Numbers 4 - 7.12.24
Scripture: Numbers 4:46-47, 49 NIV
”So Moses, Aaron and the leaders of Israel counted all the Levites by their clans and families. All the men from thirty to fifty years of age who came to do the work of serving and carrying the tent of meeting At the Lord’s command through Moses, each was assigned his work and told what to carry. Thus they were counted, as the Lord commanded Moses.“
Observations:
These observations are coming from chapters 1-4 as I was impressed with how detailed God was in ordering how the Israelites traveled and then in this chapter assigning the care and traveling of the tabernacle.
God cares about the details and the journey. He gave each tribe a position to travel in.
The amount of people traveling was massive! What a site they must have been. How difficult to manage-hence God giving the specific order.
He appointed leaders of each group. God chose them himself. He gave Moses the names.
Each person had an important task. Today each of us do too.
It took a tremendous amount of work to move from one spot to another on their journey to the promise land. When God calls us it will take a lot of work too.
In college I had to memorize the travel order for a test. When my friends and I were studying we sang it to the intro of Rudolf because Asher reminded me of Dasher. It worked! In fact I remembered it for years to come. I also memorized who carried what in the tribe of the Levites by making a jingle: Kohath Furnishing, Gershon Tapestries, and Merari Hardware, which I remember to this day.
One would ask why is this important? Believe me we questioned the importance of know this for the test. As the memories flooded back I was impressed with how God took care of the Israelites doing all the things I’ve mentioned.
His presence was represented here and how the tabernacle was packaged for travel was vitally important.
The tribe of Kohath was responsible for carrying items that they were not allowed to see. I can imagine the curiosity. Yet, not seeing the items, saved their lives.
God’s holiness is to be revered and it is work to preserve it.
What an incredible testimony of being faithful to God and following His instructions.
Application:
When making plans I should first seek God. He has a perfect order to everything. I need to remember how much He cares about every detail!
What a perfect time, at the beginning of the Rooted Challenge to be reminded that God’s dwelling with us is not to be taken for granted. Look at all the Israelites had to go through.
I am so thankful for Jesus paying the price for us. The curtain to the tabernacle ripped symbolizing God’s presence is available to all and we can experience His holiness when it used to be only available to select priests. Matthew 27:51
Prayer:
Father God,
Thank you for the incredible way you have created and ordered everything. My life being one of those things. Nothing happens by chance. You even use my mistakes. Please help me follow all the directions you give me just as Moses and the Israelites did. At times they had to wait. Although, seeing all it required to move, waiting was easier. Please help me be willing to not just sit, but do the work.
Thank you for your Word and the many ways you reveal yourself as I enjoy your creation and fellowship with your people.
Amen
- Cindy Howard
