Lessons from the book of Numbers,Part 1

Finally finished the book of Numbers and it's been such a blessing.I submit to you that revival comes as we study God's word.I've learnt a lot and I pray for stregnth to apply.I consent that the Old Testament was written for us,who are living in the end times.There are many lessons we can take from the Israelites of old,since there are many parallels.I hope you're blessed.

1.God is just,fair,and loving.I'm touched by how,when even wronged,He seeks the good of the people.Yet God in his loving-kindness cannot tolerate sin.He can tolerate a lot of things,but sin He cannot-for it what seperates us from Him and is the only thing he hates.

2.I found it interesting that in the older days,the people were divided into tribes.And I love how men were the leaders-protecting the family.They were the ones who'd go to war or represent their families.While this happened,there was order.It's also important to note that,it was not common in those days to find a child or a son who didn't know his father.Have you noticed how when someone is introduced in the Bible,the father is mentioned...like Joshua,the son of Nun.So,I believe the structure of the family was well ordered and we hear little about abandonment of children,irresponsible fathers etc.So,we see when the family follows God's order-the man leading,protecting,providing,the family is likely to thrive.

I believe this was the structure within the african context.But as apartheid occured,it seems men-especially South African men somehow lost their identity-their roles,positions etc.It makes me wonder if,to a certain degree,apartheid has played a role in breaking the family structure-since the man of the household would have to work in the mines,while living the wife to fill her role and his.Things I'd like answers to-perhaps things I need to research more.

3.There is no power that can compel us to sin except our own choosing.I think of Balaam trying to curse the Israelites but it did not work.It goes back to what I shared some time ago,we sin because we choose so.Balaam tried cursing the Israelites,it did not work.Until they decided to give to relations with the Moabites women.

4.The more we disregard God's voice,the more danger we face.

Balaam decided to disregard God's first instruction to not go with the servants of Balak.But still God made it clear to him until he almost died due to not listening to the horse.Even so,he goes on and God tries to save Him.But he later comes up with a plan and at the end of it all,he died.

5.God has many ways to save us and He does ALL in His power to save us.

I think of how sometimes we put ourselves in situations where we are likely to be tempted;but God still comes through for us.I think how even I,when I had regarded God's voice,He'd still wrestle with my conscience until I'd listen.With this said,God's hand is NOT limited to save us.All we ought to do is to cry to Him in sincerity,confess and repent.

6.Praying for each other is so important...very.

I think of the number of instances the Israelites were saved because Moses interceded for them.In Ezekiel 9 we also find those who will be sealed crying for the abominations-this of course includes rebuking;but it DOES NOT end there.In fact,it begins with praying for those who are in error.As I see others erring,do I point of fingers and laugh,thinking I'm better or do I sincerely spend sleepless nights praying for them.

Sometime ago,I was reading about Ellen White's journey to coming to the truth and understanding what being pardoned by Christ means.When she finally grasped that salvation was not accompanied with 'excitement' but peace etc,she'd pray sleepless nights praying for her friends until they all got converted (she also shared her testimony with them).

As we see the church being worldly,as we see music nights taking the form of worldliness,as we see so much wrong happening,let's cry to God aloud for ourselves and our brethren.

"We, too, must have times set apart for meditation and prayer and for receiving spiritual refreshing. We do not value the power and efficacy of prayer as we should. Prayer and faith will do what no power on earth can accomplish. We are seldom, in all respects, placed in the same position twice. We continually have new scenes and new trials to pass through, where past experience cannot be a sufficient guide. We must have the continual light that comes from God."-MH,p.509

*if there are erros,didn't have time to edit*

Devotional Snippet:Journeying through the book of Numbers

(Based on Numbers 20:1-13 ; Patriarchs and Prophets,chapter 37)

The smitten rock was a figure of Christ, and through this symbol the most precious spiritual truths are taught. As the life-giving waters flowed from the smitten rock, so from Christ, "smitten of God," "wounded for our transgressions," "bruised for our iniquities" (Isaiah 53:4, 5), the stream of salvation flows for a lost race. As the rock had been once smitten, so Christ was to be "once offered to bear the sins of many." Hebrews 9:28. Our Saviour was not to be sacrificed a second time; and it is only necessary for those who seek the blessings of His grace to ask in the name of Jesus, pouring forth the heart's desire in penitential prayer. Such prayer will bring before the Lord of hosts the wounds of Jesus, and then will flow forth afresh the life-giving blood, symbolized by the flowing of the living water for Israel."-p.411

