The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Numbers 17-20
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 3: The Sinai Covenant and law: God embraces and instructs his people
Background Information: Numbers 17-20
This is the third story where the Lord clearly indicates that he has chosen Aaron’s family line for his priestly ministry. The Lord speaks to Aaron and tells him of the great responsibility that will accompany the great privilege that his family has been given. They alone can serve in this role of direct interaction with God, but they will suffer judgment if they fail in their duties. There were three distinct theological divisions among the people. The priests (who offered sacrifices), the Levites (who cared for and transported the Tabernacle), and the ordinary people. Since the priests and Levites have this responsibility, provision must be made to ensure that they are able to remain ceremonially clean. Chapter 19 gives the procedure whereby they can remain clean without the ongoing expense and difficulty of animal sacrifice. The ashes of the red cow (signifying blood) could be added to water and used over and over as a means of cleansing. This all points forward to the Lord Jesus. He is our great high priest, and his blood will cleanse us from our sins. We can continually go into the presence of God through the way made by his sacrifice. Moses oversteps his authority and will never enter the land of promise. God told him to speak to the rock, and God would provide water. Moses, in his anger, struck the rock and took partial credit for the provision of water. This may seem trivial, but Moses is the leader of God’s people. Much has been given, and much is required of him. He cannot fail to fully obey God without dire consequences. God is holy and is not to be trifled with. Yes, Jesus has made a way for us to get to the Holy God, but he remains…Holy.
“According to the law almost everything is purified with blood, and without the shedding of blood there is no forgiveness.”
Hebrews 9:22
“If we walk in the light as he himself is in the light, we have fellowship with one another, and the blood of Jesus his Son cleanses us from all sin.”
1 John 1:7
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for nursery workers and SuperChurch workers as they invest in our children at River
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.