TODAY IN THE WORD

[Soldier4Christ]

Keeping Faith:

The Message of the Book of Numbers
Faith matters to God. This is the dominant theme in the book of Numbers and the key to its theology. Linked with the books of Exodus and Leviticus, Numbers demonstrates the nature of faith by contrasting God's faithfulness in fulfilling the promises made to Abraham with the faithlessness of Abraham's descendants.

God had promised to give the land of Canaan to Abraham's descendants, and also promised that they would take possession of the cities of their enemies (Gen. 13:12; 22:16). Yet just as God's people were poised to see how God is faithful, something went horribly wrong. On the threshold of Canaan, Israel questioned their ability to overcome their enemies and take possession of the land (Num. 13:1-33).

This lack of faith proved to be costly; the generation that followed Moses into wilderness died there because they failed to take God at His word (Num. 14:22-23). In discussing this incident, the apostle Paul catalogs Israel's sins: idolatry, immorality, doubt, and ungratefulness (1 Cor. 10:1-11). This tragic experience served as both an example and a warning to the church. On the one hand, it was meant to teach us humility. Israel's weakness is matched by our own (1 Cor. 10:12 ). More important, it was intended to show us that our weakness is countered by God's strength. Paul summarizes the lesson to be learned from Israel's failure with this bold conclusion: “God is faithful” (1 Cor. 10:12-13).

Our faith is grounded in the faithfulness of God. He deserves our trust because He is true to His word. Israel's experiences in the wilderness are a sobering reminder that this kind of faith does not come naturally. It is a gift of grace and it is strengthened by experience (Eph. 2:8-9). Because God is faithful, we can have faith in Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 6:22-27
The Lord turn his face toward you and give you peace. - Numbers 6:26
TODAY IN THE WORD
In the movie, Toy Story, Woody and Buzz Lightyear are toys belonging to a boy named Andy. But Buzz has an identity crisis. He whines, “I'm not a space ranger. I'm just a toy; a stupid, insignificant toy.” Woody encourages him, “Look, over in that house is a kid who thinks you are the greatest, and it's not because you're a space ranger, pal. It's because you're a toy—you are his toy.” Those words finally sink in when Buzz looks at his shoe and sees Andy's name written across it.

When Aaron, the high priest and spokesman of the Lord, issued this blessing to Israel, it was as if He were labeling them with the very name of God (v. 27). For Israel, that carried incredible significance, because the name of God commanded the utmost reverence.

God called His name “glorious and awesome” (Deut. 28:58). To put His name on the Israelites was the highest honor He could bestow, and it could only be given after the offering of sacrifices. This blessing was given when the High Priest emerged from the Tent of Meeting after rendering sacrifices in the Holy of Holies. The sacrifices restored the relationship between God and His people, and the benefits were immeasurable.

The blessing assured the people of God's care and protection. The descriptive images of the Lord's face were particularly powerful. The picture of His face beaming upon Israel shows that God takes pleasure in them. It's a promise of His grace; that He will care for them not because He merely tolerates them, but because He absolutely loves them. And the fact that He can turn His face toward them is the sign of a peaceful relationship. The offerings cleared any account of discord between the Lord and His people. His peace, not His wrath, was theirs to enjoy. The final words describing the blessing rang with hope and promise: “I will bless them” (v. 27). The Israelites should have had no doubt about God's tender care for them.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Christ's sacrifice was more significant than any offering Aaron and his sons could ever make on Israel's behalf. And Jesus can bring us closer to God than any high priest ever could. So if we confess our sins to Jesus Christ and place our trust in Him, we can claim the promises of this blessing with absolute assurance! Read this blessing as your own and take heart based on God's grace and peace. Trust that He is beaming on you with unspeakable love and grace.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 7:1-17
These were the offerings of the Israelite leaders for the dedication of the altar when it was anointed. - Numbers 7:84
TODAY IN THE WORD
“The Twelve Days of Christmas” is the great marathon Christmas carol. It's a fun and playful melody at first, but after twelve partridges in pear trees, 22 turtle doves, 30 French hens, 36 calling birds, 40 rings, 42 geese, 42 swans, 40 maids, 36 ladies, 30 lords, 22 pipers, and twelve drummers, the average singer is left out of breath and exhausted—for twelve days of gifts, it's an overwhelming haul.

