May 1, 2014 (Thursday)
The Book of Numbers is so named because of the census in chapter 1 and again in chapter 26. The book, however, is not about the numbers, but about the people and their relationship with God. It is a story of a people who started well, but finished poorly. At Sinai, they drew near to God (yet, even there they reverted to idolatry for a time). They went to Kadesh-Barnea, from which place they were to move into Canaan and settle the land. But fear ruled the day, and they refused to enter. Consequently, they wandered for nearly 40 years, until the last of that generation had died. Their children would be the generation to enter the promised land. Throughout the time of their wanderings, they complained about their lot in life. How sad. Their negative attitude ruled their lives, and brought to them much suffering and many heartaches. The trials of the wilderness clouded their minds and they forgot the bitter enslavement and constant humiliation in Egypt that had caused them to cry out to God for deliverance.
Devotional thoughts, based on the Book of Numbers:
We who have been saved by the grace of God today also encounter difficulties, discomforts, sometimes humiliation and suffering as Christians. We are tempted to murmur against God and complain like the Israelites of old during their wilderness wanderings. But we must, at all costs, maintain an optimistic outlook, even in the midst of severe trials. We serve God who loves us and wants what is best for us. As Peter urged, let us “cast all our care upon God, for He cares for us.”
Complaints, pessimism, bitterness, and cynicism should have no place in the minds and hearts of believers. Christ died that we may live. Living in Christ means eternal life; it also means abundant life. Life can have meaning and purpose, and it will when we surrender our will to the will of Him who wants us to have a life of love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self-control.
God taught them to pronounce blessings upon the people: “The Lord bless thee, and keep thee: The Lord make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The Lord lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace” (Numbers 6:24-26 KJV). This is a parting benediction in many congregations to this day.
May the Lord bless you and make you a blessing.