Week 18

Numbers 7:1-17, 84-89; Leviticus 1
The burnt offering

Numbers 7:12-83: Why does God want Moses to repeat the same verses several times, except with different names? The chapter may have become longer. But it emphasizes the fact that God takes notice of everything you do - even if the gifts are identical, everything is accurately noted by God. Ours is a religion of grace. So why would this be important? Our good works have significance - it does not earn us salvation. His finished work on the calvary has given us that. But our works bring great glory to Him.

Blessed are the ones who die in the Lord, for their work follows them. He takes notice of our works.
Then I heard a voice from heaven say, "Write this: Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from now on." "Yes," says the Spirit, "they will rest from their labor, for their deeds will follow them." Revelations 14:13

The act of submitting an offering is an act of worship. - which is the single most important aspect in the young nation's daily life. The finished work on the cross has made such offerings irrelevant. But our voluntary submission of our life is The ACT of WORSHIP that God expects from us. 

Numbers 8; Leviticus 3-4

Sacrifices

Why is this 'boring' portion important for the contemporary church?

1. It helps us understand the redemptive work of Jesus, and much of New Testament.

2. It helps us understand the seriousness of sin. The constant reminder for sacrifices shows just that. Thankfully one last sacrifice (that of Jesus) redeemed us of all the requirements that were mandated for the Israelites.

3. It emphasizes the importance of preparation - Israel is preparing for a long journey to the promised land. 

 

Numbers 9-10; Leviticus 5:14-6:7

The Cloud

Moses' authority (Numbers 9:5) comes from verse 1 - 'The Lord spoke to Moses'. Note how Moses takes the people's question to the Lord. Isn't that the pattern we should follow too?

Also note how the route, and when they would go is decided by God, and not by Moses. God is the head of our church.

'At the Lord's commands, they would encamp; and at his command they set out.' That should be the story of our life's journeys as well.

Numbers 9: 18-23 - "At the Lord’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. ¹⁹ When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the Lord’s order and did not set out. ²⁰ Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the Lord’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. ²¹ Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. ²² Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. ²³ At the Lord’s command they encamped, and at the Lord’s command they set out. They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses."

 

Numbers 11-12
The Quail

The people start complaining three days into their wilderness journey. They forget all that the Lord did for them. Our memory lasts only for a brief moment. Moses cannot take it anymore - he cries out to the Lord. "Why did you place me in the leadership of this disgruntled people?"

This is probably the first case of 'ministerial burnout'. Another similar incident happens in Elijah's life. What is God's solution? He gathers the elders together and allows for division of responsibilities. Moses is sort of the OT equivalent of Apostle Paul. He did it all alone, except when he burnt out. God allows us to share our burden with fellow believers. He asked Elijah to find Elisha. He asked the apostles to find the deacons (Stephen and others).

Another interesting aspect of human behavior comes out in Numbers 12 - jealousy. Miriam and Aaron displays just that. Note the description about Moses - he was MEEK. Meekness is defined as "quiet, gentle, and easily imposed on; submissive". Contrast the two characters - jealousy vs. meekness. We should work towards becoming meek. 

 

Numbers 13-14
Joshua & Caleb

Twelve spies set out to the promised land. Joshua and Caleb bring good news. The rest talk about how the land 'flows with milk and honey' and that the land 'devours its inhabitants' - quite contradictory statements. Who's idea was to spy the land? Read Deuteronomy 1. Moses says that the Israelites asked for spies to be sent. This is how we should study the bible. Cross reference the portions. If you read just Numbers 13-14, we would know that God ordered the spies. It's only when you read the Bible in it's entirety that it becomes alive and complete.

The idea of the spies were from the people, and not from God. When we put our modifications into God's plans, be prepared for consequences. Another place where this repeats is in the history of Israel. They did not have a king. So they went to Samuel and asked for a king to be anointed. He warned them that it may not go well - which is what happened. When we plan out things out of God's plans, there will be consequences.

Note how the people were worried about the giants of Nephilim. They have seen bigger issues and have overcome it, with God. Now these giants worry them and prevent them from going into the promised land.

Because of this disobedience, Israel wanders in the desert for another 40 years. And, an entire generation is dead before they can move into God's promised land - except Joshua and Caleb. That is 600,000 minus 2. See how unbelief is more contagious than even the deadliest pestilence.

Finally, the people attempt to walk into the promised land - but they again go against God's commands and suffer destruction.