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BSF Study Starting Numbers

Can I just say yesterday was amazing?  I got up early and did my devotions before work and the day just flew by.  I was so joyful.  At work.  I'm a sunny person in the lab most of the time anyway but Monday I was in a spiritual zone.

But today is (well was) a new day.  I got up seriously early for one of my days off and read the first four chapters of Numbers.  Sounds boring right?

It wasn't.

Praying prior to reading the Bible makes a big difference.  I've been asking God to show me His truth as I read.  I've been reminding myself that the Bible is "...God-breathed and is useful for teaching, rebuking, correcting and training in righteousness..." (2 Timothy 3:16).  The Bible is "...living and active.  Sharper than any double-edged sword, it penetrates even to dividing soul and spirit, joints and marrow; it judges the thoughts and attitude of the heart." (Hebrews 4:12)

Anywhoo, back to Numbers.  The Isrealites have been out of Egypt for a couple years.  God's given Moses the Law, and all those details in Leviticus.  Now its time to take a head count.  The first couple chapters are a census.   Why the census?  Counting up all those who could serve in the army.  Then God organizes how everyone gonna camp.  Which seems important considering how many people there are.  The detail is amazing but makes sense.

Then chapters 3 & 4 detail the counting of the Levites and their assignments re: the tent of meeting.  Again the detail stands out to me; which clans were in charge of setting up and taking down the tent of meeting, who was to be responsible for the curtains, who was to take care of the crossbars and frames and who was responsible to take care of the altars.  

The one thing that stands out about this passage is the attention to detail.  It just confirms that God is not just about the big picture.  He cares about the little things.   Jesus says so too.   In Matthew 10:29-30 Jesus says, "Are not two sparrows sold for a penny?  Yet not one of them will fall to the ground apart from the will of your Father.  And even the very hairs of your head are all numbered."

So if God cares about the details, I guess I should too.  I should be more observant and aware of my surroundings and the people I come into contact.  Details matter.

Lord, thank you for the motivation today to accomplish all the work you set before me.  Thank you for caring about the details of the Isrealite's movements and encampments to the details of our lives today.
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