If you read chapter 7 in its entirety, you'll be left with a similar impression. The list of gifts that Israel gave for the dedication for the altar is so extensive, elaborate, and repetitive, it's hard to fathom. But the inclusion in Scripture of all these gifts shows that God appreciated every gift enough to record them for all time.

The first gifts from the heads of the households were perfectly practical. The tribe in charge of transporting the tabernacle would have an obvious use for six carts and twelve oxen, although the Kohathites were responsible for transporting items so holy they could be carried only by members of that family.

The second round of giving, though, was a far finer assortment of riches. The parade of gifts shows a remarkable unity among the tribes and leaders of Israel. Each tribe, regardless of size, assembled identical and equal gifts. Even the half tribes of Ephraim and Manasseh each gave as much as the other tribes. Their generosity poured out of an appropriate respect and submission to God's authority.

The gift of the tribes also testifies to how generously God had blessed His people. This was a nation coming out of 400 years of slavery to Egypt and another year of nomadic living, yet God had given them the means to lavish Him with riches. They also provided all the material necessary to build the tabernacle and its contents. For a people with no home, God had made Israel very wealthy, indeed!
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Repetitive as chapter 7 may be, every gift listed therein was a luxury that Israel could afford to do without. As you go through this day, take note of all the things you use and encounter that aren't true necessities. This is the catalog of God's stockpile of grace. In fact, even the provision of your basic needs displays God's love for you. Thank Him in your heart and don't hesitate to give back to Him.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 7:89-8:26
They are the Israelites who are to be given wholly to me. - Numbers 8:16
TODAY IN THE WORD
In Richard Connell's short story, “The Most Dangerous Game,” Sanger Rainsford was an accomplished big-game hunter who had grown accustomed to tracking down dangerous animals. But after being trapped on the island of General Zaroff, Rainsford finds himself as the prey. That role-reversal story line has often been a theme in suspense films and literature.

From our contemporary perspective, the laying on of hands might seem like a standard gesture of commissioning or blessing. But when the Israelites laid hands on the Levites, they put the priestly tribe in the position usually reserved for animals offered as a sacrifice (vv. 10, 12), and the symbolism was lost on no one.

The Levites were in no danger, but the weight of their responsibility must have been daunting. With the hands of the Israelites on them, the Levites were assuming the role of living sacrifices to make atonement for their entire nation (v. 19). Two bulls were then sacrificed to purify the tabernacle and make atonement for the Levites themselves. Among a people that were themselves set apart, the Levites were set apart even further, declared by the Lord as entirely His (v. 14).

This entire ceremony demonstrates the need for all things surrounding the Lord's dwelling to be purified and atoned, or presented as acceptable in the Lord's eyes. The offerings in this passage made it possible for the Levites to perform their services and for the Israelites to approach the sanctuary to bring their sacrifices to the tabernacle (v. 19). It may seem strict to us, but through these ceremonies, God was lovingly providing the means for His people to draw close to Him. They had no land of their own, they were wandering, but they were being invited into the presence of the Lord along every step of the journey.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Before you approach the throne of God in prayer today, think about everything He has done to allow you into His presence. We are sinful people who have no right to come near a holy and perfect God. But He offered the ultimate sacrifice of His own Son. And it wasn't because we so desperately longed and pleaded to come near Him. God longed for you and took the necessary steps to draw you close. Humbly thank Him for His love.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 9:1-14
This is a day you are to commemorate; for the generations to come you shall celebrate it. - Exodus 12:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
Nicholas Sparks had an urgent request from his wife Catherine the morning after their wedding. Her grandparents had been too ill to attend the ceremony, so she asked Nicholas for a sort of “do over.” So he in his tuxedo and she in her gown went for a forty-minute drive to greet the ailing grandparents with a video, some wedding cake, and their boutonniere and corsage. For the grandparents, the occasion was a welcome reminder of their own love, which still burned brightly—in fact, it inspired Sparks' best-selling novel, The Notebook.

Some occasions are too important to miss. In Israel, the Passover was to become an annual observance of the greatest rescue of all time. Not only were the people delivered from the hand of Egypt, they were also spared from the wrath of God because of their faith. And that faith wasn't to be a one-time performance. God wanted them to remember the Passover every year and for their faith to continue as they proceeded toward Canaan.

