64th Week Numbers Intro-chapter 4(Click on title for Video Introduction)

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Click on Title for Video Introduction
Monday, Numbers Introduction
Numbers Intro
Jeanie Boldt
March 30, 2009

THOUGHT
Numbers gets its name from the numberings of Israel’s men of war. The old generation was numbered at Mount Sinai (chapters 1-4) and the new generation in the plains of Moab (chapters 26-27). This is a book of transition. God set aside the old generation because of their unbelief (Chapters 1-20) and then prepared a new generation to inherit the Promised Land (Chapters 21-36).

It is a book of wanderings, for God made His people wander in the wilderness for forty years until the old generation, 20 years and older, died off. They did not believe God, and their unbelief cost them the inheritance. The New Testament commentary on this event is in the book of Hebrews. Unless by faith
you enter into your spiritual inheritance in Christ (Eph. 1:3), you will “wander” in unbelief and rob yourself of the blessings God has planned for you.

Bible geography is instructive.
1. Israel in Egypt pictures our lost condition of bondage to the world.
2. Israel in Canaan illustrates our claiming our inheritance by faith and enjoying the fullness of God’s provision.
3. Israel in the wilderness pictures carnal Christians whose unbelief and disobedience prevent them from entering into all that God has for them.

Numbers ends as it begins, with preparation. This new generation of Israelites were numbered and sanctified. After defeating numerous armies, they settle the east side of the Jordan River. Then they faced their greatest test: to cross the river and possess the beautiful land God provided for them.

The lesson is clear. God’s people must trust Him, moving ahead by faith, if they are to claim His promised land. 

PRAYER
Father God, as we begin a new book of Your Word, I ask for the Holy Spirit to lead us all as we study Numbers. Help us to prepare for the journey, help us to approach the Promised Land, help us understand the wandering in the wilderness, and then help us see the second approach to the Promised Land. You know our needs and our joys. Help us to continue to live in Your hope, joy and love. AMEN



Tuesday, Numbers Chapter 1
Numbers 1
Verse 2
Jeanie Boldt
March 31, 2009

Verse 2:  Take a census of the whole Israelite community by their clans and families, listing every man by name, one by one.

THOUGHT
The Lord is preparing His people for the journey. Have you noticed how the Lord continues to give Moses direct instructions?  Moses does such a great job obeying and listening. The Tabernacle was built for God to be with His people and travel with them. Moses had specific instructions on how it was to be built. Now again as in this verse, Moses listens.

The book of Numbers emphasizes God’s people as warriors, overcoming the enemy and claiming the promised inheritance. They counted the men, twenty years and older, who were able to go to war.  This was important to determine Israel’s military strength before entering the Promised Land. The army was organized, each tribe with its leaders and its standard. There were different tribes along with the different leaders but it was one army following one Commander and fighting one enemy.  The Levites cared for the tabernacle of the Testimony as ordered by the Lord.  The Israelites did all this just as the Lord commanded Moses.

Have you heard the Lord tell you to do certain things? Have you gotten direction from Him through answered prayer, visions, Holy Spirit filling you or signs of His presence? I remember needing a home in Omaha after my house sold in Norfolk. I had 4 apartments that I liked.  Number one had no
vacancies.  Number two had a great one available.   Half of the rent was needed the day I signed, and I had just the right amount in my checking to the nickel. After signing I looked up across the lake and saw the Cross on Christ Community Church. I knew this was where the Lord wanted me. 

Are we listening?  Are we following His instructions? Do we ask Him for guidance?

PRAYER
Father God, speak to each of us. Please make it easy for us to hear, see and feel Your presence. Keep us open to continue to grow closer to You each day. May the Word be always at our reach.  May time and devotion for prayer never be put on the bottom of the list, and may we learn to praise You in all things. Move us daily to obey Your instructions for our lives. You are such an awesome God. Your plans are superior to any of ours. Thank You!! AMEN


Wednesday, Numbers Chapter 2
Numbers 2
Verse 2
Jeanie Boldt
April 1, 2009

Verse 2:  The Israelites are to camp around the Tent of Meeting some distance from it, each man under his standard with the banners of his family.

