The Festival of Trumpets

In case you didn't already know, the three feasts described in Numbers 29 still occur today, and are as follows:

1st day of 7th month           Feast of Trumpets          Rosh Hashanah

10th day of the 7th month   Day of Atonement           Yom Kippur

15th day of 7th month         Feast of Tabernacles

Keep in mind, we're in year 40 of the Exodus, and it's been quite some time since the schedule and requirements of the feasts were laid out way back in Leviticus 23. Since I don't believe I've discussed it in this blog, this is a good time to explain some of the repetition we see in these readings.

Literacy, the ability to read and write, is a relatively recent phenomenon in world history. In societies that were primarily agrarian or hunter-gatherering, there's simply no time to develop these skills, let alone need. When virtually every moment of the day is required to provide food and the other necessities of life, what doesn't directly put food on the table becomes a luxury. Even in a more advanced society, literacy isn't necessary for a wide variety of everyday tasks, which makes learning it superfluous.

When a society isn't literate, that's PRECISELY when oral repetition becomes the standard method of imparting information. Our liturgy is a primary method of instilling basic messages, and for the people of Israel, repetition was the only way the rules and requirements of the Lord would be remembered. Of course, the one person talks-the other listens method of information conveyance is BY FAR the least efficient by just about every measure, but when it's all you have, it's better than nothing.

We have a hard time understanding this, particularly today when we can look up almost anything in a matter of seconds. Indeed, being able to recall knowledge has become less important than being able to retrieve it in modern society, but the people of Israel weren't that lucky. They needed to have it told to them, and since 40 years is a long time, had to have it told again and again.

Scott

Just Pray (March 9)

"Moses said to the Lord," May the Lord, the God of the spirits of all mankind, appoint a man over this community to go out and come in before them, one who will lead them out and bring them in, so the Lord's people will not be like sheep without a shepherd."  Numbers 27:15-17 NIV

God and his relationships with his servant, Moses and Israel have been the main topics of our reading since Feb 2.  We have read about Moses and have seen many attributes of Moses.  Humility, prayerfulness and courage are attributes that come to mind today.  In times of extreme challenge, Moses fell, on several occasions, facedown in prayer.  

The above passage is a prayer of Moses to the Lord for continued leadership for the people.  If one considers Numbers 27:15-17, one can discern; praise, petition, care, concern, respect and love for God and the people.

Moses had many conversations with God, building the habit of prayer as he led Israel.  God is ready, now and always, willing and able to listen to your prayers of praise, thankfulness, petition.

What kind of prayer goes into your planning, day, life?

God welcomes your conversation with Him.  How do you converse with God?


Pray for our Journey through Lent, that it may be a time of Spiritual growth and development.

In Christ,

David P

OOPS! (March 8)

Balak's plan failed yesterday; nonetheless, we read about progress toward his goal of Israel's demise brought about by the men of Israel's acts of sexual immorality with the Moabite women.  The Moabite women invited the men to participate in sacrifices to their gods, in worshiping Baal of Peor.

Wikipedia advises that Baal of Peor was very licentious and goes on to desribe a lack of restraining or ignoring societal standards, particularly in sexual conduct.

The Lord commanded that the leaders of these people should be taken, killed and exposed in broad daylight so the Lord's fierce anger could be turned from Israel. 

We continue to read about an Israelite man bringing a Midianite woman in front of the whole assembly of Israel while Israel was weeping in front of the Tent of Meeting.  Phinehas saw these actions, followed the Israelite into the tent and drove a spear through both of them-through the Israelite and into the woman's body.  Then the plague against the Israelties was stopped.  Phinehas' zeal for the Lord's honor resulted in the Lord turning His anger away from Israel.

So what was going on in this passage?  While many were weeping near the Tent of Meeting, an Israelite man and a Midianite woman were doing something licentious; and as a result, Phinehas was able to spear them both with a single thrust of his spear. Hmmmm...if any questions look above a few paragraphs to the definition of licentious.

"Furthermore, since they did not think it worthwile to retain the knowledge of God, he gave them over to a depraved mind, to do what ought not to be done"
                                   Romans 1:28-NIV


We read of God making a covenant of a lasting preisthood, because Phinehas was zealous for the honor of his God and made atonement for the Israelites.

"God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.  He did this to demonstrate his justice , because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished."  Romans 3:25 NIV


"This cup is the new covenant in my blood which is poured out for you."  Luke 22:20 NIV


"God presented him as a sacrifice of atonement, through faith in his blood.  He did this to demonstrate his justice, because in his forbearance he had left the sins committed beforehand unpunished." Romans 3:25 NIV

Thoughts:

What actions are you hiding in darkness, with hopes no one sees them? 

What would it take for you to take them to the Lord?


Pray for the Spirit to light up your life, so that you may see the blindspots in your walk.


In Christ


David P

Did You Notice It?

The title says it all--did you notice it? You probably didn't, and much as I'd like to wait and reveal it on March 11th, I think this could be more fun. It all centers on Numbers 20.

In Numbers 20:1, we're told that Miriam died and was buried at Kadesh. 20:2-12 tells how Moses disobeyed God by not producing water in the way the Lord instructed (after another complaint by the people of Israel), and he is told he won't enter the Promised Land. Finally, in 20:23-29, we learn of Aaron's death.

Still not notice it? Go ahead and jump ahead to Numbers 33:38 (the March 11th reading) and look at the verse. Do you notice it now? The events of Numbers 20 occurred in the "40th year after the Israelites came out of Egypt." It could have happened as early as Numbers 15, but my NIV Study Bible says it happened here.