Today's observance was special because it was the very first anniversary. Note that this chapter begins in the first month of the second year after Israel left Egypt (v. 1) while the census at the beginning of Numbers was in the second month (1:1). And the consecration of the tabernacle actually occurred just before today's passage and a month before the census (cf. Ex. 40:1). The book of Numbers is less concerned with recounting a detailed timeline; rather, the point is that all of these events happened within weeks of each other. It was a month filled with triumphant developments in Israel, and no one wanted to be left out.

God's provision for those restricted from the camp or otherwise unavailable for the Passover shows that God's love isn't bound by time and space. He didn't disregard those who, for good reason, were away from the ceremony. He didn't even object to outsiders taking part. He did, however, disdain those who chose to ignore the Passover (v. 13).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
We're people who enjoy commemorating history—perhaps because we're also people who easily forget those events that we fail to commemorate! For this reason, don't dismiss the importance of observances such as communion, baptism, or even holidays like Memorial Day. Don't let them become mere rituals. The next time you take the communion cup in your hands or witness a baptism, be sure to remember and solemnly thank God for the events that made it possible for you to live life as you do.

[Soldier4Christ]

Numbers 9:15-23
They obeyed the Lord’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses. - Numbers 9:23
TODAY IN THE WORD
Military strategy has evolved over the years, but armies have always relied on mobility. General George Patton stressed its importance, saying, “My men don't dig foxholes. I don't want them to. Foxholes only slow up an offensive. Keep moving. And don't give the enemy time to dig one either.”

Israel wasn't yet on the offensive, but they definitely maintained mobility as they approached the Promised Land. We mentioned earlier that Numbers began with the air of a military strike in the making. The leaders were identified, the people were sectioned off, and the potential army was counted. The great size of the army was undeniable.

Then God turned Israel's attention to their leader, Himself. He created a plan and a place for worship. For Israel's purposes, this was the most crucial tactic they could employ. Apart from faith in God, this army would fail. The focus of the nation was united.

In today's passage, we look at what could have been the most problematic element that Israel faced: mobility. Israel wasn't moving as a well-trained army. Men and women of all ages, children and babies, the sick and the healthy—everyone had to move. But there was never any question about where they should go, because the manifestation of God's glory directed them. The presence of God was unmistakable.

Note the almost militaristic tone of today's passage. If the cloud moved, Israel moved. When the cloud rested, Israel rested. No questions asked. As Israel swept across the landscape of the wilderness, they acquired no new land. They didn't weaken the enemy in Canaan. What they gained was intangible—the spoils of their efforts thus far consisted of faithful obedience. And God made it easy for them by showing them His glory. As has been mentioned before, Israel wasn't asked to obey Moses with blind faith. God appeared to them in the form of a cloud by day and fire by night.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you ever wish that God appeared to you as a pillar of smoke, directing your movements every day? You might think that then you would be free from all decision-making! But wishing for such a cloud is no substitute for studying the Word of God. And our life mission is not to wander in the wilderness; it's to draw closer to God. He's given us all we need to do that. Will we act with the obedience required for victory?

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 10:1-36
The ark of the covenant of the Lord went before them . . . to find them a place to rest. - Numbers 10:33
TODAY IN THE WORD
Otto Lilienthal didn't invent the airplane, but his studies on the concept of human flight were among the first, if not the very first, attempts to be taken seriously in the scientific world. He designed 18 different hang gliders and personally experimented with all of them. He once said, “To invent an airplane is nothing. To build one is something. But to fly is everything.” He was willing to risk his life, and indeed lost it, to make the soaring jump from theoretical genius to practical success.

Today's passage chronicles Israel's leap from theory—that a nation could be led by God—to the practice of literally following Him faithfully. Israel had been encamped at Sinai for about nine months. They had grown as a people, they had built an exquisite and portable place of worship, and they appeared to show all the signs of a faithful nation. But they had not been severely tested.

When the cloud lifted, things got a bit tougher for the Israelites. Verse 33 says that the journey lasted three days. To us, a nine-hour flight with a crying baby might be tough, and a three-day cross-country car ride with four children could be unbearable—a three-day walk or camel ride across the desert with a million or so people would put the modern traveler to shame.

