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

Christ in all the scriptures The call to highest service

 Christ in all the scriptures

Called to highest service  Numbers 3

We are now introduced to the inner circle of the servants of God, who lived and operated nearest to the throne.  A similar scene is depicted in Revelation chapters 4 and 5 indicating circles of nearness around the throne.  In order of rank we have Moses, Aaron, the sons of Aaron, and the Levites.  It is the noblest calling of all to be called to serve the living God.  I am reminded of the quip by the late C. H. Spurgeon, who said, "If God has called you to be a missionary, don't you demote yourself by becoming a king"!  In order to see the chapter as relevant for us today, let us remind ourselves of the calling of God to each one of us:

"Ye serve the Lord Christ"-Colossians 3v23; "...called to His kingdom and glory"-1st Thess. 2v12; "called unto holiness"-1st Thess. 4v7; "...called unto the fellowship of God's Son, Jesus Christ our Lord"-1st Cor. 1v9; called unto liberty..."-Colossians 3v15; "called out of darkness into His marvellous light"-1st Peter 2v9; "called to sinless suffering..."-1st Peter 2v21; called by His glory and virtue"-2nd Peter 1v3.  These and others indicate the high honour given to each one of us by the high calling of God.  This confers dignity upon us beyond any honour this world can give.  Moses was called of God, as was Aaron, as were his sons, as were the tribe of Levi.  We are called of God to serve the Majesty in high.  The angels of heaven look upon us as their fellow servants (Revelation 22v9).  

Moses' faithfulness in service    In a chapter bristling with names of God's prominent servants, it is surprising that no mention is made of Moses' sons.  Scripture is silent on this, save to say in 1st Chronicles 23v14-20, that Gershom and Eliezer were named of the tribe of Levi.  They were not prominent like their father, but were accounted as part of the favoured tribe.  Perhaps Moses understood the ever present danger of leading men promoting family members.  Moses is compared and contrasted with Christ Jesus in Hebrews 3v1-6, high dignity accorded indeed to Moses, "Christ Jesus...who was faithful to Him that appointed Him, as also Moses was faithful in all God's house".   In sacred service faithfulness to God is of paramount importance, as illustrated in both Moss and Christ.  

In the context of a challenge to his authority in Numbers 12v7, the Lord interjected that "Moses is faithful in all my house".  Faithfulness is obeying God in every aspect of the work, not just the ones that suit us.  Moses did everything that God commanded him; in Exodus chapters 39-40, at the rearing of the Tabernacle, no less than 18 times is it recorded, as the Lord commanded Moses", and the summary in Exodus 40v16, "Thus did Moses all that the Lord commanded him, so did he".

Paul, writing to the Corinthian church, "It is required in stewards that a man be found faithful"-1st Cor.4v2.

Paul to Timothy, "...the things that thou hast heard of me among many witnesses, the same commit thou to faithful men who shall be able to teach others also"-2nd Timothy 2v2.

There is no doubt that God sets faithfulness (unswerving loyalty) as the highest form of service.  God is faithful to His word to us, that is we can depend on Him at all times, can He depend on us?  Moses was a great example and Christ was the supreme example.  We consider now the contrast with Christ for this is the very essence of the bible.

In the verses 1-6 of Hebrews 3 we are given a series of contrasts summarised as follows:

Moses was part of the house...Christ built the house                                                                  Moses, as a man, presided over the building of one house...Christ, as God. built all things      Moses was in God's house...Christ is over God's house                                                              Moses was a servant...Christ is the Son                                                                                      Moses house was material...Christ's house is spiritual (whose house are we)                            Moses house was testimony of things to come...Christ's house is testimony to what has come.

Great man Moses, the greatest spiritual leader of old, and he was a figure of One greater!  The likeness between them is remarkable and can be traced to great profit:

Both were born when Israel were under subjection to Gentile powers                                      Both were delivered from certain death as infants                                                                      Both were in Egypt as infants                                                                                                      Both were called out of Egypt                                                                                                    Both left the dignity of a palace for the rigours of humble service for God                              Both were shepherds                                                                                                                    Both performed mighty miracles                                                                                                Both delivered millions from slavery                                                                                          Both fasted 40 days and nights in the cause of God                                                                    Both were the meekest of men                                                                                                    Both were initially rejected by the Jews                                                                                      Both were criticised and challenged by their nearest family                                                      Both were willing to sacrifice themselves to save the nation                                                      Both chose 12 leaders and 70 teachers to communicate the mind of God                                  Both of their faces shone with the glory of God                                                                        Both destroyed powerful rulers, Moses the Pharoah, Jesus the Devil                                        Both communed with God face to face                                                                                Both spoke the words of God to their followers                                                                          Both had a ministry from God that was like no other (for this last observation refer Deuteronomy 34v10-12 for Moses; and John 7v46; Matthew 12v5v41v42; Mark 2v12, Mark 7v37, for Jesus).

