Feb.9 - Numbers 3 - 5

God is a God of order! Throughout the past several chapters of the Bible we have seen God give specific and detailed instructions to Moses as He calls the nation of Israel to civil order. What may seem somewhat boring to us as we read these rules and regulations was very important to God and to the nation of Israel. In fact, as you carefully and meditatively read these detailed instructions, you can get a sense of the heart of God and His desire for holy living!

In the 3 chapters we read today, we continue to see God's specific and detailed instructions - primarily regarding the intricate erecting, care, and dismantling of the Tabernacle. Notice what God says: - I'll put it in today's language:

- Moses is CEO (Chief Executive Officer) - The buck stops with him!
- Aaron is High Priest and COO (Chief Operations Officer) of the Tabernacle and it's services!
- Eleazer is Operations Manager - He was responsible (under Aaron) for the Levites and the erecting, care, and dismantling of the Tabernacle (3:32)
- The Levites are the Workers! These Levites were divided into 3 categories:
1) If you were a Gershonite between the ages of 30 and 50 you took care of ALL THE FABRIC of the Tabernacle.
2) If you were a Kohathite between the ages of 30 and 50 you took care of ALL THE FURNITURE of the Tabernacle.
3) And, if you were a Merarite between the ages of 30 and 50 you took care of ALL THE HARDWARE of the Tabernacle.

A couple of noteworthy points are:
1) God has purpose and order in everything! Notice how intricately God detailed His instructions to Moses when dismantling the Tabernacle! (Chapter 4)
2) This explains why Jesus didn't start His ministry until He was 30 years of age! Serving the Lord in ministry under the Mosaic Law required that you attain the age of 30 before you begin.

Did you read Chapter 5? Can you imagine what a frightening experience it must have been to be guilty of adultery and required to drink the "bitter water that brings on a curse?" The whole process must have been extremely intimidating! I would imagine that most women would have confessed before they drank the mixture. God says (5:24), "When the water enters her body it will cause bitter suffering if she is guilty." He goes on to explain (5:27), "Her abdomen will swell and her womb will shrink." Wow!

Reading stuff like this may seem boring, but it goes deep into the heart of God and shows His true feelings and nature! When I was younger and first started reading the Bible I would skim over this stuff faster than a speeding bullet. But now I enjoy reading through it with a meditative heart inviting God to show me MORE of Himself through the things He has said and done. Above all, God is holy and wants us to be AS HOLY AS HE IS! Only Jesus can and DID accomplish that feat! Still, God requires us to say "NO!" to the flesh and "YES!" to His Holy Spirit!

May the Lord bless you today for reading His Incomparable Word!