Learning to Follow God Numbers 9 & 10
Learning to Follow God-Numbers • Sermon • Submitted • Presented
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· 2 viewsWhen we place our trust in God, we begin a journey learning to follow Him. The journey is never wasted time, but it is strategic time.
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Psalm 47
Psalm 47
For the director of music. Of the Sons of Korah. A psalm. 1 Clap your hands, all you nations; shout to God with cries of joy. 2 For the Lord Most High is awesome, the great King over all the earth. 3 He subdued nations under us, peoples under our feet. 4 He chose our inheritance for us, the pride of Jacob, whom he loved. 5 God has ascended amid shouts of joy, the Lord amid the sounding of trumpets. 6 Sing praises to God, sing praises; sing praises to our King, sing praises. 7 For God is the King of all the earth; sing to him a psalm of praise. 8 God reigns over the nations; God is seated on his holy throne. 9 The nobles of the nations assemble as the people of the God of Abraham, for the kings of the earth belong to God; he is greatly exalted.
Prayer
Worship Set
Prayer
Worship Through the Word:
Learning to Follow God
Learning to Follow God
Is there anyone here who has never flown on a commercial plane? Well, if you have not, you are in for a treat as we prepare to take off today for a journey.
There are a lot of details when preparing for a trip. The house and yard are prepared for your absence. You have worked hard to get things done at work so nothing important gets missed while you are gone. There is the packing to ensure you have everything you will need on your journey. Then there is the rush to get to the airport, followed by the long wait since you had to check in so early for safety checks.
The moment has finally arrived. You have followed the line onto the plane, placed luggage in the overhead bins and now you are sitting, ready and eager for those engines to fire up, and the forward lurch as your journey begins. However, before that happens, there are some final safety instructions. Observe...
https://youtu.be/AtMzngYdx4s?si=4oZ__gge-7W3sw8r or Vimeo
It is not so different for Israel. Israel has been camped at the foot of Sinai a little over a year. Their next destination is the Promised Land, the land that God promised to Abraham that He would give to Abraham’s descendants. Abraham and his family were nomadic, moving from place to place. Then the family settled in the land of Egypt where they went from the honored family of Joseph to slaves for 400 years. Now at last, they are to become property owners. The land that God has promised them is just a short journey away and it is time to set out. We can just imagine their excitement level increasing with each final preparation for the journey. Today is the day!
Numbers 10:33–36 NIV
33 So they set out from the mountain of the Lord and traveled for three days. The ark of the covenant of the Lordwent before them during those three days to find them a place to rest. 34The cloud of the Lord was over them by day when they set out from the camp. 35 Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” 36Whenever it came to rest, he said, “Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.”
The Word of God for the people of God. Thanks be to God!
Father, please bless this Word which you have provided and which we now receive. Amen!
I. Moving Day! Numbers 9 & 10
I. Moving Day! Numbers 9 & 10
The book of Numbers does not follow a chronological sequence. So, I will step back just a little today with some final details as Israel prepares to leave for the Promised Land and we find that…
A. Passover Begins the Countdown for Departure. Numbers 9:1-14
A. Passover Begins the Countdown for Departure. Numbers 9:1-14
For a full year, God was preparing Israel for this journey. I believe it was also a time of restoration for them physically.
I wear a Fitbit. When I have a heavy day of physical labor or exercise, my Fitbit alerts me to rest and restore, and it then lets me know when it is a good time to do heavy exercise again. It helps me to stay healthy by doing so, indicating when I need rest as well as when I need to move.
The people of Israel had been slaves under hard labor for their entire lives. There final time in Egypt was intense. They were nervous about what Moses was doing. Pharaoh had increased their workload and reduced their food intake. Then there was that eerie night with the firstborns of Egypt dying. They had sat and listened all night to the wails of death. Then the journey across the Red Sea with Egypt on their tail. All of this would leave them exhausted! Now they have come to a place of rest. Moses was sitting with God getting the details of their journey. He also needed time to record them in writing. The people also needed educated on these laws. All this time, their bodies were resting in preparation for the journey to come.
A year has now passed, and it is time to celebrate Passover once again, remembering God’s delivering them from the hands of Egypt. Since this is only the second Passover for them and they now understand the laws, some new situations come up that need dealt with.
