The resources God has given us to live a thriving life are His Word, Spirit, and People.
Read God’s Word:
Numbers 33-36
Act 2: God’s Covenant People
Scene 3: The Sinai Covenant and law: God embraces and instructs his people
Background Information: Numbers 33-36
Today’s reading begins with an itinerary of the 40 places Israel camped. Why? It is a sort of tribute to Moses as he has led the people well, although he will not enter the promised land. But it is more than that… it is the history of how God has led them and a promise that he will continue to do so. Think of it as a historical rendition of Amazing Grace, “Through many dangers, toils, and snares, I have already come. Tis grace has brought me safe thus far, and grace will lead me home.” The whole book of numbers is about Israel moving towards the Land, and it ends with six laws directly concerning the occupation of the land. These laws are more than legal descriptions; they describe the fulfillment of the promises of God. For instance, tribes were not to transfer lands to other tribes as a legal matter. In theological terms this is the fulfillment of the promise of God made in Genesis 17:18 to give Israel the land as an everlasting possession. They are warned regarding what will happen if they fail to do their part in obeying God. We find that important Biblical principle again of “Work out, but not for, your salvation.” They are fully dependent on God to keep his promises, and they must be faithful themselves to the covenant. What is called “cities” was really just a few homes gathered together; even “large” cities covered just a few acres until much later in Israel’s history. As they enter the promised land, they must exercise proportionality in their legal system. The punishment must fit the crime (no executions for lesser reasons as exist even today in countries without a proportional justice system). Blood guilt was singled out because it was the taking of a human life, made in God’s image. A blood crime defiled the land that was to remain holy for God’s holy (set apart) people. It is interesting to note that atonement for manslaughter came about by the death of the high priest. As a Christian reading this through the lens of the New Testament, do you see how the Bible is a single story with Christ as it’s center?
Pray:
Praise God for…
Thank God for…
Confess your sins to God
Pray for Youth Horizons. Ask God to call from River to mentor children at-risk. Ask God to encourage the staff at the boy’s ranch and the girl’s home. Pray for children in the mentoring and residential program to be born again.
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.