The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Numbers 6-9
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 3: The Sinai Covenant and law: God embraces and instructs his people
Background Information: Numbers 6-9
Nazirite means “consecrated.” These laymen and laywomen dedicated themselves to total service to the Lord, usually for a specific period of time. The events of Numbers 7-9 fall into the period of time described in Exodus 40 to Numbers 1. This time period includes the erection of the Tabernacle on the first day of the second year until the census a month later. In this section, Moses describes further what happened during that month. Each tribe of Israel’s leader presented an offering at its dedication. Why all the repetition? The Tabernacle was the focus of daily worship, and every tribe took part in its dedication and had an equal stake in it. Chapter 7 closes with God’s presence among the people speaking directly to Moses from within the Tabernacle. Chapter 8 describes the dedication and work of the Levites to maintain the Tabernacle. The work was hard, in fact, they were to retire from active duty at age 50. They could serve as guards, but no more heavy lifting. Chapter 9 tells of the second Passover celebration, the first after leaving Egypt. Israel is finally about ready to leave Sinai and head to the promised land. Pay careful attention to the repetition of how Israel was to follow the cloud and fire over the Tabernacle. When God moved, they moved. When God did not move, they did not move. He was teaching them to follow him. His timing was to be their timing, because their lives were his. Consider how this applies to your own life as you read.
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for God to encourage Sarah as she serves overseas. As she studies the Bible with locals, pray for many to turn to him.
Ask God for… (what else concerns you?)
Reflect:
Write down one passage of scripture that stood out to you today.
Write down why this passage stood out to you.
Engage Community:
Text or call someone now and tell them…
– What you are praying for.
– What stood out from God’s word today.