1. There are three new instructions given for Passover. Numbers 9:6-14
1. There are three new instructions given for Passover. Numbers 9:6-14
As they come to this Passover season, there are some who have been exposed to the death of loved ones leaving them “unclean” and unable to participate. Much to their credit, they desire to participate. They seek out Moses and Moses takes their request to God. I believe it always warms God’s heart when someone wants to follow His commands, and so God gives new instruction regarding this situation.
a. God gives instructions for a later Passover for those prohibited from participating due to circumstances beyond their control . Numbers 9:9-12
a. God gives instructions for a later Passover for those prohibited from participating due to circumstances beyond their control . Numbers 9:9-12
Have you ever celebrated a holiday late due to the passing of a loved one? We have no control over death and when it will occur.
There were those in Israel, who had experienced the death of loved ones, and they needed to prepare their loved one’s bodies for burial. This left them “unclean” and therefore “unable” to participate in Passover which was a sacred celebration. They had the desire, so God in His loving compassion provided a means for them to participate later when they were able to do so.
This should warm our hearts. We can see that God is not a tyrant. He loves us and when our motives are pure, God provides for us a means to be obedient when circumstances are against us.
However, this opened a can of worms. Many of us have experienced the like. You make an exception for one person with a real need, and another uses it for their selfish purposes. So, God made a second ruling that covered this contingency.
b. God prohibits this ruling being used for personal convenience . Numbers 9:13
b. God prohibits this ruling being used for personal convenience . Numbers 9:13
God did not want others to look at his decision and decide they could do the same because another time was more convenient for them. I believe there is a grave warning for us in this. I sometimes fear we have become too “comfortable” with God. At times we think, “Oh, God will excuse this”…and we do our own thing rather than following God’s direction. Church attendance, tithing, service, have all fallen to the wayside too often with the excuse, “Oh, God will understand.” No, God does not. God is still the same today that He was then. These accounts in the Old Testament are there to help us understand God and His expectations. He is holy and deserving of our attention. When we set Him aside for our convenience, He is not pleased. Just because He does not strike us down dead, does not mean He condones our behavior. We all need to keep this in mind. He is worthy of our first, our best, and our sincere devotion!
So, God made it clear that this exception was only for those who were ceremonially unclean, therefore, unable to celebrate for circumstances beyond their control. They had a legitimate reason.
This in turn brought up a third situation. What about the foreigner? When Israel left Egypt, there were slaves from other countries that went with them. They saw their chance of freedom and they took it. Some of them returned to their own homeland after they departed Egypt. (There are archaeological discoveries that seem to support this). Others may have married into Israelite families, or perhaps they had no family or reason to return to their homeland. Some Egyptians may have also tagged along pledging their faith in Israel’s God! Did they need to participate? God answers this question as well.
c. If the foreigner wished to continue with Israel, they had to submit to all the same laws, including circumcision and Passover. Numbers 9:14
c. If the foreigner wished to continue with Israel, they had to submit to all the same laws, including circumcision and Passover. Numbers 9:14
Why you may ask? Because they would benefit from all the same rewards. Why should they benefit if they had not contributed? It is a matter of association. One of the big items causing division in our nation today is the way immigration is being conducted. Foreigners who have not contributed to our country are taking advantage of our benefits without being required to contribute or even follow our laws. This makes people angry, and they do not do good things when they are angry.
Our God is a just! If people were going to take part is His blessings, He wanted them to be a partner. They would enjoy the benefits that come from a covenant with Almighty God, so they needed to be a covenant partner with the same responsibilities.
What about our context? Anyone is welcome to attend our church, however, if they wish to really be a part of our church, they join as members. This membership allows them certain privileges. They can use our facilities without paying fees. They can enjoy certain jobs within the church for which they are gifted and enjoy participating in. They are allowed to vote when we make major decisions regarding our church or properties. They can serve in positions of leadership. Of course, along with this comes certain expectations or perhaps better stated, responsibilities. Their behavior reflects on us all and it is expected that they are living according to God’s Word. It is expected that they are tithing, supporting the local ministries as well as the global missions. It is also expected that they will find a way to minister with their talents, interests, or skills within the church. These make for a responsible partner deserving to reap the benefits of the partnership.