What, what, WHAT, you ask? It's very simple--I can't state it definitively, but I'm not far off--the events of Numbers 1-13 occurred in the second year after leaving Egypt, they were condemned to wander the desert for 40 years in Numbers 14, and all of sudden in Numbers 20, we're in the 40th year. What happened? 38 years of history gone and unremarked upon (except for a recap in Numbers 33), 38 years of everyone except Caleb and Joshua dying (and remember, we're talking close to 2-3 million people at a minimum). 38 years of a people's history with only some cross-referencing to prove that it ever took place.

Seriously, did you notice it? I didn't think so.

Scott

You have never heard of a talking horse? (March 7)

Fear, terror, dread, combined with looking for easy answers, pride, self will, lead to bad and/or wrong decisions.  Balak, was terrified by the Israelites in his vicinity with the knowledge of what Israel had done to the Amorites.  Balaam, a man of power is summoned to curse Israel; for Balak realizes that Balaam has a gift.  Balaam's blessings and curses have an effect.  A simple curse from Balaam would ease the Moabites challenges.  

God's plan is different form Balak's plan and Balaam is told by God to not curse Israel for they are blessed.  As a result, Balaam does not respond to Balak's first call, but does respond to a second call. 

Picture Balaam: riding on his donkey to Balak; not seeing the glory of the Lord; his donkey seeing the glory of the Lord with a drawn sword in the way; beating his donkey; having his donkey ask him why he was being beaten.  Now picture Balaam having his eyes open to the glory of the Lord. 

Think of events that happen on; roads, roads of life, roads of faith. 

Think of the disciples in Luke "They asked each other,  "Were not our hearts burning within us while he talked with us on the road and opened the Scriptures to us?"
Luke 24:23-NIV 

"My companions led me by the hand into Damascus because the brillance of the light had blinded me." 
Acts 22:11-NIV

We continue to read of Balaam's blessing and are pointed to Christ in Numbers 24:17-19 NIV "I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near.  A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.  He will crush the foreheads of Moab, the skulls of all the sons of Sheth.  Edom will be conquered; Seir, his enemy, will be conquered but Israel will grow strong.  A ruler will come out of Jacob and destroy the survivors of the city."

"But about the Son he says,  "Your throne, O God will last for ever and ever, and righteousness wil be the scepter of your kingdom." Hebrews 1:8-NIV

Thoughts:

Where do you look for direction in times of challenge?  Do you look to the Lord or do you lean on your own understanding?

Who is walking with you on your road of life, of faith?  What is the destination?   Where is Christ?

How does your life reflect that you are following God's will?  How can others tell?


How does it show that you realize the importance of community in faith?  Others, may see things that you could overlook.

Pray for the Spirit to guide you on a moment by moment basis.

In Christ,

David P

More disobedience (March 6)

We read of disobedience of and dishonor to God today.  Moses disobeys God by not following clear instruction.  God commanded Moses to speak to the rock and water will pour out water.  Israel grumbles and is stricken with venomous snakes among them.

Moses instead of speaking to the rock, hits the rock and speaks instead words of judgement against Israel calling them "rebels."  The rock points us to Christ.  "Therefore everyone who hears these words of mine and puts them into practice is like a wise man who built his house on the rock.  The rain came down, the streams rose, and the winds blew and beat against that house; yet it did not fall, because it had its foundation on the rock."   
Matthew 7:24- 25 NIV

Living water points us to Christ.  "Jesus answered her, "If you knew the gift of God and who it is that asks you for a drink, you would have asked him and he would have given you living water."  John 4:10-11 NIV

Israel dishonors God by grumbling; looking back to Egypt, complaining about no bread, no food.  God becomes angry and sends venomous snakes about them.  Moses is advised to put a bronze snake up on  a pole; those who look at the bronze snake will be saved and those who do not will perish. 

Thoughts:

In times of frustration and challenge, have you ever hit something that you should have spoken to? 

Have you ever at times thought I can make the judgement here?  Did you consider that Jesus has the job of being judge?

Have you ever considered how often you grumble?

What attributes of God are revealed to you today?

Pray for those who are serving others, especially those in harms way that they are protected and given an extra measure of grace.

In Christ

David P

Tassels

I could be wrong, so I'll write confidently, but I was intrigued by the concept of the tassel as described in Numbers 15:37-40 and what they were to accomplish. I'm pretty sure the tassels are the four threads hanging off the shawl, and as the verses tell us, they serve as reminders to follow the law.

The Catholic Church uses a similar device with the rosary, which, when done correctly, is a fairly thorough run-through of what we believe as Christians. The rosary article at Wikipedia gives a very complete description, which I'll summarize. On second thought, just go to the article if you're interested and read the Rosary Beads section, since my head just started spinning from the complexity of the prayers. However, if the rosary is done correctly (and I'm having a real hard time seeing how it can be completed in less than an hour), it covers the Apostle's Creed, the Lord's Prayer and up to 20 significant milestones in Christ's life. It would seem to me that if the proper attention is paid, one would receive an excellent education into Christianity. (As an aside, I kept using the word "you" in the past couple of sentences, i.e., as in "...if you do the rosary correctly"--I'm guessing my three readers won't be doing that soon...)

We Lutherans could probably use a tassel of our own, and many of us probably do in one way or another, be it a cross, a favorite Bible we read from daily, a treasured devotion book or some other touchstone that makes us stop and consider what God has done for us. That's all the tassel was to accomplish--be a quick and constant reminder of the obligations of the people of Israel to be obedient in the law. Whatever we pick for our modern-day tassel, it should do the same thing--remind us of our salvation through Christ.

Scott