Day 58 – Numbers 8-10

Talking Points

• The Levites are consecrated, given fully to God, to serve the priests. Atonement (a payment for sin, to set the account to even) was made on their behalf.
• The first Passover is observed in obedience to God’s ordinance. In an interesting account, a group was considered unclean because of contact with a dead body. Because of their uncleanliness, they were not able to participate. Yet, their hearts desired to be part of the remembrance, and so God made a provision for such a case. He knows our hearts, and He enables obedience if our hearts are with Him.
• A pillar of cloud and a pillar of fire actually, visibly lead the Israelites. They are literally led by God. Their journey will be in His timing, at His pace, under His direction, and all determined by His wisdom. What an act of great grace!
• The journey to the Promised Land begins. We see God’s faithfulness to keep His promise to Abraham, long after he is gone.
• Communication will be through two silver trumpets. Practically, it is the best way to communicate with a large group of people. Before Christ comes for His Church, the signal will also be with a trumpet (1 Thessalonians 4:16). Evidently, it is still the best way to communicate with a large group!

Thoughts

Have you ever felt like God’s timing was off? Or maybe your prayers weren’t “getting through?” Do you sometimes wish God would guide you with a pillar of cloud by day and fire by night? Can you imagine God giving such unmistakeable instruction and guidance as a cloud that only lifts when it’s time to move?

I think it’s tempting for us to look back at the Israelites and marvel at God’s care, direction, and comforting presence for His people, yet overlook how He provides the same for us today. And, yet, see what God’s Word says:

Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path. – Psalm 119:105

“And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind, so that you may prove what the will of God is, that which is good and acceptable and perfect.” – Romans 12:2

“For all who are being led by the Spirit of God, these are sons of God.” – Romans 8:14

“If we live by the Spirit, let us also walk by the Spirit.” – Galatians 5:25

“for He Himself has said, “I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU,’” – Hebrews 13:5

He is our Shepherd, going before and calling us so we can follow His voice. He is our Helper and Counselor, the Truth with us forever. He convicts us of sin and helps us in our weakness. He is our Comfort and Guide, our Intercessor and Teacher. We have the very Spirit of the living God who indwells all believers. He’s given us His Word to renew our minds and light our path. What an act of great grace!