Month: October 2021

“Say to the Israelites, ‘If a man dies and leaves no son, turn his inheritance over to his daughter.’” Numbers 27:8 (Chapters 25-30)

A generation has come and gone.  Of the thousands of original men and women who left Egypt’s bondage, only two will enter into the land of Canaan.  In the forty years of travel there were two censuses, giving this book its name, Numbers.  It’s time to claim the inheritance and settle down, but the land must be fairly shared, and so, there is a counting of each member of tribe and clan. 

Israel’s law said land must pass from father to eldest son.  This was a protection of the tribe, but Zelophehad had only daughters and he was dead. In the surrounding Eastern countries, women were not allowed to inherit, but our God made a concession.  In Israel, women could inherit but must marry within their tribe.

Over and over again, God’s care for human dignity is what sets His law apart.  It is not His order to harm, but to protect and provide. How much more should we share these attitudes among each other.

You Are Loved,

Gretchen

But God said to Balaam, “Do not go with them. You must not put a curse on those people, because they are blessed.” Numbers 22:12 (Chapters 22-24)

The LORD delivered the Amorites into the hands of the Israelites. It was obvious that the Israelites were a powerful force, on the move toward Canaan.  Balak, king of Moab decided to be proactive in a very pagan manner. He summoned Balaam to come and curse his enemies.

The use of words, in the manner of blessings, curses and elaborate ceremony, was held in high regard and perceived as an extremely powerful bond with one’s friends and a tool against one’s enemies. Balak summoned Balaam, a diviner, a prophet of some notoriety, and offered him great financial gain if he would curse Israel. Balaam was not an Israelite nor a follower of the One True God, but God used this man of evil intent to deliver His own message.

In a dream, Balaam saw that God blessed Israel and no promise of doom from him will alter their course, so he refuses to go with Balak’s elders. They offer more money. He saddles his donkey and heads out only to be stopped by a stubborn pack animal in the middle of the road. After many beatings, the animal speaks and soon Balaam sees the Angel of the LORD that the donkey sees. This experience did not turn Balaam’s heart toward the LORD, but it did give him indisputable conviction that God would have His way over Balak, the Moabites and the Midianites.

Evil will not overcome God’s goodness, even when it seems evil has permeated all there is to see, hear and feel. Numbers 23:19 tells the character of God. He is not of human source, therefore, not held by man’s restrictions.  He is a God of action and He will bless those who honor Him.

Have a Great Monday,

Gretchen

“Take the staff, and you and your brother Aaron gather the assembly together. Speak to that rock before their eyes and it will pour out its water. You will bring water out of the rock for the community so they and their livestock can drink.” Numbers 20:8 (Chapters 20-21)

Thirty-eight years pass between chapters 19 and 20.  One of the Bible’s greatest miracles is the untold story of this time. How did a desert wilderness support 3,000,000 people for forty years? Only by God’s intervening, miraculous help.

The desert had its purpose. It transformed a people of Egyptian idolatry into a nation who witnessed God’s presence daily. They grew a faith in The One True God to be the example for the rest of the world and to be the testimony that God can be trusted in all experiences of life.

Moses was the Holy, faithful leader that transported an entire nation, bodily from one land to another. This alone is a miracle for the ages.  For those who doubt this as fact, remember: Archeology supports this history and it is easier to believe God’s miraculous intervention rather than some of the strange theories that try to logically explain it.

Sadly, near the end of the journey, even Moses, faithful and true, sinned by letting his anger take credit for God’s gift.  The LORD said to ‘speak’ and water would come from the rock, but Moses shouted grumblings at the people, then struck the rock twice. For this sin Moses was denied entry into the Promised Land.

When I look back over the more than 40 years of my life, it is evident that I have not come this far except by the miraculous, patience, grace and gifts of God. I am nothing but a sinner, saved by grace and the recipient of Heaven’s bounty. I am a miracle. Aren’t you?

