Christ in all the scriptures Moving with God

 Christ in all the scriptures

Moving with God   Numbers 10

In chapter 9 we had the visible pillar of cloud; now in chapter 10 we have the audible clarion Divine call.  God dwells among them in visible and audible reality.  He is the living God, and leads and organises His people according to His purpose.  Until now, Israel has been static at Sinai for over a year; now He prepares them to move.  The chapter is all about readiness, organisation, and destination, with obedience and reverence as the key attitudes.  We should point out here that this journey should have taken only 11 days (Deuteronomy 1v2), in fact it took the best part of 40 years (Deuteronomy 1v3).  God's people were very slow to move with God (as many of us are today) and the book presents the remarkable PATIENCE of God.  It has been said that each of the books of Moses presents a unique characteristic of God: in Genesis His Sovereignty; In Exodus His Power; in Leviticus His Holiness; in Numbers His Patience; in Deuteronomy His Love.  We are learning here of Divine patience with a wandering, wilful, murmuring people.  How patient has He been with many of us?

To make this relevant today, like Israel we are on a journey, a pilgrimage to a better land; we are travelling through a foreign land, and are now strangers in this world.  This is clear from the New Testament.  Jesus said, "My kingdom is not of this world..."John 18v36; In John 17v16 concerning His disciples, "They are not of this world, even as I am not of this world".  The New Testament position is clear, we are in the world but not of it.  The churches are commanded, "Love not the world, neither the things that are in the world..."-1st John 2v15.   The world system is in opposition to God, and is in conflict with the saints of God.  The song captures the thought, "This world is not my home, I'm just a-passin' through.  My treasures are laid up somewhere beyond the blue.  The angels beckon me from heaven's open door, and I can't feel at home in this world any more"-Albert E. Brumley 1980.  We are journeying, and, in the journey we are being prepared for glory-Heb. 2v10. God's instructions to us are unmistakable, like the sound of the two silver trumpets, with which He communicated with Israel.

Trumpets were used to proclaim the will of the Lord, calling them to urgent action.  They were urged to be ready to respond to His call.  The trumpets were made of silver, reminding them of their redemption from Egypt.  The scriptural usage of silver is of ransom, purity, wisdom, and obedience; all of these can be traced throughout.  The Divine call was from a source of great value and importance.  The trumpets were beaten out of one piece of silver, "...of a whole piece shalt thou make them"-10v2.  Intricate hammering and beating was used to mould the long trumpet with its flared ends.  This reminds us of the suffering involved in our redemption.  The God who is speaking, is One who loves us, and at great cost has saved us.  We do not turn away easily from such an one.  He is speaking plainly, there is no dubiety or confusion in His commands to us.  One trumpet blast was for the heads of Israel to gather.  Two trumpet blasts was for the whole congregation to gather.  A short alarm blast was to prepare the soldiers for war.  Repeated short blasts were for the camp to dismantle and journey.  Continuous short blasts was for the celebration festivals during sacrifice.  The camp soon got to know the various calls.  They knew that when the priests blew the silver trumpets, God was proclaiming urgent action.  On the journey to the promised land the call of God was clear, and the people had to respond.

I am reminded of a similar scenario in the book of Revelation to do with the churches.  In Revelation 1v10-11, when John saw a vision of the ascended, glorified, Lord Jesus on the isle of Patmos, he wrote, "I was in the Spirit on the Lord's day, and heard behind me a great voice, as of a trumpet, saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last; what thou seest write in a book and send it to the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea".   What follows is a message from the Lord to each of the seven churches, commending them, condemning them where necessary, instructing them, encouraging them. Each message was tailormade to their situation, and each one ended with the same warning as of the sound of a trumpet: "He that that ears to hear let him hear what the Spirit is saying to the churches".  In the gospels, the same command was issued on seven separate occasions to the apostles, and now the churches are called to hear and to heed the call of the Lord.  On our journey through this world, we need to heed His wisdom, His correction, and experience His comfort on our way to glory.  Instead of resting on our laurels, and indulging in past glories, we need to hear the trumpet call of our Lord for our progress and for our effectiveness as lights in a dark world.  Complacency does not become the churches of God today, we need to move with God, not necessarily geographically, but certainly spiritually.  We must hear what the Lord is saying and take action accordingly.  Five out of seven churches were told to repent, to change their ways, if necessary to alter their practises.  The Lord is speaking today, will we hear Him and make changes?  Our spiritual growth, and our success in evangelism depends on it.

There is one trumpet call we will all hear and answer!  "Behold I shew you a mystery; we shall not all sleep, but we shall all be changed, in a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed"-1st Corinthians 15v51-52.  "For the Lord Himself shall descend fro heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel and the trump of God: and the dead in Christ shall arise first: then we which are alive and remain shall be caught up together with them to meet the Lord in the air: and so shall we ever be with the Lord"-1st Thess. 4v16-17.

Yes we shall all hear that trumpet call.  Will we, before that great day, listen to Him now; search His word; put right the things that are wrong, and move with Him for His glory??

Will even just one church repent, mend their ways, change the bad practices of years, by heeding His voice, to the benefit of all the members and, above all, to the honour of our God.  We can start by acknowledging there are things that need to be fixed.  We all have instructions from the Lord both individually and collectively.  God has spoken in a way that cannot be mistaken.  We need to hear and heed and amend where possible.  God's trumpet does not give an uncertain sound.  We need to observe Divine order, the care of all the saints, the unity of all believers, the need of the lost; then we shall truly be luminaries in a dark world.  Then we shall live in the expectation of His soon return.  Then we shall truly represent Him who gave His life for us.

Christ in all the scriptures The Divine Presence

 Christ in all the scriptures

The Divine presence for protection and guidance  Numbers 9v15-23

The phrase "Cloud by day and fire by night" is an oft repeated concept throughout scripture, and is the essence of the last half of this chapter.  Both sections compliment each other.  The people who were pardoned in the Passover lamb are now protected and guided in the Divine cloud.  I am reminded of the delightful words of the hymn, describing the wilderness journeys of Israel, "The soul that on Jesus hath leaned for repose; He will not, He cannot desert to its foes.  That soul, though all hell should endeavour to shake; He will never, no never, no never forsake."-the hymn "firm foundation", attributed to R. Kirk 1787  Those who are saved are protected by the Divine presence throughout life.  The One who died to save them (the Passover), lives to keep them (the Presence), a truth abounding in holy writ!

The cloud symbolises the presence of God amongst His people.  He could not be seen by the naked eye, so He covered Himself in the cloud.  "On the day that the tabernacle was reared up the cloud covered the tabernacle, namely the tent of the testimony, and at even there was upon the tabernacle as it were the appearance of fire, until the morning"-Numbers 9v15.

The cloud covered the mount Sinai when God descended-Exodus 24v15-6.                       The cloud covered the newly reared tabernacle-Exodus 40v35; Numbers 9v15.                      The cloud rested above the mercy seat in the sanctuary-Leviticus 16v2.                             The cloud descended on the newly inaugurated temple-1st Kings 8v10-11                              The cloud departed from the idolatrous temple-Ezekiel 3v23; 8v4; 10v4; 10v18-20; 11v23.  (This was a slow, but deliberate removal of His presence due to idolatry in the sanctuary).      The cloud descended on the mount of transfiguration-Matthew 17v5; Luke 9v34-35.              The cloud transported Christ at the ascension-Acts 1v9.                                                            The clouds will transport the saints at the second coming-1st Thessalonians 4v17.                  The clouds will be present at His second advent to set up His kingdom-Revelation 1v7.

The bible describes the clouds as "His chariot"-Psalm 104v3.  The prophet Nahum says "...the clouds are the dust of His feet".   Mostly the teaching is that the cloud is for guidance, and it is so, as we shall see, but it is more than that; it is for protection.  Isaiah puts it thus in chapter 4v5-6, "And the Lord will create upon every dwelling place of mount Zion, and upon her assemblies, a cloud and smoke by day, and the shining of a flaming fire by night; for upon all the glory shall be a defence".  Not only was the cloud a visible sign of God's presence, it was a protection from the burning heat of the wilderness sun by day, and a shining warmth through the cold nights.  More than that, all enemies would be repelled at the awesome sight, so they were safe from invasion.