If the foreigner wanted to come along, they needed to be covenant partners along with Israel. What a beautiful demonstration that God was always open to anyone who wanted to put their faith in Him!
This Passover marked a shift in focus. They were now to begin the preparations for the journey. Most of these we have covered the past few weeks. The Tabernacle was dedicated. The priests and Levites anointed and consecrated for service. The camps designated along with leadership appointments. Marching instructions were provided to give order to travel, camp set up as well as camp tear down. The time is getting close. Now...
B. The Final Instructions Are Given. Numbers 9:15-10:10
B. The Final Instructions Are Given. Numbers 9:15-10:10
There were two final instructions provided. First,...
1. They were instructed when to move out and when to stay . Numbers 9:15-23
1. They were instructed when to move out and when to stay . Numbers 9:15-23
God’s presence had now settled on the Tabernacle. It was a cloud by day and a pillar of fire by night. God Himself, as the cloud, provided shade and protection from the sun during the day. As the pillar of fire, He gave light, warmth, and protection at night.
The darkness of night always provides opportunities for those who have wicked intent. As a single woman, I always try to camp where there is lots of light and camp hosts. One time I was camping in Tennessee. I went to a new campground that had lots of campers. It had lots of streetlights throughout the grounds and there were plenty of people there when I arrived. I enjoyed the weekend, and I planned to stay for the week. I had no idea what was about to happen. When the weekend was over, everyone left! That night, the campground lights did not come on. It was pitch dark and there was no one around. For the first time in all my years of camping, I felt vulnerable and alone. I jumped at every sound and when a firefly lit up outside my bedroom window, I nearly jumped right through the roof! How comforting it must have been to have God’s presence lighting up the camp each night!
However, God’s presence indicated if they would stay or move. They were to keep their eyes on God’s presence over the Tabernacle. If He lifted above the Tabernacle, it was their sign to pack up. He would then lead them wherever they were to go. When He stopped, they knew to make camp, and He would settle down on the Tabernacle once again once it was set up. God was teaching them to keep their eyes on Him and follow His lead.
We have something better. Some may think there could be no better way than to visually see God. However, it is better today because when we pledge our lives and our faith in God, His Spirit takes up residence within us. When we pledge our faith in God, we quickly feel the difference, but it takes a while to learn how to hear Him. As time goes on, we do just like we would with a new spouse. We begin to get acquainted, and we begin to recognize Him in the details in our life. How much more personal this is than to watch a cloud/pillar ahead of us.
The last details given were...
2. Signals for Alerts and Alarms . Numbers 10:1-10
2. Signals for Alerts and Alarms . Numbers 10:1-10
With the Tabernacle items, two trumpets were to be made. They were to be of hammered silver and blown by the priests. These would be used for four purposes.
a. When both blasted it called for everyone to assemble . V 3
a. When both blasted it called for everyone to assemble . V 3
Remember school when the bell rang, and you knew it meant there was an assembly to go to? 😉Same thing!
b. One blast after everything was packed up meant set out . V 5
b. One blast after everything was packed up meant set out . V 5
This blast came at intervals. The first indicated it was time to move out and the Ark would move out with the camp of Judah from the east following. The next blast would indicate it was time for the camp of Reuben from the south to fall in line. The third blast was the signal for the camp of Ephraim from the west, to fall in and the final blast was for the camp of Dan in the north. God always works things in such an orderly fashion and marching day is a beautiful demonstration of this.
We are also to be alert for a trumpet blast. This trumpet will only be heard by those who have given their lives to God. It will be the trumpet sounding Jesus’ return to rapture his church.
1 Thessalonians 4:15–17 NIV
15 According to the Lord’s word, we tell you that we who are still alive, who are left until the coming of the Lord, will certainly not precede those who have fallen asleep. 16 For the Lord himself will come down from heaven, with a loud command, with the voice of the archangel and with the trumpet call of God, and the dead in Christ will rise first. 17After that, we who are still alive and are left will be caught up together with them in the clouds to meet the Lord in the air. And so we will be with the Lord forever.