The exchange between Moses and Hobab, the son of Moses' father-in-law Reuel (or Jethro), adds to our understanding of the plight of Israel on the move. Moses sought Hobab's expertise of the landscape to help them know where to camp. The cloud took Israel on a three-day journey, so they would have had to encamp for at least short spells along the way. Moses' request shows that the cloud probably didn't direct them about such intermediate stops. And the fact that they needed a guide gives us a glimpse of just how perilous this trek was. Israel didn't need to fear for their safety because God was there with them—but after a lengthy stay of relative comfort at Sinai, their trust was put to an extreme test.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Is your faith being tested at this point in your life? If so, remember that the God who gave you times of joy and comfort is the same God who accompanies you through the trials. And if you're currently at a high point of closeness with Him, don't take it for granted. Make a mental note and say a prayer of gratitude for God's grace and mercy at this time, and use this moment as a foothold of faith to strengthen you during future tests.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 11:1-35
You have rejected the Lord, who is among you, and have wailed before him. - Numbers 11:20
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Roman philosopher Lucretius once wrote, “So it is more useful to watch a man in times of peril, and in adversity to discern what kind of man he is; for then at last words of truth are drawn from the depths of his heart, and the mask is torn off, reality remains.” In today's passage, the mask of works is torn off the face of Israel, and beneath it is revealed the ugliness of disbelief and greed.

If we were to read only the first ten chapters of Numbers, Israel would look like a faithful nation, but the toil of living on the move began to expose the weaknesses of the people. The first chink in their armor was general discontent with their circumstances, and God's anger literally burned up part of their camp. It seems that no one was harmed during this incident.

The next complaint, hunger, was more intense, as was God's reaction. It started with a greedy few, but the craving spread throughout the camp, including even Moses. God declared this grumbling the equivalent of rejecting Him (v. 20). Instead of asking God to provide, they doubted that He could (v. 4) and ignored the substantial blessing of having Him among them. They worshiped food over the Lord, and God gave them exactly what they wanted. Those who greedily gathered in excess died because of their sinful lust for food (v. 33).

But before God dealt with the people's act of rejection, He graciously provided Moses with help. There's no disguising the severity of his whining. He said that death would be the most favorable solution (v. 15)! Moses basically complained that he didn't have enough power to deal with his responsibilities. Instead of giving Moses sufficient power, which He could have done if Moses had asked for it, He took away responsibility. This provision from God brought about the next cry of dissatisfaction, this time from Joshua. On behalf of his master Moses, he was jealous of the authority of others. In the stress of the desert, Israel's imperfection—from leaders to followers—came to light.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
In this chapter, Israel's faith and obedience were shaken by their improper attitudes toward adversity, hunger, power, authority, and worship. Luke 4:1-13 records the temptation of Jesus in all of these areas and His powerful victory over every temptation. Jesus maintained a proper view by quoting Scripture from Deuteronomy and by refusing to serve His personal desires. To avoid Israel's mistake of self-absorption, cast your eyes on Christ and His Word!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 12:1-16
With [Moses] I speak face to face. - Numbers 12:8
TODAY IN THE WORD
Julius Caesar had all the power a ruler could want, and he was overwhelmingly popular with the masses. But the Senate believed that Caesar's power was growing too strong, especially after he was named “Dictator for Life.” Brutus and Cassius plotted his assassination in order to prevent the establishment of a monarchy; ironically, Caesar's death led to the end of the republic.

It's easy to see how power could have affected Julius Caesar. He was never declared the most humble man on earth—but Moses was! His siblings still showed the same type of political jealousy that plagues families and governments today.

Miriam and Aaron were among the leaders God had used to deliver His message and show His power, and they allowed this privilege to boost their egos while Moses maintained humility. When they criticized Moses, they were, in effect, criticizing God for how He had used Moses. God swiftly reprimanded them for doing the opposite of what they should have done, which was to remain humble and respect Moses. God's angry reaction against Miriam and Aaron, coupled with His high praise of Moses, clearly indicated that Moses was the primary leader of His people. God called him faithful, or trustworthy, and then also revealed the unique relationship that they had. Other prophets received revelation from indirect means, but God communicated to Moses openly and directly.