While the cloud rested, the camp rested, but when it moved, they must move, lock, stock, and barrel.  This could happen (and probably did) after a day, a month or a year.  Whenever the cloud rose and moved they must follow.  They were not to become complacent, but be ready to move at the will of God.  They were pilgrims on a journey.  This is a reminder that this world is not our resting place, we are on a journey, and we must follow where He leads. According to Numbers 33, there were thirty one such movements after they left Sinai, during the 38 years or so of their journeyings.  No longer do we have the visible cloud directing us, but we have the Spirit within, speaking within us, leading, guiding, protecting, preparing us for glory.  We are not here to nestle down in the comforts of this world but are travelling to a greater land which He has prepared.  The Spirit of Christ leads us, He is with us all the way and all the days.  He even sends His angels from the throne to help us when needed, according to Hebrews 1v14.  The angels who surround the throne are all "ministering spirits sent forth to serve them who shall be heirs of salvation".  A big subject, but real for every child of God.   

The New Testament enjoins us to "Walk in the Spirit...be led of the Spirit...live in the Spirit...and produce the fruit of the Spirit", all in Galatians 5.  This is not some mysterious possession of a few eccentrics. this is real Christian living for all of us, and makes the journey so much easier.

Christ in all the scriptures Christ our Passover

 Christ in all the scriptures

Christ our Passover   Numbers 9v1-14

"Let the children of Israel also keep the Passover at his appointed season"-Numbers 9v2

The Lord instituted a memorial of this all important celebration on the specific date- namely, the fourteenth day of the first month of every year.  They were never to forget their deliverance from bondage in Egypt, and, annually to engage a memorial service.  This was commanded in Exodus 12 at the beginning-"It is a night much to be observed unto the Lord for bringing them out from the land of Egypt: this is that night to be observed of all the children of Israel in their generations"-Ex. 12v42.  This is a profound verse in Exodus, and marks a critical point in their history that was to be remembered in every generation.  In the same way, Jesus instituted a memorial for Christians, called the "breaking of bread" (Acts 2v42; 20v7)-and a weekly remembrance was the practice ("the first of every week").    Jesus said to the apostles in the upper room, "This do in remembrance of me..."-Luke 22v19; Paul to the Corinthians in chapter 11v24-25.  God never wants us to forget this memorial, as it involves the One so precious to Him.  He makes exceptions, but in general those who refused to observe this were to be excommunicate (Numbers 9v13).   Christians today should observe the weekly Lord's Supper in whatever way they can.  Those who cannot for whatever reason join with a company can find one other person with whom to share it. (remember He said, "Where two or three are gathered together in my name, there am I in the midst of them"-Matthew 18v20).  Those who missed it for reasons of uncleanness, or if they were on a journey, were allowed to observe it one month later.  Even the strangers who sojourned among them (who were forbidden to participate in Exodus 12) were allowed to do so in Numbers 9.  Presumably this was because that their continued presence with them demonstrated their reality.  The Lord is very gracious and He wants all who are able to partake of the Passover. We consider the deep issues involved:

 The Passover, one of the most fundamental topics in scripture, central to everything in connection with the people of God.  It became the first of the seven set feasts in Israel's calendar (Leviticus 23); it was also the first of three mandatory feasts to be held each year (Exodus 23v14-15 and Deuteronomy 16v16); it was the first festival to be held on entering the promised land (Exodus 12v24-27 and Joshua 5v10-11).  It is also central to the Christian faith today.  Paul, writing to the Corinthian church, said,

 "Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us"-1 Cor. 5v7.  

The link is further enhanced by the fact that Christ Himself instituted the memorial feast for Christians at the Passover meal-Luke 22v7-20. Matthew 26v17-29.  The importance of the Passover to both Judaism and Christianity is thus established.  It is, therefore, necessary to observe each and every detail for such a cardinal aspect of both.  We can profit by tabulating each step in the chapter.

This is an institution by God.  It is not of man, even of good men, either by concept or design; it is entirely of God, and should not be altered in any way by man.  Exodus 12v1 "And the Lord spake unto Moses and Aaron in the land of Egypt, saying...".  It was the Lord, (Jehovah-the ever existing one) who designed and demanded it.  This observation is important for the fact of it is repeated in both testaments.  "It is the Lord's Passover"-v11;  "It is the sacrifice of the Lord's Passover-v27; "In the fourteenth day of the first month at even is the Lord's Passover"-Leviticus 23v5.  The same emphasis is placed on the New Testament equivalent, where the Christian memorial is stated as "the Lord's Table"-1st Cor. 10v21; and the Lord's Supper-1st Cor. 11v20.

The Passover represents a NEW BEGINNING.       "This month shall be unto you the beginning of months: it shall be the first month of the year to you"-refer 13v4, 23v15, 34v18, Deuteronomy 16v1,where it is called the month Abib.   The term Abib refers to the time of year when the young shoots of corn begin to appear.  In Nehemiah and Esther it is called Nisan, the Assyrian translation which means the month of flowers, or the month of spring.  At the Passover, God changed the 7th month of the civic calendar to be the first month of the religious calendar, and so the Passover feast was instituted as an entirely new beginning.  This is of courser mirrored in the Christian faith, where entrance into Christianity is described as being "born again", and the doctrine of all things new is developed: 2nd Cor. 5v17, "a new creation"; Eph. 2v15 and 4v24 "a new man".  Jesus spoke of new wine; Hebrews refers to the new covenant, and the new and living way.  All Christians are described as newborn babes, in which their lives have taken on a new destiny and a new character in the image of God.  The importance of the Passover is enshrined in this new beginning that would radically change Israel's relationship to God, and, ultimately the believing Gentile world. 

The Passover applies to all the congregation of Israel.     "Speak ye unto all the congregation of Israel. saying, in the tenth day of this month they shall take to them every man a lamb, according to the house of their fathers, a lamb for an house."  

This is the first occurrence of "the congregation of Israel"-sometimes, "the congregation of the Lord".   It becomes a regular reference to the sum total of God's redeemed people.  No less than 149 times in 140 verses of Hebrew scriptures is this phrase cited.  It refers to a gathered company, and proclaims God's view of His people in totality, He sees them as a corporate group, yet consisting of many individuals and households.  This is clear from the ensuing verses.  Each household had to choose a lamb of sacrifice; this would amount to thousands of lambs, yet, when the sacrifice was made it was declared "the whole congregation shall kill it in the evening".  Multiple homes sacrificing, yet ONE LAMB slain.  This concept is repeated in the Church in 1st Corinthians 10v17, where the Christian memorial takes place locally, yet it is declared to be the function of the corporate body the Church-"We being many are ONE BREAD, and ONE BODY: for we are all partakers of that one bread.  We must not become parochial in our thinking, for when we gather for this purpose locally we are sharing communion with the corporate body, the Church.  There is a progressive teaching of the slain lamb in scripture-Genesis 22, a lamb for the individual; Exodus 12, a lamb for an house; Leviticus 16, a lamb for the nation; John 1, a lamb for the world.  The worth of the lamb is thus proclaimed in its efficacy for human sin.

Specification for the lamb  

"Your lamb shall be without blemish, a male of the first year; ye shall take it out from the sheep or from the goats."  The offering for sin must be without sin.  A holy God requires a perfect sacrifice.  Without blemish is without defect; the N/T adds "without spot"- 1st Peter 1v19.  Blemish may be external marking, discolouration, or other defect.  Spot may be an indication of internal disease.  The substitute offering must be free from all evidence of defects.  Of Jesus, the lamb of God, it was said He was "Holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners"-Heb. 7v26; and that He offered Himself without spot to God"-Heb. 9v14.  This aspect of His offering is so crucial, for without a spotless sacrifice there is no redemption.  Not a stain upon His soul, not a defect; whether from demons or men or God, the pronouncement was the same; from demons "the holy one of God"; from the judiciary of men "I find no fault in Him"; from God "My beloved Son in whom I am well pleased".  In thought, in word, in deed, He was faultless, unblemished, sinless. 

The type that points to Christ must fit perfectly.  It must be a male of the first year, Christ was a man.  It must be of the first year, that is in the full strength and vigour of youth-this was no offering of waning power or vitality.  Interestingly enough, the major title for Christ in the book of Revelation is the Young Lamb, occurring 28 times.  It was in the full vigour of youthful dedication that He offered Himself to God.  God allowed the offering to be taken from the sheep or the goats, for not everyone would have access to lambs.

Instructions to the worshippers

Take it from the sheep or the goats on the 10th day of the month.  God is concerned with timing, and the accuracy of this is awesome!  Written more than 1500 years before the event it was fulfilled to the very day.  Scholars tell us it can be verified that Christ entered Jerusalem on the 10th of Nisan, and was slain on the 14th Nisan.  God presented Him for inspection on the day predicted.  This ought to cause us to worship for the wonder of this; only God could make this happen as He foretold in Exodus.

