5/8/13
Numbers is not exactly the first book you’d read for personal devotions. Seems kind of boring, and honestly in parts, that’s exactly what it is. But in a recent reading of chapters 10-13 I had a great epiphany. The Israelites are wondering around the desert complaining again. In these chapters they desperately want to go back to Egypt…back to the land of slavery. Several times they complain about their new circumstances, and even attempt to elect a new leader to take them back (they knew Moses wouldn’t take them). Each time we see God’s wrath burn against them. And why shouldn’t we? These ungrateful people whom God has freed from their own stupidity, from their own slavery; these people whom God has provided for, blessed, and even led each step of the way; these people whom God has defended, destroying their enemies without them having to raise a finger against them. These people who are being led into the promised land while food is being rained down from heaven for their sustenance. At this point, the ungratefulness would make anyone burn with wrath, let alone a Holy God. But each time God’s wrath burns, Moses steps in. God wants to destroy his people…Moses intercedes. “God, do you really want to do that…what about your great character? Your mercy? Your love?”. “God, do you really mean that? You love your people!”. And each time Moses intercedes, God relents.
As I was considering what Moses did, I couldn’t help but realize that this is exactly what Jesus is doing for me every moment of every day. All day long I am longing for the comfort of Egypt…that place I have deceived myself into thinking is the real source of my contentment…even though I am a slave there. How often I think, one look will make me feel better, one taste will comfort this soul, one more compliment will suffice. And yet there is my Heavenly Father having poured out his love for me so that I can know the depth of His infinite glory. His wrath should burn against me. How angry am I when my kids take me for granted…yet how much more infinite is the inheritance I have been given by God. And yet each time I wonder, and each time God’s wrath is justifiably against me, each time Jesus stands there and says “wait God, I paid for that, I got covered. Remember…because of me, you love him, you care for him, your mercy and grace, your character of love is towards them”.
In Numbers through what the Israelites did, I’m reminded of my sinful, lying deceitful heart. In Numbers through what Moses did, I’m reminded of what Jesus is doing…constantly. And in Numbers, I remember the greatness of my God who has blessed me with every spiritual blessing in the heavenlies. Turns out Numbers is a really great book after all.