The punishment for Miriam was temporary but harsh, which shows what a grievous sin she had committed (the language of the passage indicates Miriam led the complaint against Moses). Had it not been for God's display of anger, Miriam's sin might not offend our sensibilities. But God made a profound statement that pride, jealousy, and dissatisfaction were to have no place in the hearts of His leaders. Such conceited desires reveal that the antithesis of faith, which is self-reliance, is present within us. Throughout the book of Numbers, and indeed the Bible, God judged severely those men and women who trusted in themselves for what only God could give.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Complaining might seem harmless, but it can spread like a cancer through the body of Christ. When you complain about anyone or anything, you immediately turn the focus of your heart away from God and onto yourself. And when you complain to others, you direct their eyes away from God as well. When you feel tempted to complain, check your heart for jealousy and pride, and humbly approach God for a resolution to your dissatisfaction.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 13:1-33
Be strong and courageous. . . . For the Lord your God goes with you. - Deuteronomy 31:6
TODAY IN THE WORD
Adjusted for inflation, Gone with the Wind is the top-earning American movie of all time, grossing the modern equivalent of $1.2 billion since its release in 1939. But according to Hollywood legend, Gary Cooper turned down the role of Rhett Butler, saying, “Gone with the Wind is going to be the biggest flop in Hollywood history,” and later adding, “I'm just glad it'll be Clark Gable who's falling on his face.”

Those are words to be eaten! The spies who explored Canaan also made the wrong call about the potential for success. And this wasn't just a ragtag group of men; these were leaders of Israel, hand-picked by Moses. They examined the land, saw the giants, and gathered the proof of Canaan's bountiful resources. They even gave Moses a glowing report of all that the land had to offer.

But that's as far as their faith carried them. They reported the size and strength of their enemies with a finality that suggested that attacking Canaan was not an option. Caleb's optimism seemed insane to them. The fear of the spies wasn't even their worst sin.

In a far more treacherous act, they poisoned public opinion. These leaders of the tribes sabotaged their own people by giving a bad report. They spread their faithlessness because they didn't think they could win the battle.

The military analysis in verse 31 was cowardly, but also somewhat accurate from a human perspective. The Canaanite people were indeed stronger than the Israelite people. But how could the presence and power of God disappear from their minds so quickly? In effect, they believed that tall men and fortified cities were a greater threat than the wrath of God. The only two men who were willing to fight the Anakites, the descendants of the Nephilim or giants, were the two warriors who eventually defeated them: Joshua and Caleb (cf. Josh. 11:21; 15:14). But Joshua and Caleb could not defeat the wave of doubt initiated by the other spies.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Some people have the strength to be the lone voice of courage. Caleb's boldness is rare, and we'd do well to follow his model. But if doing what you know is right ever scares you, at the very least, seek out the advice of a strong brother or sister in the Lord. Whatever you do, don't spread the seed of fear to others. You don't want to cause others to respond to God's direction with fear.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 14:1-45
The Lord is slow to anger, abounding in love and forgiving sin and rebellion. - Numbers 14:18
TODAY IN THE WORD
About ten years ago, Steven Richard King attempted to rob a bank in Modesto, California. He took a rather unconventional approach, using his forefinger and thumb to create the illusion of a weapon. He wouldn't have been the first to pull off that trick, but his plan had one major flaw: he kept taking his hand out of his pocket.

Israel attempted an even more foolish heist. After failing to trust God for victory the first time, many of the Israelites ignored the Lord's pronouncement of punishment. They tried to take Canaan with no Moses, no ark, no faith, and no help from God. It didn't work.

The failed attack on Canaan was the culmination of a back-and-forth string of fear and rebellion. The people wanted to return to Egypt, they wanted to stone Caleb and Joshua, and they were in danger of being completely wiped out by God.

But as great as the rebellion of Israel was, God's compassion was far greater. Moses' plea for forgiveness on behalf of his people showed just how humble he really was. He refused the opportunity to become the father of his own great nation, opting instead to magnify the glory of the Lord and preserve the nation he was leading.

God's judgment, while slow, was devastating. He pronounced a death sentence to everyone numbered in the census just a short time before. His mercy, however, fell on the next generation who would enter the Promised Land along with Joshua and Caleb. The rest of the spies, were killed immediately. Failing to believe in God is a deadly sin.