Keep it from the 10th to the 14th day.  Again, scholars tell us that from the time Jesus entered Jerusalem, until He was crucified, He was subjected to the most intense scrutiny, more than He had ever been in life.  The Scribes, the Pharisees, the Sanhedrim, the Sadducees, the Priests, the Herodians, the Romans, all scrutinised Him, and could make no charge against Him that would stand.  A study of the gospels reveal the level of testing during these four days.  Jesus had largely avoided Jerusalem in His public ministry for His time had not yet come, but now the Divine clock compelled Him to move among them at close quarters.   They stalked Him, and confronted Him in the streets, in the temple, in houses; they mocked Him insulted Him, but He was beyond reproach.  This was, indeed, the Lamb without blemish ready for sacrifice.  He was tested, legally, and religiously, and socially and politically, but He remained what He ever was, the perfect Lamb of God's choosing.

Kill it between the evenings.    A perfect live person, sinless and irreproachable, cannot save us, He could only condemn us.  He must die, His blood must be shed, if sinful man is to be saved.  In the history of the bible, millions of sacrifices have been made, and rivers of blood have flowed, all pointing to the Lamb of God that must die for the sin of the world.  From the beginning it has been declared that the way back to God was only on the basis of the death of a worthy substitute.  The Lamb of God is not a role model to teach us how to live; He is a substitute who must die, and only in His death are we saved.  It is to be killed "between the evenings"-R.V.- that is during the day of the fourteenth of the month, thus underlining the accuracy of the prediction.  Jesus was crucified and died on the day of the 14th.  Preparation for the Passover, and Participation of the Passover took place in the evenings, immediately before and after the day of His death.

Strike it   The blood of sacrifice had to be applied to each individual household.  The context was that the judgment of God would pass through Egypt to slay the firstborn of every household of man and beast, not covered by the blood.  The declaration of God was "When I see the blood, I will pass over you"-Exodus 12v13, "And the blood shall be to you for a token upon the houses where ye are...".  Preservation from the avenging angel was only through the blood.  This was no mere ritual, this was a matter of life and death.  There are two expressions in the New Testament, "the shedding of blood", and "the sprinkling of blood".  The former is to satisfy the demands of God; the latter is the personal application to the individual.  The precious blood of Christ has been shed, to the eternal satisfaction of God.  Have I applied it to myself, without which, the wrath of God abides over me?  This 3500 year old ritual is relevant to every living being today.  This demands the attention of all, the obedience of all, the humility of all to accept God's terms.

Eat it    Just as the food that we eat becomes part of our bodies, so the intake of the sacrifice of Christ for us becomes food for our souls.  We are not only saved by Him, we are sustained in Him.  That which symbolises Christ, for us becomes our food.  The Passover is Christ in His death; the Manna is Christ in His life; the Old Corn of the land is Christ in His resurrection.  All three become the food of the believer.  For Israel this new life began with the Passover meal, for us today it begins with our conversion.  We can now understand the instructions for eating.  "Eat not of it raw, nor sodden at all with water, but roast with fire, his head and his legs with the purtenance thereof."  The death of Christ is presented as intense suffering, and it is in that way we are to think of it.  The whole lamb is to be roast with fire, the head-His mind; the legs, His walk; the purtenance (inwards), His inner motivations.  All these are to occupy as we "eat the Passover", the biblical equivalent of worship.  We feed on His mind, His walk, and His emotions, until He becomes part of us.  They ate the roast lamb with bitter herbs, and so we measure, as we eat, the extremity of His anguish in all these aspects, as we recall the cost of our redemption.  They ate it in haste, with shoes on their feet, and their loins girt.  Association with God in the death of the lamb. demanded separation from idolatrous Egypt.  They were to journey three days (complete separation) into the wilderness to worship God.  The Passover Lamb separates us from the world and reconciles us to God.

Christ in all the scriptures Principles of service

Christ in all the scriptures

Principles of service    Numbers 8

In chapter 8 we move from the external to the internal; from the public display of worship to the inward man before the Lord.  The scene begins in the Holy Place, and describes the key issues of service for God.  The chapter could be divided as follows:

Illumination  v1-4: Purification  v5-8: Identification  v9-15: Substitution  v16-18:  Dedication  v19-22:  Limitation v23-26.  Each of these are important features of Divine service and can be applied today.   Most of our lives are in private, where only God can see, and He looks for integrity in our service.  In Matthew 6 our Lord emphasised the need for reality in service, and spiritual exercise was to be before the Father, and not for the praise of men-6v3-4; 6v6; 6v16-18.  Divine service is not for show but for the Lord. This is underlined in the chapter before us.

Illumination  8v1-4   There seems no connection between v1-4 and the rest of the chapter.  However, on reflection these first few verses sum up the whole character of Divine service.  We are brought to the golden lampstand illuminated by the burning oil in plentiful supply.  Everything in the Holy place was illuminated by the brightness of the lampstand, but the main purpose of the lamps was to enhance the beauty of the lampstand-"...the seven lamps shall give light over against the lampstand"-8v2. The lamps were strategically placed to give light upon the golden lampstand.  Spiritually speaking, the Holy Spirit illuminates the beauties of Christ.  The excellence, the beauties of Christ, is to mark all our service for God.  Consider this lampstand, symbolic as it is of Christ.

It was made of pure gold, other vessels were gold plated but the lampstand was pure gold.  There are no dimensions given, speaking of the infinite nature of His Godhood.  He is very God of very God, yet He is eternally united to us, as seen in the six branches all one with the central stem.  The lampstand was fashioned out of one talent of pure gold, and beaten into intricate shape by skilful hands.  This speaks of the sufferings of Christ, experienced also by His people to bring this incredible and unique union into being.  Because He suffered, we will also suffer the contradiction and abuse of men-John 15v18-19;16v1-3 and 16v33.  As the lamps illuminate the glorious lampstand, we see no less than 66 golden ornamentations of crafted excellence in the whole.  A series of three bowls, knops (buds), and flowers in each of the six branches, making 54 in all.  In the central stem there are four such patterns, making a total of12.  Together they add to 66 individual symbols on the whole.  It is no coincidence that the bible is put together with 66 books.  Psalm 119v105 records, "Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path".  Thus the symbolism is of the lampstand as God's word with 66 books making up the whole library.  What is the essence of these 66 books, but a revelation of Christ, according to Luke 24v27 and44; also John 5v39.  Who penned the holy scriptures, but the Holy Spirit, who in every book extols the beauties of Christ, just as the olive oil illuminated the lampstand!  The word of God in its entirety, and the Holy Spirit's inspiration, proclaiming the wonders of Christ.  This is vital for all service, we represent one so glorious, that our understanding of bit should develop and mark every aspect of our service to God,

Purification  8v5-8  It is obvious that such service requires cleanliness of living and operation.  The One whom we serve is without sin, He did no sin, He knew no sin, in Him was no sin.  The bible is emphatic on the sinlessness of Christ.  We will never be sinless this side of eternity but we must be cleansed, and maintain that cleanliness as we serve Him.  We have the resources and we must use them, so that we are pure in the service of God.  The Levites were to be clean from all contamination, "And thus shalt thou do unto them, to cleanse them: sprinkle water of purifying upon them, and let them shave all their flesh, and let them wash their clothes, and so make them clean".   The New Testament parallel is in 2nd Cor. 7v1 and 1st John 1v7-9.  Confession of sin, when it arises, that is stating the sin and agreeing with God's estimate of it, allows the cleansing of the soul by the power of the blood of Christ to purify us to continue in service.  This is a personal exercise that we must engage in Divine service.  The prophet Isaiah wrote, "Be ye clean that bear the vessels of the Lord"-Isaiah 52v11.  This needs attention among us so urgently.

Identification  8v9-15  This is the laying on of hands perspective, that those who engage in a particular work should be recognised as such, and given every help in their ministry whatever form it takes.  This just goes to mutual respect among the saints of God.  The laying on of hands is a means of identification on a person by another (usually an older person).  Jacob blessed the sons of Joseph on his deathbed (Genesis 48v14).  The children of Israel laid their hands on the Levites to perform the service of the tabernacle (Numbers 8v10).  The apostles laid their hands on seven deacons to serve tables (Acts 6v6).  The church at Antioch laid their hands on Barnabas and Saul for their mission to the Gentiles.  The elders laid hands on Timothy as identification of his pastoral gift from God-1st Timothy 4v14.  Paul laid his hands on Timothy in impartation of his spiritual gift-(2nd Timothy 1v6). There is no mandate for any official, physical laying on of hands, but a simple acknowledgment of a person's work for the Lord is sufficient.  There is no doubt that gifted people can inspire spiritual exercise in others, though all gifts are from the Lord.

