So you shall remember and do all my commandments, and be holy to your God. I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to be your God: I am the LORD your God.” Numbers 15:40-41
I continue my study of Numbers, and in the text today - Numbers 15:37-41 - God gave Moses commands to give to the people to make tassels for the corners of their garments - as a means to remember and be obedient to all of the commandments of the Lord. Here are my observations using the Sword Bible Study Method.
- What do we learn from the text about God?: God led Israel out of bondage and they were to remember all that He had done, and out of love for Him God expected Israel to be obedient. God seeks for us to love Him with all of our heart, soul, and mind and this requires obedience to His commands. Ultimately, the New Covenant based on Jesus' shed blood did away with the ceremonial law as God lives in believers' hearts (Holy Spirit) and this drives us into His arms as we surrender to Him and seek Him daily as He molds us into more of His image.
- What do we learn from the text about people?: The Old Testament included both ceremonial and moral law and unfortunately, many went through the motions and/or added to or subtracted from scripture to serve their own purposes and will and not God's will. With exception to a few (remnant), time and time again, the leaders and people of Israel let Him down. With Jesus, we no longer have the Old Testament sacrificial system and we can go to God directly with confidence (Hebrews 4:14-16). Jesus justifies us in His sight.
- 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 focusing on obedience. Claim the promise that if you seek Him with all your heart, you will find Him (Jeremiah 29:13), and that He will renew our heart, mind and life to make us more like Him. Follow the example of John (1 John 5:3) who wrote that obedience to Him is not a burden. Seek God with all of your heart.
My Prayer: Father God, You are an awesome God who loves and saves and gives me Your Word, the Holy Spirit, the church, etc. so that I can be encouraged to seek You with all of my heart. Thank You Jesus! 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.