After seeing God's punishment, Israel decided that now they would attempt to take the land on their own terms. Victory would have been sure had they followed God's terms; defeat was certain outside of His will. They ignored Moses' warning, replacing their cowardly doubt with foolhardy defiance.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Israel's attempt to attack Canaan on their own is a perfect illustration of trying to earn favor with God by works. On our own, we can never enter into communion with God. By faith in Christ, however, we can be sure of salvation. If you have been placing your hope for eternity in the merits of your own actions, you are charging into battle against an unbeatable opponent. Put your trust in the blood of Christ that was shed for your sins!

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 15:1-41
I am the Lord your God. - Numbers 15:41
TODAY IN THE WORD
It's known in the legal world as the “Twinkie Defense.” In the 1970s after two high-profile murders, Dan White received a big break, escaping the death penalty with the lesser conviction of voluntary manslaughter. His winning defense? He had a diminished mental capacity after eating too many Twinkies. Due to his “sugar high,” the prosecution was unable to prove White's intent.

In today's reading, intent made all the difference in the world, and one man received a verdict that modern minds would find even more outlandish than the “Twinkie Defense.”

Nestled amidst the decrees regarding sacrifices, unintentional sin, and remembrance we find a brief account of a sinner sentenced to death. Compared to a double murder, the sin of gathering wood on the Sabbath appears relatively mild. But in the context of the passage, we can deduce that this man knew he was directly, intentionally defying God's command. It was the responsibility of the entire community to carry out the death penalty. If the punishment seems severe, considering the placement of this story will help you see God's abiding grace. First, God had just given instructions for dealing with intentional sin when this man was found. The actions of even one person is God's community matter, and had to be addressed. Second, the Lord gave Israel these commandments to be carried out in the Promised Land. His instructions implied that they would indeed enter, even after deliberately doubting and disobeying Him. The forty-year period of wandering had just begun, but God was directing their eyes to the place of rest awaiting them at the finish line. Israel was rebellious and deserved punishment, but they received infinite mercy and relentless love.

The practice of using tassels as reminders of God's commands reveals the heart of the matter. Israel was to follow God's rules, not their own fleshly desires. God's declaration, “I am the Lord your God,” told Israel exactly who was in charge. If they could remember that, obeying the rest of the commands would come naturally.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Although we aren't stoned when we sin, obeying God is no less important for us today. We have the Holy Spirit to guide us; how much easier should it be for us to be faithful! It might help to have a visual reminder—perhaps a piece of jewelry, a keychain, or a notecard—anything that can cue the simple thought, “I am the Lord your God.” Use the reminder of His commandments to help deny your selfish desires.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 16:1-50
Do not think of yourself more highly than you ought, but rather think of yourself with sober judgment. - Romans 12:3
TODAY IN THE WORD
The Langston Hughes poem, “Harlem,” asks the question, “What happens to a dream deferred? Does it dry up like a raisin in the sun? Or fester like a sore and then run? Does it stink like rotten meat? Or crust and sugar over like a syrupy sweet? Maybe it just sags like a heavy load. Or does it explode?”

For many in Israel, the dream of entering the Promised Land had been deferred, and it exploded in the hearts of 250 leaders, spearheaded by the Levite Korah. Their words to Moses ooze with wickedness. Korah wanted to reinvent the entire system of the priesthood. This appears to be more than just a faction of disgruntled Levites, it included an assembly of leaders from throughout the tribes. Although he preached a message of equal holiness, Korah and his followers lusted after the power of leadership (v. 10).

Moses arranged a showdown of sorts, and the ensuing judgment rolled out in waves. First, the earth swallowed up the families of the rebel ring leaders (including Dathan and Abiram, who were too cowardly to face Moses). Then, God sent out a fire to consume Korah and his 250 co-conspirators, proving decidedly that no one other than Aaron was the chosen high priest. After the rebels had been dealt with, God declared their censers holy and had a memorial to His glory constructed. Finally, rather than repent of their pride and thanklessness, many of the Israelites grumbled even more, triggering a plague from God that wiped out over fourteen thousand more Israelites.

Somehow, Aaron and Moses maintained a spirit of compassion for the people who complained against them, perhaps because they realized that God was the true subject of the people's scorn. Were it not for Moses' pleading for mercy and Aaron's offering of atonement, even more Israelites would have felt the well- deserved wrath of God.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
The wickedness in today's story is obvious, but we can easily overlook the same attitudes in our own hearts. Christ is our High Priest. Do we maintain a spirit of thankful humility for His work on our behalf? Or do we entertain thoughts of achieving holiness by our own good works? Do you relish the privilege to serve Him? Or do you seize control of your life, trusting in your own wisdom? Humbly offer yourself and all that you have before the Lord today.