Substitution  8v16-18  This is a reminder that we are only of value to God in service because Christ became or substitute, He took our place before a holy God who was against us.  The Levites were a substitute for the firstborn on every family whom God had claimed as His own.  Peter wrote, "Christ also hath suffered for sins the Just for the unjust that He might bring us to God"-1st Peter 3v18.  Divine endowment on people can oftentimes produce an unwarranted conceit, unworthy of any believer.  If we remember we are utterly dependent on the goodness of God that drew us to Him, all such notions will disappear.

Dedication  8v16-22  Engagement in service of such honour and magnitude should be wholehearted.  the language of the verses promotes this thought; "they are wholly given to me from among the children of Israel"-v16; "And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons, from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children in the tabernacle of the congregation".  The Levites were wholly occupied with the service of the Lord to make atonement for them, and to avoid any plague upon them due to their causing displeasure to God.  They did not offer any sacrifices (that was the work of the priests) but they maintained purity in the camp in an advisory capacity.  There were over 22,000 of them, so the people knew they were there!  Those who keep a watch over God's people do a great service and prevent so much chastening.  There is no place for half heartedness in the service of God.

Limitation  The Levites commenced a five year apprenticeship for the task of Levitical service.  From 30 years old they commenced the work full time, but were expected to retire at 50.  This was due to the physical nature of the work, and God took account of their declining powers.  On retirement, according to the narrative they were expected to pass responsibility to younger men.  There is no corresponding New Testament equivalent, except those in service should recognise their limitations and encourage responsibility of the younger. 

Christ in all the scriptures Corporate worship

 Christ in all the scriptures

Corporate worship  Numbers 7

The chapter is a flashback to Exodus 40v17-36, when the tabernacle was erected to the specific commandments of the Lord; and to Leviticus 8v10/11 when it was anointed for Divine service.  What came in between was the sacrificial offerings and holy anointing in Leviticus.  Before they took any journey, or engaged in any war, they must learn the primary purpose of their salvation from bondage, which is to worship the Lord in the way He prescribed.  This order of presentation is important for we are called to worship as the principal function of our redeemed lives.  This is the corporate response of the princes of the tribes of Israel, to the mercy of God upon them, and there are many lessons we can learn from this today.

The bible is God's mind in print, and we should mark not only what He says, but also what He omits to say, and the context in which He says it!  In Exodus 40 the emphasis is on His authority as Moses obeyed every command of God.  In Leviticus 8, it is His sanctity as He dwells amongst His people.  Now, in Numbers 7, it is His beauty that draws the leaders in their offerings at the dedication of the tabernacle, and particularly the altar.  In all three portions, worship is the principal thought, and is the highest form of service to God.  The modern expression "Saved to serve" is o.k. if we understand serve as worship which it oftentimes means in scripture.  The New Testament underlines this principle as follows: Romans 15v16 "That I should be the minister of Jesus Christ to the Gentiles, ministering the gospel of God, that the offering up of the Gentiles might be acceptable, being sanctified by the Holy Ghost".   After many chapters of exposition of the gospel, Paul is saying that the purpose of it all is for the corporate worship of the Gentiles. 1st. Peter 2v5 "Ye also as living stones are built up a spiritual house to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ".  Old Testament offerings were material, the New Testament equivalent are spiritual.  Ephesians 5v19-20 "Speaking to yourselves in psalms, hymns, and spiritual songs, singing and making melody in your heart to the Lord; giving thanks always for all things unto God and the Father in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ".  Emphasis is on heart appreciation of the Lord.  Hebrews 13v15 "By Him let us offer the sacrifice of praise to God continually, that is the fruit of our lips giving thanks to His name".  Before anything else, gratitude to God in worship is priority in any community of God's people.

The threefold ascription of the hymn of praise in Ephesians 1v3-14 is to the Trinity: God the Father in election (v3-6) "to the praise of the glory of His grace"; God the Son in redemption (v7-12) "to the praise of His glory"; God the Spirit in sealing us as the Lord's (v13-14) "unto the praise of His glory".  This is the ultimate purpose of our salvation, and it is illustrated in these Old Testament scriptures.

We note some interesting aspects of corporate worship in these verses.

The leaders led the corporate worship  The response of the people came from the leaders, as it says "the princes of Israel, heads of the house of their fathers, who were the princes of the tribes, and were over them that were numbered".  As mentioned before, there was a structure in their congregation.  A similar structure is found in the Christian churches-Philippians 1v1, "...to all the saints in Christ Jesus which are at Philippi, with the bishops and deacons".  Over 12 consecutive days the 12 leaders of the tribes brought their offering for the dedication of the altar.  All this took place at Sinai commencing from the second day of the first month in the second year from leaving Egypt-refer Exodus 40v17.  According to Numbers 1v1, the duration of Leviticus and the instructions concerning the offerings, and practical holiness, was one month.  The people had supplied the raw materials for the construction (Exodus 25).  The leaders now offer the supplies for the dedication.

Each leader brought the same gifts to the Lord  This was a superb display of unity in worship, each one brought exactly the same.  First, Nahshon of Judah (v12); then Nethaneel of Issachar (v18); Eliab of Zebulon (v24); Elizur of Reuben (v30); Shelumiel of Simeon (v36); Eliasaph of Gad (v42); Elishama of Ephraim (v48); Gamaliel of Manasseh (v54); Abidan of Benjamin (v60); Ahiezer of Dan (v66); Pagiel of Asher (v72); Ahira of Naphtali (v78).  Day after day, for 12 consecutive days they came with the same offering to the Lord,  What is the message of the Holy Spirit in this?  You do not change perfection!  Unity in worship across all 12 tribes!  Note that the order in which they offered was the same order in which they journeyed through the foreign lands (refer Numbers 10v14-28).  Internal unity was displayed publicly!!  Didn't Jesus pray for the same in John 17v21 "That they all may be one, as thou Father art in me, and I in thee, that they also may be one in us, that the world may believe that thou hast sent me".  Notice the link between unity and credibility.  The Lord linked church unity to world evangelism.  Perhaps our disunity is the reason for our weak testimony.

Each gift is symbolic of Christ!  One silver charger (dish), one silver bowl-both of them filled with fine flour mingled with oil.  One golden spoon full of incense; one young bullock, one ram, one lamb of the first year for a burnt offering: one kid of the goats for a sin offering: two oxen, five rams five he goats, five lambs of the first year for peace offerings.  All of them point to Christ in His saving mission on earth.  We can go back in the studies to reflect the meaning of each.  God never tires to hear us extol the wonders of His Son on earth.  The silver of redemption, the fine flour of perfection in humanity, the oil of the Spirit who controlled His every move, the gold which speaks of deity in humanity, the incense that brought such fragrance to God, the animal sacrifices portraying the one sacrifice of Christ in its many aspects.  Day after day, for 12 days, the princes of Israel offered the perfections of Christ to God.  This is worship, this is what God wants from us; the wonder of that perfect life will never be exhausted (John 21v25).  Our old mentor, the late James Paton, friend of my late parents, and the man who officiated at our wedding (he was exceptional in prayer worship), he said, "when you have offered a thanksgiving on a Sunday, you start preparation for the next!"  As the hymn says, "Jesus thou art enough the mind and heart to fill...O fix our earnest gaze, so wholly Lord on Thee, that with thy beauty occupied, we elsewhere none may see".   Tracing the offerings and the instruments of the Old Testament in the four gospels is the work of a lifetime.

The offerings were valuable and each was recorded  They each contributed to the cost of one half wagon and one ox for transportation of the tabernacle.  The silver charger was 130 shekels according to the measure of the sanctuary; the silver bowl was 70 shekels; the golden spoon was 10 shekels; also animals for the burnt offering; a kid goat for the sin offering; animals for the peace offerings.  In total 21 animals per offering.  It would be impossible to estimate the value, enough to know that the material cost was considerable.  The total was counted after the twelfth day, being 12 times each individual offering.  The Spirit records everything which each tribe donated.  Heaven records everything that we do which exalts Christ and brings pleasure to the Father above.   

What we have is far better than anything this world can offer.  As Paul wrote to the Thessalonians "...ye turned to God from idols to serve the living and true God; and to wait for His Son from heaven"-1st Thessalonians 1v9-10.  Note, they did not turn from idols, they turned to God...from idols!  They with us found One so much better than the fiction of the world in the present, and the future is glorious! 