The refreshing water, welling up in a parched and barren land, causing the desert place to blossom, and flowing out to give life to the perishing, is an emblem of the divine grace which Christ alone can bestow, and which is as the living water, purifying, refreshing, and invigorating the soul. He in whom Christ is abiding has within him a never-failing fountain of grace and strength. Jesus cheers the life and brightens the path of all who truly seek Him. His love, received into the heart, will spring up in good works unto eternal life. And not only does it bless the soul in which it springs, but the living stream will flow out in words and deeds of righteousness, to refresh the thirsting around him.  -p.412


"By his rash act Moses took away the force of the lesson that God purposed to teach. The rock, being a symbol of Christ, had been once smitten, as Christ was to be once offered. The second time it was needful only to speak to the rock, as we have only to ask for blessings in the name of Jesus. By the second smiting of the rock the significance of this beautiful figure of Christ was destroyed.
More than this, Moses and Aaron had assumed power that belongs only to God. The necessity for divine interposition made the occasion one of great solemnity, and the leaders of Israel should have improved it to impress the people with reverence for God and to strengthen their faith in His power and goodness. When they angrily cried, "Must we fetch you water out of this rock?" they put themselves in God's place, as though the power lay with themselves, men possessing human frailties and passions. Wearied with the continual murmuring and rebellion of the people, Moses had lost sight of his Almighty Helper, and without the divine strength he had been left to mar his record by an exhibition of human weakness. The man who might have stood pure, firm, and unselfish to the close of his work had been overcome at last. God had been dishonored before the congregation of Israel, when He should have been magnified and exalted."-p.418

The history of Israel was to be placed on record for the instruction and warning of coming generations. Men of all future time must see the God of heaven as an impartial ruler, in no case justifying sin. But few realize the exceeding sinfulness of sin. Men flatter themselves that God is too good to punish the transgressor. But in the light of Bible history it is evident that God's goodness and His love engage Him to deal with sin as an evil fatal to the peace and happiness of the universe.-p.420

Not even the integrity and faithfulness of Moses could avert the retribution of his fault. God had forgiven the people greater transgressions, but He could not deal with sin in the leaders as in those who were led. He had honored Moses above every other man upon the earth. He had revealed to him His glory, and through him He had communicated His statutes to Israel. The fact that Moses had enjoyed so great light and knowledge made his sin more grievous. Past faithfulness will not atone for one wrong act. The greater the light and privileges granted to man, the greater is his responsibility, the more aggravated his failure, and the heavier his punishment.-p.420

Moses was not guilty of a great crime, as men would view the matter; his sin was one of common occurrence. The psalmist says that "he spake unadvisedly with his lips." Psalm 106:33. To human judgment this may seem a light thing; but if God dealt so severely with this sin in His most faithful and honored servant, He will not excuse it in others. The spirit of self-exaltation, the disposition to censure our brethren, is displeasing to God. Those who indulge in these evils cast doubt upon the work of God, and give the skeptical an excuse for their unbelief. The more important one's position, and the greater his influence, the greater is the necessity that he should cultivate patience and humility.-p.420

If the children of God, especially those who stand in positions of responsibility, can be led to take to themselves the glory that is due to God, Satan exults. He has gained a victory. It was thus that he fell. Thus he is most successful in tempting others to ruin. It is to place us on our guard against his devices that God has given in His word so many lessons teaching the danger of self-exaltation. There is not an impulse of our nature, not a faculty of the mind or an inclination of the heart, but needs to be, moment by moment, under the control of the Spirit of God. There is not a blessing which God bestows upon man, nor a trial which He permits to befall him, but Satan both can and will seize upon it to tempt, to harass and destroy the soul, if we give him the least advantage. Therefore however great one's spiritual light, however much he may enjoy of the divine favor and blessing, he should ever walk humbly before the Lord, pleading in faith that God will direct every thought and control every impulse. -p.421

