These are those who were listed, whom Moses and Aaron listed with the help of the chiefs of Israel, twelve men, each representing his fathers’ house. So all those listed of the people of Israel, by their fathers’ houses, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war in Israel— all those listed were 603,550. Numbers 1:44-46
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today 1:20-46, we see the results of the census by tribe. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God cares about the details...yes, He is a big God who is both our Creator and is in and before all things and He holds all things together (Colossians 1:16-17), but He cares about each person individually, and each of us are not just numbers - we are His creation and He loves each one of us. See also Matthew 10:30, and Luke 12:7 where the text shares how God numbers all the hairs on your head. Text from the Parable of the Lost Sheep (Matthew 18:12–14, Luke 15:3–7) shares how God leaves the rest of His sheep (99) and goes to find the one lost sheep. You matter to God.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: Each person has a a role to play in God's plan. See my post yesterday.
- Is there anything from the text God wants us to obey (SPEC: Sins to avoid, Promises to claim, Examples to follow, Commands to obey?): Avoid seeing yourself as unnamed and not worthy of love. Claim the promise that God loves all of His creation and seeks to save as many as possible. Follow the example of those who have confessed their sin to Jesus and surrendered their life to Him as Lord and Savior. Obey God and His call as the tribes did in Numbers to play a role in journey He sets before you in your journey to the promised land (Heaven).
My Prayer: Father God, You are indeed a great God...a big God that cares about all the details and who knows everything about us individually and He cares about each one of us. Thank You Jesus for Your love and for my salvation. I am not deserving of such blessings. My sin is great and it continues...daily. Please forgive me Jesus and help me overcome and turn from my sin towards You. Help me love You with all of my heart, soul, and mind and love others as You love me. Help me grow in my faith. Give Lisa and myself wisdom and strength. Please continue to heal Lisa of her cancer and from the side effects of chemo. Help us lead Zach and Dustin to You Jesus and for them to choose You as their Lord and Savior. Please provide Godly friends and spouses to Zach and Dustin. Help me serve You, my family, my church, and others. Help me understand, be obedient to, and apply Your message for me today and every day.