When Moses erected the tabernacle, he was unable to approach the sanctuary for the glory of the cloud that filled it (Exodus 40v35).  After the offering of the twelve princes, which so delighted the Lord, Moses spoke with God face to face at the mercy seat (Numbers 7v89).  In this we have been given the secret of Divine nearness and blessing, when we are prepared to follow His way instead of our own.  As He said through the prophet Malachi in 3v10, "Bring ye all the tithes and offerings into the storehouse, that there may be meat in my house, and prove me now herewith , saith the Lord of hosts, if I will not open the windows of heaven, and pour you out a blessing, that there shall not be room enough to receive it".   

Christ in all the scriptures Separation

 Christ in all the scriptures

Separation  Numbers 6

"Speak unto the children of Israel, and say unto them, when either man or woman shall separate themselves to vow a vow of a Nazarite, to separate themselves unto the Lord"-Numbers 1v2.

There need be no confusion between the terms "Nazarene" relating to Jesus' earthly home, and "Nazarite" which refers to the singular devotion of some within Judaism.  Jesus was not a Nazarite in the ceremonial sense, for He did drink of the fruit of the vine, and He touched at least one dead body, and He touched a leper which would make Him ceremonially unclean.  Modern pictures of Him with uncut hair are imaginary, and so from a purely practical point of view He was not a Nazarite.  However, in the course of this study we shall find that in the moral and spiritual sense He was indeed a Nazarite in His total life devotion to God.

The chapter abounds with the concept of "separation unto the Lord", which is the meaning of the term Nazarite.  The Hebrew word Nazir means those who are separate, apart, different.  This separation on the part of some (whether of man or woman) was not an attempt to be awkward, but was in fact a unique separation to the Lord by means of symbolic personal denials.  This much is clear throughout the chapter...6v2 "...to separate themselves unto the Lord"; see also 6v3v4v5v6v8v12v13v18v21.  The Nazarite was a kind of ascetic among the Hebrews.  This was not a demand on everyone, but it was the voluntary exercise of a few, which was appreciated by the Lord.  The word is used in Genesis 49v26 of Joseph who was separate (nazir) from his brethren; also in Leviticus 25v5 and v11of an undressed (nazir) vine in the year of Jubilee.  Samson, the strong man in Israel was a Nazarite-Judges 13v5v7 and 16v17.  There were Nazarites in Jerusalem described by the Lord as "purer than snow, whiter than milk, more ruddy than rubies"-Lamentations 4v7.  In Amos 2v11 the Lord said "I raised up of your sons for prophets, and your young men for Nazarites"-The Nazarites were held by the Lord in the same regard as prophets.  The Apostle Paul took the vow of a Nazarite it is thought from his comments in Acts 18v18.  He did this to appeal to the Jews with the gospel.  There were four men in Jerusalem when Paul was there, shortly before his arrest in Acts 21v21 and 24 who were practising Nazarites.  It was a very special symbolic devotion to the Lord.

This involved abstinence in three areas, all of which were legitimate practices.  We are not talking here of abstinence from sinful practices, but from perfectly normal things.  It was quite in order for the Israelite to enjoy the fruit of the vine; for a man to cut his hair and trim his beard, or a woman to grow her hair long which is her glory.  It would be normal practice if a family member died for them to embalm the body for burial.  The Nazarite vow was to separate from even the legitimate things in life to focus solely upon the Lord.  Attempts have been made to apply these things to the present day, mostly without profit.  The best modern application, if any one wants to separate themselves to the Lord, is to deny themselves something legitimate in their life to devote more to the Lord.  Only the individual can decide that, it is a personal vow to the Lord.  Beyond that is to claim lordship over another person's conscience, of which we suffer too much these days; so-called leaders and teachers seeking to impose their will on the rest of us.  The business of making a vow to the Lord is foreign to our western thinking, but it may be worthwhile the effort as anything that improves our devotion to God is a delight to Him.

There are a couple of cases in point in scripture: Peter told Ananias and Sapphira that they had no need to sell their land, which the Lord had given them.  They sinned by lying about the distribution of the proceeds (Acts 5); Paul had a right to get married as an apostle, but he chose not to for reasons of personal devotion.   As in the chapter before us, having made a vow to the Lord, He will have a say in how it should be enacted, and also state what must be done if the vow is broken.  We have, of course, the perfect example of One who was totally devoted to God in life, our Lord Jesus Christ.

Hebrews 7v26, "For such an high priest became us, who is holy, harmless, undefiled, separate from sinners, and made higher than the heavens".  This is the Impeccability of Christ, He was sinless in every aspect of His life.  He was holy (Godward), harmless (manward), undefiled (self-ward).  He came in "the likeness of sinful flesh", but He was sinless, He was separate from sinners.  The life that He lived was free from any taint of sin, of thought or deed or attitude.  In addition to that He gave up legitimate things in devotion to God.  He was born in another man's stable, He gave up the right to own a home in His service for God.  He had no form of travel yet He journeyed hundreds of miles.  He owned no money or possessions.  He sailed in another man's boat.  He rode into Jerusalem on a borrowed colt of an ass  He instituted His memorial supper in the upper room of another.  He was buried in a borrowed tomb.  All this to appeal to the poorest of people in devotion to His God.  The phrase "He gave Himself" describes it perfectly: He gave of His time, His energy, His thoughts, His powers to the needs of others.  He gave up what was legitimately His in devotion to God for our salvation.

We are all called to separation from sin and self, and from a world system that is anti-God. The word "church", to which all believers belong, is ekklesia which means the called out ones, those who are separated, apart from all that is evil.  There are those among us who make special vows in life to deny themselves even things are are legitimate, and God appreciates their devotion.

The chapter ends with the Lord's blessing on all Israel-6v24-26 "The Lord bless thee and keep thee: the Lord make His face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: the Lord lift up His countenance upon thee and give thee peace".  This is a general blessing to all, and it would be particularly relevant to the Nazarites.  Whatever loss we occur in time is more than compensated by His nearness now, and will be rewarded richly in eternity.  

Christ in all the scriptures Cleansing the congregation

 Christ in all the scriptures

Cleansing the congregation   Numbers 5

"For I am the Lord your God: ye shall therefore sanctify yourselves, and ye shall be holy; for I am holy"-Leviticus 11v44; "As it is written, be ye holy, for I am holy"-1st Peter 1v16; "Holiness becometh thine house, O Lord, forever"-Psalm 93v5.  

Redeemed Israel, in association with God, require to maintain holiness.  This necessitates measures of cleansing from time to time.  Jesus made it clear to His disciples, that association with Him meant they were "clean every whit"-John 13.  However, defilement by the way required cleansing.  God is holy, that is He is perfect in every way, and demands His people strive to that standard.  The excuse of the day is that no one is perfect, no church is perfect.  This is just an excuse for continuing in imperfection, an attitude that is foreign to holy scripture-refer Ephesians 4v13; 2nd Corinthians 7v1.  The Shekinah cloud that rested on the tabernacle symbolised the presence of God in the camp, producing reverential fear among the people.

The redeemed people of God today, have no such visible presence, but we are assured that God is among us.  Our bodies are said to be the temple of God, with the Holy Spirit dwelling within us (1st Cor. 6v19-20); our churches are said to be the temple of God (1st Cor. 3v17); the global church, the body of Christ is the temple of God (Ephesians 2v21-22). We are cleansed by the blood of Christ, but in practice we have to maintain that as far as is possible.  God no more condones sin among His people, than He does in the world.  He will judge the world in the future, He judges His people in the present.

There are three actions to be taken if sin defiles the camp:

V1-4 Ceremonial uncleanness   All three examples are such that the contagious nature of their condition can affect the whole congregation.  Answer EXCOMMUNICATION.

"Put out of the camp every leper, and every one that hath an issue (bodily discharge), and whosoever is defiled by the dead"-5v2.

Those in this condition were to be put out of the camp, no doubt to dwell for a time apart from the main body.  This excommunication was until time elapsed, in the case of touching the dead, or a cure was found for the condition.  Sadly no leper was cured in Israel until the time of Jesus.  Examples exist in the New Testament for this extreme discipline as in 1st Corinthians 5.  Note there, that the judgment was pronounced "...in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ"-1st Cor. 5v4.  He will not permit individuals to gather with Him who are indulging in fornication, or covetous behaviour, or extortion, or drunkenness, or idolatry, or railing false accusation.  He will not have His name associated with this behaviour.  This is a temporary measure pending repentance.

V5-10 Social uncleanness  This involves unjust dealings between individuals.  Answer CONFESSION and RESTITUTION.