All who profess godliness are under the most sacred obligation to guard the spirit, and to exercise self-control under the greatest provocation. The burdens placed upon Moses were very great; few men will ever be so severely tried as he was; yet this was not allowed to excuse his sin. God has made ample provision for His people; and if they rely upon His strength, they will never become the sport of circumstances. The strongest temptation cannot excuse sin. However great the pressure brought to bear upon the soul, transgression is our own act. It is not in the power of earth or hell to compel anyone to do evil. Satan attacks us at our weak points, but we need not be overcome. However severe or unexpected the assault, God has provided help for us, and in His strength we may conquer.-p.421

#Challenged
#In_need_of_God's_mercy 

Personal comments on this chapter will follow later.

Journey through the book of Numbers:Aaron's budding rod,Part 3

(Based on Numbers 17)

So,after the whole Korah saga.God went on further to quiet the rumors that Aaron was self-appointed and others also deserved to be part of the priesthood.Those who were princes were required to each bring a rod and each person's name will be written on the rod.Then,the rod that buds will signify the approval of the person as a leader.

"And thou shalt write Aaron's name upon the rod of Levi: for one rod shall be for the head of the house of their fathers."-Numbers 17:3


⁵ And it shall come to pass, that the man's rod, whom I shall choose, shall blossom: and I will make to cease from me the murmurings of the children of Israel, whereby they murmur against you.
⁶ And Moses spake unto the children of Israel, and every one of their princes gave him a rod apiece, for each prince one, according to their fathers' houses, even twelve rods: and the rod of Aaron was among their rods.
⁷ And Moses laid up the rods before the Lord in the tabernacle of witness.
⁸ And it came to pass, that on the morrow Moses went into the tabernacle of witness; and, behold, the rod of Aaron for the house of Levi was budded, and brought forth buds, and bloomed blossoms, and yielded almonds.

Now,how did this rod end up being in the ark of the covenant?Yay,we have the answer :)
¹⁰ And the Lord said unto Moses, Bring Aaron's rod again before the testimony, to be kept for a token against the rebels; and thou shalt quite take away their murmurings from me, that they die not.
  
Something worth noting:

Isn't it amazing that,even though God has made it clear that Aaron was pointed by Him,He goes a step further just so people can stop murmuring.I mean this is God.He doesn't need to explain Himself to mere mortals like us.But because He is just,He does.

This is why we are part of  this great controversy.Rebellion which led Lucifer  (now Satan) is the cause of all this mess.Yet God because of His love for justice has allowed the event to play out so that the unfallen angels can see the true nature of the Lucifer and see how loving God is and they do not serve Him out of fear.Only love can be the foundation of this.I mean,God-the Source of everything,explaining Himself to created creatures!He does not need to but He does because He loves and He is love.
 

Journeying through the book of Numbers:Rebellion in Leadership,Part 2

(Based on Numbers 16)

Just a quick summary: A man named Korah who was part of the ministry in the tabernancle became disatisfied like Lucifer was in heaven.He then influence Dathan and Abiram to join him.His stirred people against Moses and Aaron,claiming Aaron had appointed himself as a priest and they also had the right to the position.He wanted to become one too.God,upon seeing this,could not tolerate such rebellion against His appointed leaders and told Moses that they should all come to make an offering to see whose will be accepted.So,250 men came,including Aaron.And through such disobedience,God opened up the earth to swallow Korah and his family.The 250 men were also killed because of their rebellion.But it did not stop there,some of the congregation also accused Moses of killing these men.So,14 700 were also killed.

Just a quick background of who Korah was before I share the lessons I've learnt or what stood out for me.