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: 1 Chronicles 17:1-15
I declare to you that the Lord will build a house for you. - 1 Chronicles 17:10
TODAY IN THE WORD
The heart of worship is always ready to adore our great God. That was the attitude not only of David but of countless believers through history. Augustine, for example, prayed: “O Lord in whom all things live, who commanded us to seek you, who are always ready to be found: to know you is life, to serve you is freedom, to praise you is our soul's delight. We bless you and adore you, we worship you and magnify you, we give thanks to you for your great glory, through Jesus Christ our Lord.”

For David in today's reading, a heart of worship meant he didn't want to live in a palace while the Ark remained in a tent. He wanted to build a proper temple. But he didn't rush ahead, as he had done previously. Instead, he consulted Nathan the prophet, showing that he had learned an important lesson about submitting all his plans, even ones with good motives, to the Lord. God's answer, however, was “no”—the honor of building a temple would go to his son, Solomon.

Though the request was denied, the Lord's answer was much richer than what King David had asked for. In what is often called the “Davidic covenant,” God confirmed that the kingdom would be secure, remaining enemies would be subdued, and a golden age was about to begin. The themes of homecoming and safety (v. 9) would have been especially poignant to the returned exiles for whom Chronicles was first written. They would also have been encouraged by the long-term promise that David's throne and house would be established forever, a promise with clear messianic implications (v. 14).

Jesus Christ fulfills that promise. His earthly parents, Mary and Joseph, were both in the line of David. When He was crucified, it was under a sign proclaiming Him “King of the Jews” (Matt. 27:37). And the last book of the Bible opens by identifying Him as the “ruler of the kings of the earth” (Rev. 1:5).
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
As with David, God has promised us many things within His plan of salvation. Keeping these promises close to our hearts can strengthen our faith. Good verses to memorize include Romans 1:16-17; Ephesians 1:13-14; and Hebrews 9:28. In Christ, we have a “living hope . . . an inheritance that can never perish, spoil or fade,” and we are “shielded by God's power until the coming of the salvation that is ready to be revealed in the last time” (1 Peter 1:3-5).

[Soldier4Christ]

Read: Numbers 18:1-32
Everything in Israel that is devoted to the Lord is yours. - Numbers 18:14
TODAY IN THE WORD
The old cliché says to “save the best for last.” That might be our natural inclination as people, but when it comes to giving to God, the best should always come first. That was what God demanded of Israel. As the chosen servants of God, the Levites received that offering, the very best, as their own.

To hear the complaining from the rebellious Levites in yesterday's study, one might think that the Levites were mistreated and that Aaron had improperly assumed and abused his authority over them all. But today's passage paints an entirely different picture, one that leaves us scratching our heads about how the Levites could be unhappy.

First of all, the Levites enjoyed a distinguished role. They were God's gift to Aaron. There should have been no confusion on Aaron's authority over them; instead they ought to have appreciated the fact that God had claimed them for His service.

That service was part of their unique responsibility. No one else in Israel could come so close to the Lord's dwelling as the Levites. They were given the opportunity to care for and handle the holiest, most revered dwelling in the whole land. They were employed in the service of the Almighty.

God blessed them with material gifts as well. In exchange for their service to God, the Levites received the tithe offered by the entire community, the best that Israel had to offer.

For any among the Levites to have been unhappy, they must have been deceived or deluded about their stance with God. The proper response to all that He had given them was to give Him a tenth of what they received—not just any part of it, but the very best of the best. Instead, they demanded more. People who are not satisfied with the best, can never really be satisfied.
TODAY ALONG THE WAY
Do you realize that, as a servant of Christ, you are a servant of the High Priest? Peter calls you part of a holy priesthood (1 Peter 2:5). In Romans 15, Paul calls declaring the gospel a priestly duty. Are you aware of your role in the priesthood? Are you satisfied with the opportunity to offer spiritual sacrifices and to proclaim the gospel by which the unsaved can draw near to God? This is no small task and no greater privilege. Rejoice in it today.