"When a man or woman shall commit any sin, that men commit, to do a trespass against the Lord, and that person be guilty; then they shall confess their sin which they have done: and he shall recompense his trespass with the principal thereof, and add unto it the fifth part thereof, and give it to him against whom he hath trespassed"-5v6-7.

No doubt a financial transaction that has gone wrong and a person has been defrauded.  Note the sin is against a person but it is a trespass against the Lord.  All sin is against the Lord-refer Psalm 51, where David acknowledged that his sin which had affected so many including himself, was, in the first instance against the Lord.  Confession is to be made to the individual and restitution made plus compensation to remedy the situation.  We dare not sweep matters "under the carpet", for all are known to God.  Remember there was no carpet in the floor of the tabernacle!  Reverence to the Lord suggests we put matters right between us, the Lord is among us.  "If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins, and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness"-1st John1v9; "He that covereth his sins shall not prosper: but whoso confesseth and forsaketh them shall obtain mercy"-Proverbs 28v13.  Attention needs to be given to this in association with the Lord.

V11-31 Domestic uncleanness  This comes closer, the sacred relationship between a man and his wife.  This is the ultimate tragedy, the breakdown of the marital home.  The sacred bond that is a marriage reflects the eternal union of Christ and the church.  

"If any man's wife go aside, and commit a trespass against him, and a man lie with her carnally, and it be hid from the eyes of her husband, and be kept close, and she be defiled, and there be no witness against her..."-5v12-13.

The sin of adultery is heinous in the sight of God.  In Malachi 2v14 He describes it as "treachery against the wife of thy youth", your closest companion on earth, and the one to whom you vowed faithfulness for better or worse.  He likens it to the treachery of Judah and Israel who sought after other gods.  In this case the woman wilfully sought out another man, and an opportunity where neither her husband nor anyone else knew.  This would be extremely difficult in the close knit dwellings of Israel.  If, in the course of time, the husband suspected, the spirit of jealousy would arise (a very normal and legitimate reaction).  This matter had to be dealt with, as it was known to God, and only God could fix it.  An investigation took place between the couple and a priest, when a Divine test was enacted, something similar to a modern lie detector test.  If no resolution was found the Lord instructed the priest to make up a drink potion which (miraculously) revealed the truth as the Lord either withheld judgment or imposed it, the result would be evident in the woman's health.  This is just Old Testament rhetoric for the Lord to judge or to withhold judgment.  The point is that everyone was aware of the truth.  If not guilty the matter was settled, if guilty the consequences were permanent.  Application to present day church life is difficult; enough to say that the Lord abhors such behaviour and there will be discipline.

The marriage of a man and a woman is a most sacred union as it reflects the union of Christ and the church-Ephesians 5v25-32.

All this goes to Peter's warning in 1st Peter 4v17, "For the time is come that judgment must begin at the house of God: and if it first begin at us, what shall be the end of them that obey not the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ?"

Those who fail to act when sin of any form inflicts the congregation invite the displeasure of God, who must act to preserve His holy name.

Christ in all the scriptures Strangers and Pilgrims

 Christ in all the scriptures

Numbers 4

The early chapters of Numbers are preparatory to equip Israel for their role in the world.  All this takes place at Sinai before they move on to the promised land.

Chapters 1-2  Preparation for warfare: chapter 3 Preparation for worship: now in chapter 4 Preparation for witness.  These are the three cardinal functions of the people of God.  Our warfare is spiritual, our worship is spiritual, and our witness is spiritual.  Thus far the tabernacle has been in construction and has been erected in the wilderness of Sinai.  Now the issue is the dismantling of the same for the purpose of journeying.  God now directs the dismantling of the tabernacle with the same precision He directed the construction and erection.  We understand the Tabernacle best if we see it as figurative of the person of Christ.

The Tabernacle is Jesus Christ incarnate-John 1v14, "And the word became flesh and dwelt (tabernacled) among us...".  Every vessel, every covering, every hanging, every utensil, speaks of Him.  The Psalmist uttered in 29v9 "...in His temple every whit utters His glory" (RSV margin).  The only temple that existed when David wrote that was the tabernacle, so the application is confirmed.  The erected Tabernacle symbolises the worship of God's people; the dismantled Tabernacle symbolises the witness of God's people on the wilderness journey.  Each piece of furniture, each fabric, each part of the framework was suitably covered and secured for the many journeys they would take.  If we consult chapter 33 at this point, we learn, as they stood at the borders of the promised land, that they moved from one place to another more than 30 times in almost 40 years!  Each time the tabernacle was dismantled and erected in a new place, and the procedure was always the same.  Each time they were strangers in the places of encampment, and pilgrims on a journey to a new land.  Their very existence, their structure and order, was a testimony of God to all around.  The priests covered and secured each portion for travelling, and the Levites carried them on the journeys.  The Kohathites bearing the sacred vessels on their shoulders using staves; the Gershonites and the Merarites transported the fabrics and the framework by carts.  In the New Testament there are only priests, and every believer is a priest by spiritual birth.

This is the teaching of 1st Peter 2v5-9, where we are said to be an "holy priesthood to offer up spiritual sacrifices acceptable to God through Jesus Christ" (this is our worship); then again we are "a royal priesthood to shew forth the virtues-excellencies-of Him who has called us out of darkness into His marvellous light" (this is our witness).  We enter the sanctuary in worship, we go forth into the world to witness.  Our witness is not merely a form of words, but transformed lives demonstrating the excellencies of our Saviour.  The individual components of this tabernacle, dismantled and secured, portray different aspects of the virtues of Christ.  When our Lord departed this earth in sight of His disciples, He did not say "Ye shall be witness unto me", He said "Ye shall be witnesses unto me"-our entire lives are a witness to Him in a fallen world.  Wherever we go, in our attitude, our demeanour, our actions, whether by life or lip, we bear witness to Christ.  We are an holy priesthood, we are also a royal priesthood, and royalty suggests nobility, and dignity in all that we do. 

Just as Israel journeyed through a desert, so the people of God move through this wilderness world bearing the sacred testimony of Christ.  The world cannot see Him, they only see us, His people, and their understanding of Him is what they see in us.  The word "show forth" is the Greek exangello which means to publish, to display, to celebrate.  A similar word occurs in 1st Corinthians 11v26 in connection with the Lord's Supper, "...ye do show the Lord's death until He come".  There the word is katangello which means to declare in words, to proclaim.  The word in 1st Peter is a display in more than words, rather an example, a model of the excellencies of Christ whom we represent.  In action, in attitude, in demeanour, we depict to all the virtues of Jesus Christ-herein is the royalty of our priesthood.  The world may challenge our words, but should behold our works.  They cannot see Him, but they see of Him in us.  As we carry the sacred vessels on our journey, they will see the covering of blue, around the Ark of testimony, and the Table of Shewbread, and the Lampstand, and the Golden Altar.  It is the colour of heaven.  He is heaven come down to earth, and we are His heavenly people displaying heavenly character.  They will see the purple covering on the Brazen Altar, reminding them that the one who was sacrificed is no less than the King of kings and Lord of lords.

Paul wrote to the Corinthians the following: "Ye are our epistle written in our hearts, known and read of all men: forasmuch as ye are manifestly declared to be the epistle of Christ ministered by us, written not with ink, but with the Spirit of the living God, not in tables of stone, but in the fleshy tables of the heart"-2nd Cor. 3v2-3.  We are, on our spiritual journey, declaring the person of our Saviour by the lives that we live.  An anonymous poem written years ago sums the thought up perfectly:  The Gospel according to you!

"The Gospels of Matthew, Mark, Luke, and John

Are read by more than a few

But the one that is most read and commented on

Is the gospel according to you.

You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day

By the things that you do and the words that you say

Men read what you write, whether faithless or true

Say what is the gospel according to you?

Do men read His truth and His love in your life

Or has yours been too full of malice and strife?

Does your life speak of evil, or does it ring true

Say what is the gospel according to you?

In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus uttered this unforgettable challenge to His disciples:

"LET YOUT LIGHT SO SHINE BEFORE MEN, THAT THEY MAY SEE YOUR GOOD WORKS, AND GLORIFY YOUR FATHER WHICH IS IN HEAVEN"-Matthew 5v16.

Christ in all the scriptures The Divine Census

 Christ in all the scriptures

"The truth shall make you free!"

                                    Bless your own word of truth, dear Lord to me                                                                             As when you blessed the bread by Galilee                                                                                     Then shall all bondage cease, all fetters fall                                            And I shall find my peace my All in all

Just a reminder that these studies are based on the soul releasing scriptures of truth.  May we all be blessed in the consideration of them.