"Korah, the leading spirit in this movement, was a Levite, of the family of Kohath, and a cousin of Moses; he was a man of ability and influence. Though appointed to the service of the tabernacle, he had become dissatisfied with his position and aspired to the dignity of the priesthood. The bestowal upon Aaron and his house of the priestly office, which had formerly devolved upon the first-born son of every family, had given rise to jealousy and dissatisfaction, and for some time Korah had been secretly opposing the authority of Moses and Aaron, though he had not ventured upon any open act of rebellion. He finally conceived the bold design of overthrowing both the civil and the religious authority. He did not fail to find sympathizers. Close to the tents of Korah and the Kohathites, on the south side of the tabernacle, was the encampment of the tribe of Reuben, the tents of Dathan and Abiram, two princes of this tribe, being near that of Korah. These princes readily joined in his ambitious schemes. Being descendants from the eldest son of Jacob, they claimed that the civil authority belonged to them, and they determined to divide with Korah the honors of the priesthood."-Patriarchs and Prophets,chapter 35,page 395

• When you read the entire chapter in Patriarchs and Prophets you will learn that Korah was inspired by Satan himself.Like Satan,he became dissatisfied with the position he had and wanted more.We see this prevalent even in these last days.I think it's important that as Christians we realize that it is God who appoints leaders.So,whenever we manifest jealousy or rebellion towards them,we are actually rebelling against God."In the rebellion of Korah is seen the working out, upon a narrower stage, of the same spirit that led to the rebellion of Satan in heaven. It was pride and ambition that prompted Lucifer to complain of the government of God, and to seek the overthrow of the order which had been established in heaven. Since his fall it has been his object to infuse the same spirit of envy and discontent, the same ambition for position and honor, into the minds of men. He thus worked upon the minds of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram, to arouse the desire for self-exaltation and excite envy, distrust, and rebellion. Satan caused them to reject God as their leader, by rejecting the men of God's appointment. Yet while in their murmuring against Moses and Aaron they blasphemed God, they were so deluded as to think themselves righteous, and to regard those who had faithfully reproved their sins as actuated by Satan."-PP,p.403
• Those who are truly appointed by God need not to fight for themselves.God will always fight for them.Moses and Aaron did not even try to talk about how deserving they are of their positions.Instead,they consulted God.As one in any leadership position,it's crucial to let God be your guide and let Him be the One that fights your battles-whether in the workplace,home,church etc.
• Esteeming others better than yourself is the way to go.I need God to help me in this regard.I find it so shocking that whenever God was to rightfully destroy those who rebelled,Moses will intercede for them.Instead of saying,"they deserve it";he always pleaded for their lives.This is a rebuke to me.We are sometimes quick to talk about people who deserve vengeance because of their evil.Now,I'm not saying we should condone evil-evil is evil.What I'm saying is,we should  cherish their conversion more than desiring their destruction.Are we praying for the racists to see their wrong?Are we praying for the rapist and hoping that he will come to truth or are we saying,they deserve to die since they are rapists?Something I need to reflect on myself.
• Sin is deceitful.In these men being rebellious,the congregation saw nothing wrong with this.That's how deceitful sin is and this is how those that are in error operate:" To those who are in the wrong, and deserving of reproof, there is nothing more pleasing than to receive sympathy and praise."-PP,p.397.Which leads me to my next point:
• Be careful who you sympathize with;as much as we are to sympathize with our brethren,we cannot continue to do so when they defy God's law.What would have happened if the congregation quickly dealt with Korah and showed him that he was in error?I'm sure many would have been saved.
• When we support those in error,salvation of many is at stake.Many died in their sins because of their support for Korah and his associates.

"It is by sinful indulgence that men give Satan access to their minds, and they go from one stage of wickedness to another. The rejection of light darkens the mind and hardens the heart, so that it is easier for them to take the next step in sin and to reject still clearer light, until at last their habits of wrongdoing become fixed. Sin ceases to appear sinful to them. He who faithfully preaches God's word, thereby condemning their sins, too often incurs their hatred. Unwilling to endure the pain and sacrifice necessary to reform, they turn upon the Lord's servant and denounce his reproofs as uncalled for and severe. Like Korah, they declare that the people are not at fault; it is the reprover that causes all the trouble. And soothing their consciences with this deception, the jealous and disaffected combine to sow discord in the church and weaken the hands of those who would build it up.
Every advance made by those whom God has called to lead in His work has excited suspicion; every act has been misrepresented by the jealous and faultfinding. Thus it was in the time of Luther, of the Wesleys and other reformers. Thus it is today."-Patriarchs and Prophets,p.404

