destruction of these men.

There is a change of tone in verse 40, and for a moment I think we get to see God's true heart for His people.  He uses the foolishness of Korah and Co. to help prevent others from making the same mistake.  He wants that none should perish.  He loves these people, but He can't stand by and let the rebellion infect the whole community.

Verse 46.  The people will not learn!  But Moses and Aaron will not give up on them.  I see a true pastor's heart in these two.  It's true that they are closer to God.  They get the point of following God's laws and obeying Him, but they don't closed themselves off in the temple, and say, Well, if they're bent on killing themselves, I'll just let them.  They don't just stand at their pulpit, preaching but remaining separate from them.  No!  Aaron risks his life--wedging himself between the two groups--to save them from certain death.  They are taking an active, personal stand for the people in their congregation.  They are true shepherds.

Chapter 17
Verse 8  This miracle of Aaron's rod is a small part in a small chapter, but there is a lot going on here.  First of all, there is not a tree in existance that naturally sprouts, blossoms, and ripens fruit all at once,  (Not to mention that this was a previously dead piece of wood,)  But, it also speaks to God as Creator.  He holds nature in His hand, and it's within His power to alter, what we call the laws of nature, as He sees fit.

Verse 12-13  The Israelites are missing the point here by such a narrow margin.  They are so concerned with saving their lives, that it has become the primary purpose of their lives.  But that isn't anyone's primary purpose.  We don't have any control over the preservation of our own lives--beyond basic safety and nutrition.  Our purpose is to use the life that we have to glorify God.  Love for Him, live for Him, share Him with the world.  And that's a goal that we can actually reach.  Every day.

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Hey, the above paragraph was actually the end of my Bible study lesson, but I feel led to add more.  So, here is that.

Is there something in your life that is squeezing out your true purpose?  I think the heart of the Israelites' issue (in the last section, at least) was worry.  They were consumed with controlling something over which they had no power.  A tiny alteration in our thinking will change worry into trust.  We can't control those things anyway, so why waste any energy on them?

Below are a few quotes that I found on the subject.  I think they help put it into perspective.

"Worry does not empty tomorrow of its sorrow. It empties today of its strength."
Corrie Ten Boom

"Worry is a cycle of inefficient thoughts whirling around a center of fear."
Corrie Ten Boom

Matthew 25-26 "Therefore I tell you, do not worry about your life, what you will eat or drink; or about your body, what you will wear. Is not life more important than food, and the body more important than clothes? Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"

Do you have a quote that helps you with worry?  Please share it in the comment section, so we can all benefit. Thanks!

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Next time: Numbers 18-19