THOUGHT
Can you imagine this sight? Oh my gosh, when Rory and I camp with just the two of us and look around at the other sights and people, it is really neat but close and not real private. Can you imagine 600,000 fighting men and with the families increasing to over a million. This had to be one of the largest campsites in history. As the study said, “It would have taken about 12 square miles to set up.” The army was organized, each tribe with its leaders and its standard. There was unity in diversity. 

Perhaps the camp of Israel pictures the church. There are different tribes and standards, with their different leaders, but it is one army, following one Commander and fighting one enemy.

Maybe we can relate this to all the different denominations with one common belief. “BELIEVE ON THE LORD JESUS CHRIST AND YOU WILL BE SAVED.” They all work together to bring Praise to God and work at defeating the devil and all his evil ways.  

I would love to camp in a 12 square mile area with everyone singing praises to God our Father. Here we are at the beginning of the journey.  They are together. Now let’s see what happens.

PRAYER
Father God, Thank You for Your organized ways. Thank You for all the churches that share the Good News. We ask that You direct all of them in the coming week as we journey to Your cross. May You be praised. We are so thankful that we can celebrate. Help us to understand the history and stories as we begin the book of Numbers. I ask that the Holy Spirit touch each of us.  We love You and consider You our Leader. AMEN

Thursday, Numbers Chapter 3
Numbers 3
Verse 8
Jeanie Boldt
April 3, 2009

Verse 8:  They, the Levites, are to take care of all the furnishings of the Tent of Meeting, fulfilling the obligations to the Israelites by doing the work of the tabernacle.

THOUGHT
It was important that the tabernacle of the Lord go with the people, so God instructed the priests and Levites exactly how to dismantle it and carry it. Each detail about the Lord’s work is significant and must not be left to mere human wisdom.

The Gershonite clans: Responsible for the tent, coverings, curtain topes and the use of all.

The Kohath Clan: Care of the ark, the table, the lampstand, the altars, the articles of the sanctuary, the curtain and everything related to its use.

The Meran Clan: Care of the frames of the Tabernacle, its crossbars, posts, bases, all its equipment and the use of it all.

Moses and Aaron and sons: Care of the Sanctuary

All jobs, when it comes to the work of the Lord, are important. We could be responsible for maintenance of the church, communion, greeting, prayer, teaching, finances, etc. There are so many places that God could use our expertise. Now - where are we at saying YES!!! The Lord said that there is so much yet to do. “Who will go? Who should I send?” Let’s all say, “Here am I Lord, USE ME! “

PRAYER
Father, may our ears and hearts be open to Your call. Put us exactly where we can use the talents and knowledge that You have given us!!! Thank You for making us see the importance of Your instructions and Your work. May our hearts always be willing.  Thank You for being our GOD!!! WE LOVE
BEING YOUR CHILDREN. AMEN

Friday, Numbers Chapter 4
Numbers 4
Verse 20
Jeanie Boldt
April 5, 2009

Verse 20:  But the Kohathites must not go in to look at the holy things, even for a moment, or they will die.

THOUGHT
This verse makes me think of our GOD as an all-powerful God who should be feared but honored. One of His rules was not to look upon the Ark of the Covenant. That was only allowed on the Day of Atonement with Moses or when Moses and Aaron and his sons prepared for the moving.  The curtain was put in front of the Ark, and the incense burned to cloud the view of the Ark and the
presence of our God.

What would you do if you were told NOT TO DO SOMETHING? I wonder how many of the Kohathites thought that there was no way that the Lord would know if they would look. “I am going to take one quick peak,” Well, these books describe just how mighty our God is, the power of our God who is ever present and all knowing. One peak would kill them dead. Aaron lost two of his sons because they did not follow the rules God gave for the burning of the incense.

Our God is a MAGNIFICENT GOD!!! I recite a verse for Tony every time I leave him.

I Peter 2:17 Show proper respect to everyone. Love the brotherhood of believers, FEAR GOD, HONOR THE KING.

I will try and share with Tony why this verse is so important especially “Fearing Him and Honoring Him”. It is because He is a MAGNIFICENT GOD.

PRAYER
Father God, we bow in respect and awe of YOU!!! Your power is larger than anyone of us. You care for us each day because You love us!! Thank You!!  We praise You for the gift.  AMEN






 

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