Numbers 7 (26th Feb) - Josh

Last few days we started into the book of numbers.
Numbers is a record of the Israelite's journey before conquest (end numbers - start joshua). The journey is typically divided into 2 segments.
1. Sinai wilderness.
2. Plains of Moab

Numbers is commonly known among christians to be the book where Israel's 11day journey became a 40yr punishment wandering in the sinai desert. The chief reason: A rebellious people without faith. We know what God did. - But do we? As we look deeper into number, going through the events before judgement occurs (numbers 14:20-23), we can see this:

The ongoing discipline and love of God.

1. God prepared His people
In His love, from chapter 1-4, God started organizing the army and the altar worship as they move into a land of enemies. Both spiritual (idols) and physical. God's heart is to create a strong nation both outwardly and inwardly to truly be a nation set apart, different in might and spirit and stand against evil opposition.

2. God disciplined His people.
Chapter 5-6, God reaffirmed His desire for Israel to be zealous for Holiness. Not just plain acceptance but active participation. And ending off in chapter 6, God reciprocated his love and desire to be close to His people (v24-27). What amazes me, is the fact that God is so patient and relenting with them.

As I read chapter 7 with in mind the last 6 chapter, it dawns on me,

The ongoing discipline and love of God instills loyalty and operational readiness.

Chapter 7 marks a historical moment in Israel's History. The commanders of each army dedicated their division (a military term depicting a rank system of soldiers) to God. The names of each commander hand picked by God to organize the army is the same commanders dedicating their division.

To me, it reminded me of the day I commissioned as an officer. The first time I don my military uniform in officer's rank, saluted the rising Singapore flag as I sang Majulah Singapura. I recall the months of training and discipline to the day of commissioning. - My naval officer training prepared me to be loyal and operationally ready.

In the same way, we are all called to be loyal and ready for our King's command. To engage our enemy and our destiny. To stand up against what is wrong. And setting the captives free. It takes years of training and disciplining. May we not lose heart and turn away from His love and discipline but keep our mind to what He loves.

"My son/daughter, do not make light of the Lord's discipline, and do not lose heart when he rebukes you, because the Lord disciplines those he loves, and he punishes everyone he accepts as a son." - Heb 12:6