Devotional Snippet:Going through the book of Numbers,Part 1

I've learnt that I benefit more on my devotional life when I focus on understanding biblical doctrines or reading a particular book in the Bible..If I just read the Bible,then I become all over the place and I don't get much.So,I normally read 2 books-I try to.I normally read one book from the Bible for my morning devotions and then read the testimonies for midday devotion.I realize it works out better when I have a devotional study during the day that will need me to focus a lot.So,during evening I normally choose to memorise a certain chapter or continue with my morning devotion;since I'm sometimes too tired.But I must admit,it comes with resisting feelings of waking up or just going to take a shower.So,we are to constantly cultivate an appetite for spiritual things until it becomes our nature and believe it does become our nature.Personally,if I don't pray over a long period of time,I become drained and it becomes easier for me to give in to temptation.

I have learnt that if you want to get the most from the Word of God,you must study the Bible with intent and certain goals you'd like to work towards.It must not be a lifeless study.By goals I mean learning-say you don't understand the Sabbath doctrine;so your devotion should be able to answer such question.Or to just learn from the experiences of others.

For this month I'm studying  the book of numbers.It's one information filled book and it clearly stipulates the journey of the Israelites through the wilderness.I've learnt much;but I've figured that writing everything here is sometimes taxing-nah I actually dread writing everything here and I don't want my blog to turn into a devotional blog.Before you stone me,let me explain what I mean:there was a point in my life last year where I started reading Christian blogs for my devotion and pushed the Word of God away.That is bad and I decide to limit my content so that I can encourage people to go read for themselves.

But back to the book of Numbers,for the third or fourth time in my life,I found myself struggling to finish a chapter because it was heart-wrenching and scary.I never came across such rebellion towards God as I did in this book (after the book of Judges).It also hit home that,like the Israelites,I also rebel against God.

So,I read Numbers 14 and it got real.I found  myself angry.How dare these people murmur against God?Mind you,they murmured and God consumed those who did by fire.Few verses later,they continue to do the same.Shocking,isn't it?How can you do the exact sin that killed those around you?Truth is,sin is very deceitful and whenever self is exalted,we will always choose to sin,regardless of the penalty we might suffer .Adam and Eve are one of the examples for this.Even worse,how can they not be thankful to God for giving them manna which is best?Instead,they wanted leeks,garlic,meat etc?But I also saw myself in them.I realized I am like them because I also do not want to embrace the health reform fully.I say things like,"but biscuits and bran muffins are way nicer than apples/fruit";when God knows that reform in health is about me being sober so that I am able to discern between good and evil and resist the devil.

I learnt that it is so easy to be spiritually blind.Blind to all the blessing that God bestows and focus on what you do not have at the moment.It was just Friday when I complained to God and I'm glad God revealed such lessons to me.

It's so sad that we can be so blinded that we cannot even appreciate God's presence in our lives.If there is one thing that scares me,then it's being without God's presence in the form of the Holy Spirit.Imagine sinning and thinking that God approves because you can no longer be convicted.So,I am always grateful when the Holy Spirit rebukes and convicts me-this is proof of God's presence.But I am not comfortable in my sins.Being comfortable in your sins and constantly rejecting the convictions of the Holy Spirit only results in this:

"Whosoever speaketh a word against the Son of man," said Christ, "it shall be forgiven him: but whosoever speaketh against the Holy Ghost, it shall not be forgiven him." Matthew 12:32. These words were spoken by our Saviour when the gracious works which He had performed through the power of God were attributed by the Jews to Beelzebub. It is through the agency of the Holy Spirit that God communicates with man; and those who deliberately reject this agency as satanic, have cut off the channel of communication between the soul and Heaven. God works by the manifestation of His Spirit to reprove and convict the sinner; and if the Spirit's work is finally rejected, there is no more that God can do for the soul. The last resource of divine mercy has been employed. The transgressor has cut himself off from God, and sin has no remedy to cure itself. There is no reserved power by which God can work to convict and convert the sinner. "Let him alone" (Hosea 4:17) is the divine command. Then "there remaineth no more sacrifice for sins, but a certain fearful looking for of judgment and fiery indignation, which shall devour the adversaries." Hebrews 10:26,27-Patriarchs and Prophets,ch 35,page 405.