The Divine Census   The book of Numbers

The book of Numbers is, as it suggests, a record of the Divine numbering of His people.  We will first log the meticulous detail, and then observe the principles behind all this, as it reveals the character of our God.

Numbering for warfare   Chapters 1-2  Numbered from 20 years old and upward.  

Reuben  46,500; Simeon  59,700; Gad  45,650; Judah  74,600; Issachar 54, 400; Zebulun  57,400; Ephraim  40,500; Manasseh  32,200; Benjamin  35,400; Dan  62,700; Asher  41,500; Naphtali  53,400.   Grand total able to go to war 603,550!

Numbering for worship   Chapters 3-4 (The tribe of Levi)  Numbered from one month old and upward.

Gershon  7,500; Kohath  8,600; Merari  6,200   Grand total 22,300.  Of those fit to perform service, being 30 years old up to 50 years old and the numbers are as follows: Gershon  2,630; Kohath  2,750; Merari  3,200.  Grand total 8,580 in active service in the tabernacle.

We might well ask, why is God so particular to number all these people?  There are many reasons, some which we can offer here:

God wants His people to be engaged in His work under His watchful eye.                              God knows who they all are individually, since every one is counted.                                      God knows where they all are at any point in time.                                                                    God's plans for them was generational and provision extended beyond their own lifetime.      God's discipline on individuals was for the greater good.                                                          God's reputation was to be manifested through them to the nations around.                              God's presence with them at all times was understood by all.                                                    God was just and merciful in all His dealings without respect of persons.

This was an impressive sight by any standards that instilled fear among the ungodly.

The trend continues in the New Testament in the creation of the Church, particularly in Acts where the constant theme is addition and multiplication: such was the swift growth and remarkable life changing power, it brought reverential fear to all around.

Acts 1v15  "The number of names together were about 120.                                                     Acts 2v41 "Then they that gladly received His word were baptized and the same day there were added unto them about 3000 souls".                                                                                   Acts 4v4 "Howbeit many of them which heard the word believed and the number of the men was about 5000".                                                                                                                 Acts 5v14 "And believers were the more added to the Lord, multitudes both of men and women".                                                                                                                                       Acts 6v7 "And the word of God increased; and the number of the disciples multiplied in Jerusalem greatly; and a great company of priests were obedient to the faith".                         Acts 9v31 "Then had the churches rest throughout all Judea and Galilee and Samaria, and were edified; and walking in the fear of the Lord, and in the comfort of the Holy Ghost, were multiplied".                                                                                                                         Acts 11v21-24 "And the hand of the Lord was with them: and a great number believed, and turned to the Lord...for he (Barnabas) was a good man and full of the Holy Ghost, and much people was added to the Lord".                                                                                                   Acts 16v5 "And so were the churches established in the faith and increased in numbers daily".                                                                                                                                          Acts 19v20 "So mightily grew the word of God and prevailed".

Within 30 years they had evangelised and established and edified many people in the habitable world.  Today we hear more of division and subtraction, but our God is greater than our failure.  Even the lethargy of the present Church will not deter Him for we read of His numbering beyond this present age:

Revelation 7v4 (when God seals His servants during the period of tribulation), "And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed 144,000 of all the tribes of the children of Israel".  Supposedly in the minds of infidels, most of the tribes of Israel are lost!  Not a bit of it...Judah 12,000; Reuben 12.000; Gad 12,000; Asher 12,000; Naphtali 12,000; Manasseh 12,000; Simeon 12,000; Levi 12,000; Issachar 12,000; Zebulun 12,000; Joseph 12,000; Benjamin 12,000.  This doesn't say what the world is saying, that God is defeated, that faith is misplaced!!  And there's more...

Revelation 7v9-10 "After this I beheld. and lo, a great multitude, which no man could number, of all nations and kindreds, and people, and tongues, stood before the throne, and before the Lamb, clothed with white robes, and palms in their hands; and cried, saying, salvation to our God which sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb."   This is the result of restored Israel finally fulfilling their calling, and reaping the great harvest of souls under God.  This is global evangelism and the triumph of grace, and it is yet future!  Not the opposition of demons, nor the cynicism of men, will prevent this worldwide blessing to come.

In Revelation 5v11 the combined gathering of angels of heaven, and redeemed from earth, around the throne of God is described as "ten thousand times ten thousand and thousands of thousands".  On the surface this number sounds vast if we attempt to calculate it with our system of mathematics.  Scholars tell us that in Hebrew terminology (and it is agreed that In Revelation John was using Hebrew symbolism), ten thousand is the highest number possible.  In other words this number is incalculable, it is ten thousand (or any higher number) times ten thousand (or any higher number) and in your calculation count thousand as 1000 times 1000's: in other words innumerable as stated in Hebrews 12v22-23.

God started with one man, Abraham, called from idolatry, and the end result will be myriads and myriads of unfallen angels, and redeemed human beings around the throne of God and of the Lamb.  As the hymnwriter puts it:

"What a gathering, what a gathering, what a gathering of the ransomed in that summer land of love.  What a gathering, what a gathering of the ransomed in that happy home above"!  We are privileged indeed to be part of this.

Redeemed human beings in heaven, so many they cannot be numbered.  Yet they are all counted, they are all precious to God.  Their welfare is God's eternal concern.  He first made this clear when He numbered the hosts of Israel, as He dwelt among them in the desert.  Through trials and tribulations, opposed by demons and men, hampered by infirmities, and schisms, and failures, yet the saints will prevail.  As the song puts it, (and we thank God for the many inspired songs that strengthen our faith):

"We'll be there, we'll be there, on the dawn of that great day;                                                      When the saints gather home, gather home, gather home;                                                          We'll be there praise the Lord we'll all be there!" 

Christ in all the scriptures God's special people

 Christ in all the scriptures

God's special people   Numbers 3

The Levites

The tribe of Levi represent the special relationship of God with His people today.  Moses and Aaron, the two brothers at the head of Israel, were both of the tribe of Levi-Exodus 2v1; 4v14. The sons of Aaron only could function as priests, and the did so by right of birth.  The other males of the Levites were given a supporting role to Aaron and the priests in the service of God.  This gave the tribe of Levi a unique status in Israel.   It is this special privilege that we wish to study in relation to the present day.

They were chosen of God for this sacred work   "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, bring the tribe of Levi near and present them before Aaron the priest, that they may minister unto him.  And they shall keep his charge, and the charge of the whole congregation before the tabernacle of the congregation, to do the service of the tabernacle...and thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron and to his sons: they are wholly given unto him out of the children of Israel"-Numbers 3v5-9.

They were not chosen because they were perfect, they were anything but perfect as Genesis 34 and Numbers 16 make clear.  They were chosen sovereignly by God and remained loyal to the Lord throughout their entire history, when, at the end of the Old Testament in Malachi they are seen to be faithful even when the priests were unfaithful-Malachi 2v4-8.  The first picture of the Church in Ephesians is that we were "chosen in Christ before the foundation of the world, that we should be holy and without blame before Him in love"-Eph. 1v4.  Chosen by God, chosen in Christ, chosen before we were born, or even the earth was created; chosen to be holy, chosen to live with God in an atmosphere of love.

They were the guardians of the sanctuary  "But the Levites shall pitch around the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of Israel: and the Levites shall keep charge of the tabernacle of testimony"-Numbers 1v50, v53; see 8v19.   They pitched around the tabernacle, Gershon in the west; Kohath in the south; and Merari in the north, all in close proximity to the sanctuary.  They were the guardians of the presence of God amongst His people, providing security, managing entrance at the gate, maintaining the fabric and  furniture of the tabernacle, and instructing the people in the holiness of God.  The nearest New Testament equivalent would be the deacons in support of the apostles in Acts 6; and the deacons in support of elders in 1st Timothy 3.  Mainly their work is administrative, but there is an element of teaching as well. 

In the same way the saints of God are to guard and keep the sacred truth of God, in the face of opposition, and possible misunderstanding.  The Greek word for "keep" is terao which is to guard, to preserve as sacred the precious deposit given to us.  Paul kept the faith-2nd Timothy 4v7; We are enjoined to "keep the unity of the Spirit in the uniting bond of peace"-Ephesians 4v3; Timothy was asked to "keep that which was committed to his trust"-1st Timothy 6v20; the final word is in Revelation 22v7, "Behold I come quickly: blessed is he that keepeth the sayings of the prophecy of this book".  When He comes our work will be judged by the Lord; the main issue will be, did we keep the faith, even in the face of opposition?  