Readers can profitably add scripture references to each comparison.                                                           

Christ in all the scriptures Around the throne of God

 Christ in all the scriptures

Positioning of the tribes around the Tabernacle  Numbers 2

  Benjamin

  Manasseh

 Ephraim

Reuben  Simeon  Gad   Tabernacle  Dan  Asher  Naphtali

 Judah

Issachar

Zebulon

This is the cameo of the 12 tribes around the Tabernacle.  Note the evident shape of the cross, when looking from above!!  The symbolism is clear, God dwelling amongst His people in view of the cross.  The cross of Christ was no afterthought, it was the basis of everything, it was planned in eternity, and here it is symbolised in the Tabernacle-"Who verily was foreordained before the world began..."-1st Peter 1v20.   All the congregation of Israel, settled in order with God at the very centre of their lives, by the cross on which Jesus would die some 1500 years later.  The view of this from above was spectacular, as stated by the false prophet Balaam in Numbers 24v2-9 "And Balaam lifted up his eyes and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the Spirit of God came upon him...How goodly are thy tents O Jacob, and thy tabernacles O Israel..." (read the whole section).   The man who was sent to curse them by the king of Moab could only bless them.  Indeed he pronounced by the Spirit of God a blessing on all who blessed them, and a curse on all who curse them.  Never before had there been seen such a magnificent spectacle as this, and so the covenant with Abraham (Genesis 12v2-3) was ratified, which it will be forever.  All who curse Israel do so at their peril!

The twelve tribes were settled in four groups of three as illustrated: Judah, Issachar, Zebulon-on the East; Reuben, Simeon, Gad,- on the south; Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin,-on the west; Dan, Asher, Naphtali,-on the north; all in relation to the Tabernacle.  The natural order was changed as Reuben lost the rights of firstborn through transgression, and Judah became first among the tribes as predicted by Jacob in Genesis 49v10.  The order in procession as they journeyed was, by Divine decree, Judah, Reuben, Ephraim, Dan (refer Numbers 10v14-28. 

The New Testament clearly reveals that the Tabernacle was a "pattern (similitude, or copy) of things in the heavens"-Hebrews 9v23.  This brings a direct link to Revelation chapter 4v7, where the throne of God is encircled by four living creatures with the figurative identity of the lion, the man, the ox and the eagle.  In terms of creation these four symbolise:

The lion, the highest form of wild animals; the calf (or ox) the highest form of domestic animals; the face of man the highest form of God's creation; the flying eagle the highest form of birds.

In terms of new creation, they represent Christ as depicted in the four gospels-Matthew the lion King; Mark the servant ox; Luke the perfect man; John the visionary eagle.  Matthew, His authority as king; Mark, His availability as servant ; Luke, His empathy as man; John, His credibility as God.

Wonderful how God's word all gels together to present the person of Christ, which is the primary subject of the bible.  In Him, heaven and earth are brought together, God and man are reconciled, and we are on a journey to the land of rest forever!  From beginning to end and all the way through it is Christ in all the scriptures.

The tribe of Levi were separated from the other tribes to camp in close proximity around the Tabernacle.  This was to monitor reverent approach and inspection of sacrifices, to maintain standards for God.  This important service is described in detail in chapters 2 and 3.  At this point we should observe God's disciplinary ways with His redeemed people, as suggested by the chapter before us, by commenting on Reuben, Judah, Simeon and Levi.  Genesis 49 can be considered as "the judgment seat of Jacob", just as His redeemed people will be accountable at the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14v12).  The issue of our sins were dealt with at the cross, and will never be raised forever, but our status in heaven will be according to our character on earth, and this brings challenges to us for our lives.