1 Corinthians 15:51–54 NIV
51 Listen, I tell you a mystery: We will not all sleep, but we will all be changed—52 in a flash, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trumpet. For the trumpet will sound, the dead will be raised imperishable, and we will be changed. 53 For the perishable must clothe itself with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality. 54When the perishable has been clothed with the imperishable, and the mortal with immortality, then the saying that is written will come true: “Death has been swallowed up in victory.”
What an exciting moment that will be for all of us. When we hear that trumpet, we will feel an incredible change as our bodies change from mortal to immortality. Oh, how exciting that moment will be!
c. A sudden blast indicates a call to arms . V 9
c. A sudden blast indicates a call to arms . V 9
It alerted the camp that an enemy was approaching or upon them. This was also equated with a prayer to God for His assistance against an enemy.
And last of all...
d. Both trumpets were sounded for celebrations . V 10
d. Both trumpets were sounded for celebrations . V 10
This time the trumpets called everyone to gather and celebrate.
All the details are now in place and...
C. Moving Day Arrives! Numbers 10:11-36
C. Moving Day Arrives! Numbers 10:11-36
Close your eyes a moment and picture this event. All the instructions have been given. Perhaps there were drills made for the packing. I do know. Maybe. However, people are anticipating that moving day is soon. Every morning, the young children dart to the tent doors and peak out. Dad and mom ask, is the cloud down or up?
One morning they receive the answer they have all waited for. The cloud! It is up above the Tabernacle. It is the day! It has finally arrived! Others who are slower at looking out, begin to hear activity above the norm and they too, look out and see the cloud. They jump into a bevy of activity as each begins to dismount their personal camps. The priests quickly cover and prepare the holy articles in the Tabernacle so the Levites can begin gathering them up and begin loading articles on the carts.
Before long, everything is ready. There is complete silence as everyone anticipates the signal to move out. Can you see it? Can you feel the excitement in that moment? On this occasion, since it is the first time, it is not a trump that sounds, but it is Moses as leader who gives the signal.
“Wagons HO!” :-)
Oh well, it may have been a little different than that, but you get the idea. A trumpet blasts and the Ark is carried forward followed by Judah and each succeeding camp in their order.
As Moses watches the procession begin, he turns to say goodbye to his in-laws and we find Moses doing what we are supposed to do. He invites his brother-in-law to join them. He can be their guide since he has personal knowledge of the desert. Moses was not showing distrust of God. Moses loved and respected his in-laws which was demonstrated on several occasions. He desires them to experience God as well because he loves them. His brother-in-law at first declines, but Moses emphasizes that if he comes, he too will experience God’s blessings. We are never told if he changed his mind, but I believe the silence indicates that he decided to come with Moses after all. He had heard the stories of God’s deliverance from Egypt, and he may have decided it was worth experiencing God’s glory for himself. I hope he did!
The first leg of their journey was three days. Enough time to get in the flow of it and then a break to rest and regroup, maybe work out any kinks they experienced along the way and kinks there were as we will see next week!
Moses always entreated God as they set out and as they settled in.
Numbers 10:35–36 NIV
35 Whenever the ark set out, Moses said, “Rise up, Lord! May your enemies be scattered; may your foes flee before you.” 36 Whenever it came to rest, he said, “Return, Lord, to the countless thousands of Israel.”
Perhaps we should pray something similar at the beginning and ending of each day.
Conclusion
God used Israel and is still using Israel, to show us His desire to watch over and provide for each of us. In the desert, Israel was learning to follow God closely, dependent on Him to provide their every need. God wants us to do the same.
All around I hear people concerned over the economy. It truly is a problem, but not for the Christian. We may need to buckle our financial belts a bit tighter. However, if we listen to God’s directions, He will see us through these times. He will make sure we have what we need (I have witnessed many miracles in my life of God providing for my needs). And when the time is right, He will bring us home to the mansions He has built for us.
John 14:1–3 NASB95
1 “Do not let your heart be troubled; believe in God, believe also in Me. 2 “In My Father’s house are many dwelling places; if it were not so, I would have told you; for I go to prepare a place for you. 3“If I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and receive you to Myself, that where I am, there you may be also.
Is there someone you need to invite to come along on the journey? If so, do so soon, for I believe one day soon, we will hear that trumpet blast and we will make our final journey to our Promised Land.
Prayer
Worship Set
Benediction
