Author: pastor.gerooney@gmail.com

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!

“I will grant you peace in the land, and you will lie down and no one will make you afraid.”  “I will bring upon you sudden terror, wasting diseases and fever that will destroy your sight and drain away your life.” Leviticus 26:6a and 16b (Chapters 24-27)

The Hebrew children have been stationary for some time. God has made His inhabitance among them, set up His tabernacle, instructed correct worship and religious habits, given Laws for practical living and taught them self preservation as a nation. Soon they will be moving again toward their permanent inheritance. They MUST remain Holy, for without Holiness, God’s presence will be lost.

God is not selfish. He gives. There is a simple reward for obedience! Peace and rest. Disobedience leads to suffering and eventual death. Just as guardians perpetually teach and remind their charges that good perpetuates good and bad breeds sorrow, God will never quit teaching us His ways of abundant life. He does not quit on us in any way, shape or form!

When you mess up, don’t turn your back and give up! God is faithful and just. Mercy and grace are in abundance. God’s every endeavor is to remain constant in your life, all you have to do is obey.

Love,

Gretchen

“Do not seek revenge or bear a grudge against one of your people, but love your neighbor as yourself. I am the LORD.” Leviticus 19:18 (Chapters 19-23)

Chapter 19 echoes the Ten Commandments. Verse 18 is one of the highlights of Mosaic Law, quoted by Jesus Himself.  We are to reflect God’s Holiness by how we treat others. While these laws were superseded by Jesus’ blood, we should still look upon them as a window into God’s character.  He is a concerned and loving Father who calls His children to respect life and reputation.

Holding a grudge voids joy and opens the door to selfish and sinful decisions, while turning devotion away from faithful dependence on God’s wisdom, justice and timing. Let it go! God’s got it!

Many surrounding nations had governance and laws with similarities to Israel’s, but they also centered around sensual and perverted behaviors, things strictly forbidden by God. The phrase, “I am the LORD.” repeated after each proclamation emphasizes that these are the laws of God, designed to set His people apart from all others.

God prioritizes the dignity of all people. This is not the standard of other principalities. God is good and those who believe should radiate His countenance so that the world may know.

Love,

Gretchen

You must distinguish between the Holy and the common, between the unclean and the clean. Leviticus 10:10 (Chapters 8-10)

God has placed Himself at the very center, the heart of the Jewish nation. There is now a place of worship, forgiveness and atonement. Moses has acted as Israel’s priest, the mediator between God and man, but now God ordains a Hereditary order from the tribe of Levi. Priests will begin with Aaron and his sons. They will be supported by tithes and sacrifices.

At the center of life for this migrant nation is an unceasing fire of sacrifice. The perpetual glow is to remind people of their propensity to return to sinfulness but also, God’s gift of opportunity to seek reconciliation with Him. These blood sacrifices point to an age long picture and plan for the final, perfect, first born, The Christ. The New Testament book of Hebrews ties the priesthood and the sacrifice together clearly as, Jesus, Lamb of God.

In Chapter 10 there is an accounting of two of Aaron’s sons who were highhanded with God’s ordinances and decided to do things their way. They were swiftly put to death by the same fire that led the Hebrew children, the fire of God’s presence. God’s holiness demands respect from those who believe. His commands and gospels are meant to be obeyed, not tailored or distorted to fit man’s fancy or convenience. We are called to be uncommon, Holy. It is possible, because what God demands, He provides.

Love,

Gretchen