Reuben was firstborn, and held a privileged position as leader of the twelve tribes, but lost it due to a contemptuous sin against his father.  The declaration was "Unstable as water thou shalt not excel"-Genesis 49v4.  At Sinai he was demoted to second place in the camp.

Judah was far from perfect, suggesting a profit motive at the betrayal of Joseph, and his unholy behaviour towards Tamar (Genesis 37 and 38).  Yet, when in Egypt, he offered himself as hostage in the place of his younger brother Benjamin.  Perhaps this act of mercy was the reason the Lord (who knows all that we will become) gave him the preeminent place-Genesis 49v10, "The sceptre shall not depart from Judah, nor a lawgiver from between his feet, until Shiloh (the Messiah) come...".  Judah was promoted to leadership at Sinai, and remained head of the tribes until Christ.

Levi was one of the two angry men in the atrocity against the family of Shechem, who had defiled their sister (Genesis 34).  They sought the honour of their father Jacob in the matter, but brought his name into disrepute among the Gentiles by their treacherous and cruel vengeance.  They had not learned the lesson that "the wrath of man worketh not the righteousness of God".  This would lead to a permanent separation of two brothers throughout their history.  Levi, however recovered, as they alone remained loyal to the Lord, when the other tribes sinned in the matter of the golden calf(Exodus 32v23-29).  For this display of obedience, at a time of great departure, they were rewarded with the position of nearness to God in all their service, described in the prophecy of Malachi as "the covenant of Levi".

Simeon were to be "scattered in Israel" as the prophecy said (Genesis 49v7).  They never recovered, and, indeed, according to the boundaries in Joshua, their inheritance was among the smallest, and their land came within the compass of Judah.

All are redeemed by the blood of the lamb, but our position in eternity is determined by our character on earth.  Solemn enough, but even more solemn is the fact that what we are, and what we do, affects our progeny for centuries, as was the case in the tribes of Israel.  The world has a saying that "Actions have consequences", and this is a fact among the people of God, which fact should temper our behaviour whilst here.

"Let your conversation (manner of life) be as it becometh the gospel of Christ"-Philippians 1v27

Christ in all the scriptures A God of order

 Christ in all the scriptures

The God of order, a people of power  Numbers chapter 1

A cursory reading of the book, and, particularly in chapter 1, reveals that God is a God of order.  This is true in creation where the word cosmos (an ordered arrangement of things-the opposite to chaos) is used to describe the universe.  What is true in the material sphere is also true in the spiritual.  Paul says as much in 1st Corinthians 14v33 to the church at Corinth (a chapter to which we will refer in the course of the study) "God is not the author of confusion, but of peace, as in all churches of the saints".  The word confusion means disorder, it is not of God, for He is a God of order.

As He prepares Israel for a journey in difficult circumstances, He does so with very definite principles, which we can follow in the chapter.

1)  Males only called to go to war   "Every male by their polls"-1v2.  Unlike authorities today who commission women to the front line in warfare, God sanctioned only males.  Any restrictions God places upon women is out of respect for them.  As Creator, He knows them better than they know themselves.  Women have a much more noble task, to produce and rear the next generation.

2)  Mature men only  "...from twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel"1v3.  God does not send juveniles into danger; He only sends those who are able.  He does not expect disabled or juvenile to become warriors, only able bodied men.  His commissions are tempered with compassion and understanding of human needs.  He exempts from military duty in the following situations: those who are betrothed, but not yet married; those who are newly married are excused for a whole year; those who have planted a vineyard but not yet eaten of the fruits; those who have built a house but not yet dedicated it; those who were fearful and fainthearted-refer Deuteronomy 20v5-10 and 24v5.  God respects the importance of romance and marriage and homes and establishment of business in a man's life.  He also recognises that some are not courageous enough to engage in war. 

3) Named leadership  "These are the names of the men that shall stand with you..."-1v5.  Every institution whether of a household or a business, or organisation, or nation, knows the necessity of  the need for structure.  God is here establishing the structure of Israel, moving forward.  He names the heads of the twelve tribes, men of renown in each tribe, to organise them in the service of God.  Under Moses and Aaron, these were responsible to communicate the will of God to their people.

