“Significant Numbers”

Making a new year’s resolution wasn’t high on my to do list, but with 2024 approaching I found myself striving for more family Bible reading. Between the kid’s school, work, their sports and “what’s for supper,” it’s one that becomes a resolution in itself. I asked our children what type of study they might be interested in and was surprised when they belted out, “let’s just study the whole Bible!” Talk about striving for the goal!

As I gathered relatable stories from Genesis, Exodus, and Leviticus, I found myself stumped in Numbers. The book of Numbers reminds me of…well, lots of numbers. How on earth could I gather a relatable story from that? Yet, to my surprise it was filled with some of the biggest takeaways as I revisited it.  

As Moses guided this crazy large number of people through the wilderness, he experienced an enormous amount of frustration from them. They whined, despite their blessings; they rebelled, despite boundaries, and they lacked a humble spirit. If we’re honest, we are a lot like them. But, overshadowing all of this was the glory of God, or another way of saying it might be, “the presence of God.”

In the Old Testament we are told the glory of God resided in a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night to guide His people. Numbers 9:17-23 tells us about God’s presence guiding His children as He dwelled among them. The Israelites were commanded to abide continually and submit to His guidance as they learned to trust His direction. Today, we gain perspective from this story as we relate to this scenario…

We are God’s children. We are still navigating life’s circumstances, which feels like a wilderness at times. We receive His commands through His Word and receive clear boundaries. But, the difference is His presence manifests within us through the gift of His Son and the Holy Spirit. His glory abounds when we allow the Holy Spirit to activate in our everyday lives. Unexplainable peace fills us and the courage to follow His voice surfaces within us. If you have never experienced the humbling goodness of His presence, I encourage you to take time to be still with Him and truly allow God’s presence to dwell within your heart. Follow that verse that says “be still…” We don’t have to await a cloud in the sky or a fire in the night to remind us God is with us…although the sun and moon are incredible reminders that our Creator holds all things together. He orchestrates all things. From the numbers listed in His stories, representing the detail of His creation, to the glory He continually revealed that alluded to His future Son joining the people on earth, the certainty of God’s presence is always there.

Numbers 4, verse 24-26 says, “The Lord bless you and keep you; The Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious to you; The Lord lift up His countenance upon you, and give you peace.”

These were the words God told Moses to speak over His children as His glory shined over them. If you are in a season of doubt, uncertain of the path ahead or simply feel stagnant in your walk, consider all the details written in God’s Word and the message to you- “His countenance upon you, giving you peace.” Welcome His presence around you and turn your face towards Him.

If you are looking for a great source for a kid’s commentary(or maybe yourself) for different books of the Bible, Kaleidoscope Kids Bible Source has great options! https://readkaleidoscope.com/

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“Martha’s Words”

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