The Levites were the love gift of the Lord to Aaron and his sons and the congregation.    "Thou shalt give the Levites unto Aaron, and to his sons...Numbers 3v9; "And I have given the Levites as a gift to Aaron and to his sons from among the children of Israel, to do the service of the children of Israel in the tabernacle of the congregation, and to make atonement for the children of Israel"-Numbers 8v19; "And I, behold, I have taken your brethren the Levites from among the children of Israel: to you they are given as a gift for the Lord to do the service of the tabernacle of the congregation"-Numbers 18v6.  

The burden of work involving the tabernacle, its maintenance and movements, required a full time service, the material needs provided by the congregation.  This is God's pattern, and there is plenty of evidence in the New Testament this is still His desired method of functioning.

There is a beautiful picture in John 17 that the apostles and all who would believe through their word were a love gift of the Father to the Son.  Time and again He speaks of "Those whom thou hast given me"-John 17v2v6v9v11v24.  The apostles and saints of the present day are the love gift of the Father to His Son, all involved in the global enterprise of world evangelism.  Christ is directing the work from above through the Spirit in the lives of all believers-Mark 16v20, "And they went forth , and preached everywhere, the Lord working with them, and confirming the word with signs following".  In John 17, the prerequisite for success in evangelism is the twofold blend of unity and sanctity.  Christ links this in 17v21 to evangelism, "...that they also may be one in us: that the world may believe that thou hast sent me".  It is perhaps the singular lack of these two requisites that is hampering the progress of the work today.

They were called to substitute the firstborn in Israel   "And the Lord spake unto Moses, saying, Take the Levites instead of all the firstborn among the children of Israel, and the cattle of the Levites instead of their cattle: and the Levites shall be mine: I am the Lord "-Numbers 3v44-45

The firstborn were very precious to God.  It was in Egypt He slew the firstborn in every family, an act which delivered Israel from centuries of bondage.  The firstborn in Israel were spared because of the Passover lamb, and, thus they held a special place in the heart of God, and the firstborn were the sole possession of the Lord  In practical terms this would mean that every firstborn child would be the Lord's, and given over to serve Him.  God resolved this sacrifice by substituting the Levites for the firstborn.  The Levites were wholly taken into the service of God.  The difference in the numbers was made up by redemption money, so that the changeover was exact.  The term firstborn in scripture speaks of highest honour. It meant privilege and authority for those so born.  It is applied to Christ-Psalm 89v27; Romans 8v39; Colossians 1v15, 1v18; Hebrews 1v6; Hebrews 12v23; Revelation 1v5.  It means born to rule in the sphere of birth, a status of high honour.  This was the status conferred on the Levites; it is also the status of the church of Christ which is described as the "church of the firstborn, written in heaven".  This makes the church very special indeed to God, a fact repeated in many ways in the New Testament.  One reference will suffice-Titus 2v13-14, "...our Saviour Jesus Christ, who gave Himself for us, that He might redeem us from all iniquity, and purify unto Himself a peculiar people (a people of His own possession, a very special people), zealous of good works".  All God's people are special to Him from all ages, but there is a sense in which the church of the present age holds a very special place of nearness to Him, being eternally united to the firstborn. 

Christ in all the scriptures Partakers of the heavenly calling

 Christ in all the scriptures

Sacred privileges and solemn responsibilities  Numbers 3

Aaron and his sons 

Almost 100 times we read of Aaron and his sons, from Exodus to Deuteronomy.  They were exalted to high office in Israel despite Aaron's capitulation, in the matter of the golden calf.  The Lord accepted Moses' intercession for his brother, and reinstated Aaron to public service.  A similar act of mercy is granted to the apostle Peter, who was similarly restored to public office only days after denying his Lord.  God is not capricious, but merciful to forgive the failings of His people on repentance.  Well He knows He is dealing with failing creatures, but He is gracious to favour them upon true remorse, which was the case with both Aaron and Peter 

The oft repetition of the term "Aaron and his sons" makes it an important theme, and it is on this we now focus.  Aaron was the first High Priest in Israel, and his sons were priests under him by right of birth.  This dignity was not conferred because of any personal achievement, but alone upon natural birth.  The function of the priesthood was to represent God to men, and men to God, in the things of God.  The choice of Aaron for this work was a good one, for we have a humbled man, aware of his own failings, dealing with men of the same propensities.  Time and again, in the comparison between the Aaronic and Melchisedek priesthoods in Hebrews, we read of infirmities-weaknesses, inabilities to do the right things (Hebrews 4v15, 5v2, and 7v28).  Chapter 5v2 sums it up perfectly, "Who can have compassion on the ignorant, and on them that are out of the way, for that he himself also is compassed with infirmity".  Remarkably Jesus, whose Priesthood is superior to Aaron's, is "touched with the feelings of our infirmities"-4v15.  He had no infirmities of His own, but He took part in human suffering and is able to succour God's people.  So the work of the priest is not of a policeman applying law, but of humble people dispensing instruction and care.

Christ is our Great High Priest in the sanctuary of heaven today, for all His people, the subject of the letter to Hebrews.  His is the Priesthood of a different order, the order of Melchisedek, superior to that of Aaron.  He represents us before God, and God to us; He intercedes for our sins, and He succours for our infirmities.  In like manner to the sons of Aaron, all God's people today are priests under Christ, they are so by spiritual birth through faith in Christ.  They are priests by birth and not by life achievement.  All in Christ today are priests, able to function in prayer, and worship, and instruction with compassion.  We are not policemen imposing law, we are priests dispensing love.  This important status conferred on all believers in the New Testament, particularly in 1st Peter 2v5-9, where in our spiritual house we are "an holy priesthood" to bring worship to God and "a royal priesthood" to bear witness to God.  This. we have stated before, but it bears repetition.  It is a great dignity given to us, and we do well to dispense it with humility.  There is no priestly caste today, as is present in many so called mainline churches.  All believers are priests by reason of new birth in Christ.  There is no need to wear distinctive clothing, save the clothing of humility and of a Christ-like demeanour.  It is a spiritual house, so any distinction should be of sterling character.  There is no building on earth confined to this work, as the sanctuary is in heaven from which we operate in spirit in the presence of the Lord.  There is an obvious hierarchy for the purpose of orderly operation, but all the members are of equal status in the eyes of the Lord, and each has their own function to perform.  It follows then that under Christ we should all be involved in the work, all in unity moving forward, and all subject the one to the other for the glory of God.  This is the reality of Christian worship today.  Everything else is a relic of the past and does not represent God.

Aaron had four sons, and only Aaron's sons could fulfil the priestly function.  Only the generations of Aaron and his sons could be priests, no one else.  In pride of place at the entrance to the tabernacle were the tents of Moses, Aaron and Aaron's sons.  High privilege indeed, but with privilege comes responsibility.   The four sons are named, Nadab the firstborn, and Abihu, Eleazar, and Ithamar.  They were "anointed and consecrated to minister in the priest's office".  Apply that to believers today, and we are all anointed by the Holy Spirit for sacred service.  Consecration just means "to fill the hands", and so we are all to be fully occupied in the service of the Lord, as He leads us.  

Aaron's two oldest sons committed great sacrilege in the course of their ritual.  They brought strange fire to the Lord.  Fire to burn the incense at the golden altar had to be taken from the brazen altar-Leviticus 16v12-13.  Only fire from the altar of burnt offering (symbolising the death of Christ) could be used to burn the incense to envelop the mercy seat with the fragrance.  This they were told to do on pain of death.  Nadab and Abihu decided to bring fire from a different source and they were immediately struck down by a bolt of fire from heaven.  What possessed them to "do their own thing", "do it their way" in contempt for the commandments of the Lord?  I was taken aback a few years ago, when challenging the practices of a professing church in a real life situation, which I considered to be unscriptural; the answer given was "We have our own way of dealing with things here!"  We are operating in the Divine sanctuary, this is the house of God.  You would not expect me to enter your house and rearrange the furniture, nor would I, if you visited my home.  The only way to serve in God's house is to do it His way.  Too many churches are doing things their own way, which makes them a cult, not a church.  Nadab and Abihu paid with their lives, and the congregation lived thereafter in the reverential fear of the Lord.  It is highly unlikely in these days of departure that such severe discipline will be enacted.  Similar judgment took place in the early church (Acts 5), and in the church at Corinth (1st Corinthians 11), and the need of the day (as with all times) is to respect God's way, for He knows best.

"We are holy brethren, partakers of the heavenly calling"-Hebrews 3v1; "If ye call on the Father, who without respect of persons, judgeth according to every man's work, pass the time of your sojourning here in fear"-1st Peter 1v17,

SACRED PRIVILEGES BRING SOLEMN RESPONSIBILITIES