4)  Public recognition   "And Moses and Aaron took these men which are expressed by their names: and they assembled all the congregation together on the first day of the second month, and they declared their pedigrees, after their families, by the house of their fathers, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward by their polls.  As the Lord commanded Moses, so He numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai"-1v17-19.  Nothing was done in secret, no one were in any doubt who were their men of war and who were their leaders.  The census was taken before they set out on their journeys.

5)  Israel were a formidable force  "These are those that were numbered, which Moses and Aaron numbered, and the princes of Israel being twelve men: each one was for the house of his fathers.  So were all those that were numbered of the children of Israel...603,550!"-1v20-46.   Anyone who thought this former nation of slaves would be weak or disorganised, would soon realise the contrary.  This was a powerful force for God, and for good, which would stand the test of time.  History has ratified it, and the best is yet to come!  There is no nation on earth as powerful as Israel with Almighty God by their side, and the future will confirm it.  Prophecy reveals that they will be invaded from all sides, but will repel all enemies, who, in the language of scripture, will "fall on the mountains of Israel, thou and all thy bands, and the people that is with thee"-Ezekiel 39v4 (from the section Ezekiel 38v8-39v8).  They will be, by the decree of God, the "head of nations"-Deuteronomy 28v13; Jeremiah 31v7.

6)  The tribe of Levi were set apart to attend the sanctuary   "But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them...but thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it, they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof, and they shall minister unto it, and they shall encamp round about the tabernacle"-1v47-50.

They were substituted by the sons of Joseph, Ephraim and Manasseh and their tribes, and set apart for holy service.  The most important factor in their community was the presence of God among them, as symbolised in the tabernacle.  The Levites were positioned closest to the tabernacle to maintain the sanctity of God among them.  This is the covenant of Levi in Malachi 2v4-9.  Because of their reverential fear of the Lord they were given the privilege of service in the holy place, of arranging the vessels and teaching the truth of God to the people.  This is the primary function of any community which takes the name of God-"Holiness becometh thine house O Lord for ever"-Psalm 93v5.  All else is secondary to this. The result was a sanctified, structured, organised people under God

Just as Moses appointed 12 heads of the tribes of Israel, so Jesus appointed 12 apostles to structure and organise the Church.  In the same way the Church is structured and ordered and strengthened and equipped to meet every situation.  Consider the order of the Church: note the prominence of the apostles teaching.

The Church, the body of Christ is one in essence, each member having their place in the whole.  "For as the body (the human body) is one, and hath many members, and all the members of that one body, being many, are one body, so also is Christ"-1st Corinthians 12v12.  Christ and His body, with many members, are inseparable, and function as one.  In these days of sectarian divides this truth must be heralded fro the rooftops.  Deviations from that may have caused the present weakness and lack of influence on the world.  Christ is the head, we are the body and practises should be altered to conform to that.  The same chapter tells us of the order in the body of Christ, that is the order of proper functioning under Christ..."But now hath God set the members, every one of them, in the body as it has pleased Him"-12v18.  Again, "God hath set some in the church, first apostles, secondarily prophets, thirdly teachers, after that..."-12v28.  No one can miss the order, first, second third...nor the fact this is God's action.  The apostles and prophets are no longer with us, but their writings are authoritative, and the task of the teachers is to expound the word of God so that the people of God can discern His will.  The point of the chapter is that there is an order under which all the members can exercise their gift for the good of the whole.

Acts 2v42 "...they continued steadfastly in the apostles doctrine...".  2nd Peter 3v1 "This second epistle, beloved, I now write unto you: in both which I stir up your pure minds by way of remembrance; that ye may be mindful of the words which were spoken before by the holy prophets, and of the commandments of us the apostles of the Lord and Saviour".  Note the teaching of the apostles is on the same level as the prophets of old: also that their teaching was authoritative for the early church, as it is for the church of today.

Divine structure, Divine order, Divine organisation, Divine unity, Divine sanctification, Divine power.  This is how God works.  Even in our weak and divided state, the Church of Jesus Christ is the most powerful entity on earth, and we are all privileged to be part of it.  And what of the future?  Says Paul, "Do ye not know that the saints shall judge the world"?  Know ye not that we shall judge angels.  How much more things that pertain to this life? (1st Corinthians 6v2-3).  With all our imperfections we are the most formidable force on earth, against whom even the powers of darkness will not prevail-Matthew 16v18.  We know we can do better, so let's believe it, and get to it, to fix the aberrations that are holding us back!