Have a great weekend!

Gretchen

They came as a group to oppose Moses and Aaron and said to them, “You have gone too far! The whole community is holy, every one of them, and the LORD is with them. Why then do you set yourselves above the LORD’s assembly?” Numbers 16:3 (Chapters 15-19)

These chapters give detailed laws of sacrifice and worship, specifically to Aaron, the high priest, and his sons. But in the middle of these instructions we find the recounting of three men, Korah, Dathan and Abiram and their fatal fight with God. Apparently, there was some arm chair quarterbacking to Moses’ leadership. Some smack talk got folks worked up and the most aggressive of the group confronted not only Moses, but Aaron too. They declared themselves holy and insinuated they had been robbed of their inheritance in the land flowing with milk and honey, even though they listened to the spies morbid report, then refused to enter.

God is all knowing.  There is nothing in the heart of man hidden from Him.  The insubordination of these men and their followers was a direct challenge to God, not Moses and Aaron. When man declares himself holy and authors his own truth, it is called blasphemy. Moses and Aaron knew what fate this faction faced. They interceded, twice! These men refused to humble themselves before God and they did not live to see another day. In the ashes of the dead God took what was Holy and set it apart as a remembrance to Truth.

Do not engage in power struggles with God. You lose, the end. However, to those who make a sacrifice of themselves to God’s will and ways, all the power and peace of Heaven is theirs.

Love,

Gretchen

If the LORD is pleased with us, He will lead us into that land, a land flowing with milk and honey, and will give it to us. Numbers 14:8 (Chapters 13-14)

It was Moses’ plan to go straight from Sinai to Canaan.  Arriving at the southern entrance, the people suggested the land be scouted.  Moses obliged and sent men from each tribe. The spies brought back a discouraging report of gloom and doom. Walled cities and giants threatened their promise so they revolted and threatened Moses’ life. All they wanted was to return to Egypt, even if it meant slavery. Caleb and Joshua intervened and spoke the words above. (I encourage you to read verse 9 also.) All those who left Egypt as witnesses to the miracles of God’s provision and protection, turned back into the desert and away from hope in their Faithful, Almighty God and His gift to them.

The glory of the LORD appeared to the Israelites and God spoke His plan to destroy all of these rebellious people. Moses, humble leader, stood between God’s anger and those who nearly killed him. He spoke God’s own words back to Him, vs. 18, and the LORD forgave. However, the opportunity for this entire generation to enter their homeland had come and gone. Only Caleb and Joshua, out of 600,000 men, will finally make it home.

Human nature is fear and distrust, but we must not be bound to our instincts. The three men who held themselves to the higher standard of faith and love of others were the game changers.

I understand fear. Struggling in faith is difficult, but these people let their fear turn to anger and anger into the sin of murder. Give your fears to the LORD. He wove you together, He will show you just how very strong you are if you will allow.

Love,

Gretchen

Now Moses was a very humble man, more humble than anyone else on the face of the earth. Numbers 12:3 (chapters 11-12)

The journey from Sinai is under way.  This nation is moving forward, God has proven faithful and the fulfilled promise is in sight, but that’s not good enough. Their food supply, manna, is given each day, free of charge.  It’s laying on the ground. Just bend in the middle, a little at the knees, pick it up and you are fed! Yet, they grumble over the monotony.  The food of Egypt, gained through loss of rights and freedoms, is remembered fondly. God, in love and patience, provides quail.

Moses displays a remarkable attitude as leader. He has complete power, but absolutely no corruption, seeking no earthly gain for himself.  His eyes are on God’s plan, but he has become weary. Mentally and physically Moses is exhausted!  In response, God sends 70+ leaders some of the ‘spirit’ or knowledge of Moses, so that he can delegate. God didn’t ask him to do more than he was able. Help was freely given.

