Numbers 19, 20

Moses was aggravated with the Children of Israel at Meribah. They were complaining about being in the wilderness without water. God had instructed Moses to “speak” to the rock (see photo below), but in his momentary anger, he “struck” the rock with his staff. This was disobedient. He should have trusted God and honored Him by speaking to the rock rather than striking it. In a sense, Moses’ action may have caused the people to credit him with the miracle when water came gushing out rather than giving glory to God.

God wants us to sanctify and honor His name all through life rather than relying on our carnal abilities. Another message from this story is that Jesus IS our Rock, and the waters of salvation flow from Him.

Num. 17, 18

God instructed the Levites to give the best part of their offerings to the Lord. It was a matter or principle … God gave His best, and we reciprocate by likewise giving out best. We give not only the best, but we give the first. We put God ahead of everything else … the first of our increase, the first part of our day, our first-born etc.

Num. 16

Korah, Dathan and Abiram led a group of 250 leaders who confronted Moses and Aaron with their rebellion. They challenged the authority of God’s ordained leaders. This was NOT going to fly.

God Himself showed everyone their sin and openly identified Moses and Aaron as His ordained leaders. The Lord caused the ground to open up and consume them. Then, a plague took the lives of over 14,000 Israelites because of the rebellion. The plea and intercession of Aaron stopped the plague.

God ordains leaders, gives them His authority, and protects them when they are challenged.

Num. 14, 15

Moses and Aaron were the target of Israel’s complainers and resisters. It got so bad that God had to strike down the rebellious leaders with a plague. Then, God was so displeased with the people that He said He would cause them to die in the wilderness and only their children would go into the Promised Land. They had held the Lord in contempt with their grumbling and complaining. It’s such a pity that they could not have faith in God’s ability to capably escort them into a new, blessed life.

Self pity is an enemy of faith. Gratitude is an ally. A heart of faith-filled trust, thankfulness, and praise will usher you into everything God wants you to have.

Num. 11-13

God provided manna, the miracle food he designed to meet all the nutritional needs of the children of Israel as they traveled through the wilderness. Yet they soon got tired of it and began complaining. They missed the foods of Egypt. Their focus ended up on meat. So God said, “If you want meat, I’ll GIVE YOU MEAT!” He caused it to rain down quail for a month. The people began gorging themselves on the meat, the food they lusted for. This displeased the Lord, and He sent a plague upon them while they were were stuffing themselves. Many died. It was because of their lustful craving and whining.

Men’s lustful cravings get them in big trouble and kill their spiritual life.

Don’t be obsessed with getting more material things. Be relaxed with what you have. Since God assured us, “I’ll never let you down, never walk off and leave you,” [Heb. 13:5] MSG

Num. 8-10

When the Tabernacle of Moses was finished and dedicated, God’s Spirit hovered over it like a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night. God led His people by merely lifting the cloud and moving it. They took up camp and followed. The guesswork was eliminated. They simply followed His leading.

It’s the same today. We are led by the same Spirit. We just need to stay within sight of His Presence. We do so by daily reading His Word, daily praying, and being faithful to attend a local church.

“Those who really love me are the ones who not only know my commands but also obey them. My Father will love such people, and I will love them. I will make myself known to them.” [John. 14:21] ERV

Num. 6, 7

An Israelite could take the vow of a Nazirite to dedicate themselves to the Lord, living holy and strict before God. Nazir means to separate or consecrate oneself. During the period of their vow of commitment, they were to abstain from the fruit of the vine in any form. Also, they were to refrain from cutting their hair.

Drinking alcohol must be really great, because everybody on TV and in the movies does it constantly. Or, they rely on the effect it gives them to enjoy life. I am ignorant to what I’m missing.

Paul encouraged Timothy to take a little wine for medicinal purposes, and Jesus turned water into wine. Clearly the Bible does not prohibit alcohol, but warns against its abuse. (Drunk driving accidents cause 10,000 deaths per year on American highways) Drinking alcohol is a personal choice each person and family must make.

Numbers 4, 5

I used to think Christian leaders talked about numbers to brag. My view has changed. Leaders must account for their sheep to properly care for them. If someone is missing on Sunday morning, the leader asks, “Are they OK? I need to check on them this week.” When pastors are preaching, they are taking mental notes on who’s there and who’s missing.

My wife has embraced this shepherding principle her entire life. She makes note of those who are missing and checks up on them. Many have said, “I didn’t know anyone cared that I missed.” They are motivated to go to church knowing they will be missed if they stay home.

Jesus’ disciples were numbered. The Bible doesn’t say, “The select group of Jesus’ students.” It says, “The twelve.” We all have a name and a place in God’s Kingdom.

Numbers 2, 3

A select group of Levites was designated to carry the Ark and its furnishings from camp to camp as the Israelites crossed the wilderness bound for the Promised Land. God was very particular about their conduct and their process. They were exempted from serving in the army and given many perks and privileges because of their sacred duty.

You and I, as New Testament believers, are called upon to carry God’s presence and display His glory to our generation. Paul said, “Don’t you yourselves know that you are God’s temple and that the Spirit of God lives in you?” [1 Cor. 3:16]

Lev. 27; Numbers 1

The Israelites knew that God was due the first tenth of their increase whether it was in crops, land, or money. It belonged to God. Everything about God is holy, therefore the tithe was holy.

The principle of the tithe transcends the law. Abraham paid tithes to Melchizedek before the law was given. Hebrews 7 likens Melchizedek to Christ and establishes his ongoing priesthood, validating tithing in the New Testament.

God watches over that which is His.