February 7, 2024 - Numbers 5-8

The people of Israel are making their way through the wilderness (Their own fault, by the way, because of their refusal to trust God.) and facing many enemies.  So many enemies!  But, perhaps, the people themselves are their greatest enemy.  And so, the Lord instructs Moses:  “Speak to the people of Israel, When a man or woman commits any of the sins that people commit by breaking faith with the Lord, and that person realizes his guilt, he shall confess his sin that he has committed.  And he shall make full restitution . . .” (5:6,7).  In fact, isn’t that true for all of us?  We are our own worst enemies.  We sin and suffer the consequences.  We refuse to trust and, thus, forego so many blessings of the Lord.  Oh, to trust the Lord fully and always!

Chapter 6 tells of the Nazirite vow and those set apart for special commitments and chapters 7&8 provide instructions regarding the tabernacle’s consecration.  All this takes place there before Sinai; the people have not yet set out on their further journeys, which God is preparing them for.  Maybe this seems like a tedious recounting of events.  However, reading these chapters and reflecting on them emphasizes an important and encouraging truth; that is, like a loving father, God provides for the children of Israel and he prepares them before sending them out into the wilderness.  And so he does for us.  Israel is never alone.  We are never alone.  Always, God shows his wisdom and demonstrates his care and love toward Israel, just like a loving father, and just as he does with us.  Good thoughts to reflect on today!

Every day the Lord Himself is near me

With a special mercy for each hour.

All my cares He fain would bear and cheer me,

He whose name is Counselor and Pow’r.

The protection of His child and treasure

Is a charge that on Himself He laid.

“As your days, your strength shall be in measure,”

This the pledge to me He made.   --Carolina Sandell Berg (1997)