Finally, Moses’ older siblings, Miriam and Aaron, begin to mumble and undermine Moses’ authority. God will have none of it! He calls Moses and these two into the tent of meeting and straightens Miriam and Aaron out! They know who’s who when all is said and done, and the instigator, Miriam, is cursed with leprosy for seven days.

These people were their own worst enemy! Gratitude was lost at a pity party, and gossip came at a very high cost……BECAUSE GOD HEARS EVERYTHING! Watch your heart and your mouth will follow.

Love,

Gretchen

Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. Numbers 9:22 (Chapters 7-10)

With the dedication to the tabernacle the new nation is sealed and whole. The Levites are consecrated, and Passover has been observed. Everything is ready, but God is in no hurry. He has a nation to mold in strength and faithfulness. This cannot be rushed.  God’s guidance is clear, a tangible reality in the form of a cloud by day, and a fire at night.  When God did not move, the people didn’t either.

“No LORD, I cannot do this!” would be my reply when told to sit tight until the cloud lifted from the tabernacle. I need a plan, a time table, and a map with a reliable ETA.  I’m glad to do God’s will when He kindly accommodates these area’s of anxiety. I desire to be organized and prepared. Then, I can free God up for others who are prone to crisis due to careless lack of planning. I can need Him less, so others can need Him more.

This journey across the Sinai peninsula was so much more than getting from point A to point B.  It was formative and educational.  God was protector, provider and navigator, but the foundation of this nation was faith! And an impenetrable, rock solid determination to obey takes a little spiritual and physical conditioning.  The faith of an entire people, their thought processes and panic mode defaults were being set. Oh! The precious, patience love of God, that led them to these strengths! He is leading you too. There is value in waiting. Obedience is what’s asked for. Give it in every season of your life.

Love,

Gretchen

“The LORD Bless you and keep you; the LORD make His face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.” Numbers 6:24-26

Chapter six begins with the vow of the Nazarite, a spiritual status of total purity and consecration to God. Not to be confused with Nazarene, someone from Nazareth, this status was temporary. Samson, Samuel and John the Baptist were among their number.

Preparations were being made to leave Sinai and embark on a lifelong journey to the Promised Land. God bestows the duty of the priestly prayer, Aaron’s Blessing. Used by both Christians and Jews in worship, it acknowledges that God is the source of all good things, especially peace.

These words are God’s own prayer for those who trust and obey. Bask in the glow of His face and know His peace.

Love,

Gretchen

Say to the Israelites: ‘When a man or woman wrongs another in any way and so is unfaithful to the LORD, that person is guilty. Numbers 5:6 (Chapter 5)

Our behavior toward one another cannot be separated from the purity of our hearts. When you wrong another person, you have first, sinned against God.  And, the reverse is true. If you have been abused or used badly, it is God who first felt the sting of your pain and the sin that hurt you.

Not only does God’s law emphasize Holiness before Him, but among each other, in our communities and families. It is important to treat each other with the highest respect and regard for well-being.

If you think it is okay with God to mistreat someone, you would be wrong! And…….if you are suffering at the hands of abusive tormentors, take heart, because God is going to fix it, better than you ever could.

Love,

Gretchen

So the Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each with his clan and family. Numbers 2:34 (Chapter 1-4)

Three months after the Hebrew slaves were emancipated they arrived at Sinai. There, they received the Law and became a nation. They learned the patterns of living and worshiping in a community of Holiness, and to become the state that would bless all people.

Now, two years later, they are ready to set out again toward their forever home. They must get organized. God ordered a census and then directed the moving process down to the most minute detail. Military precision, efficiency and obedience is the plan.

Faith and fidelity were man’s obligation to God’s constancy. Only God can make every moment of a twenty-four hour day count. He alone can give perfect rest, and budget all other minutes of a day as they need to be spent to achieve the greatest value. 

Put away the authority of your watch and let God’s wisdom and peace guide your progress forward.

Love,

Gretchen

P.S. Happy Birthday dad, aka Rev. Bryan Jones. Thanks for everything!