Walking Through Ephesians
“Day 9 (Numbers 9)”
Categories: 40 Days in the WildernessOur reading today is broken into two sections yet conveys one thought – follow the commandments of God. It begins with the Sabbath and how Israel was to continue to keep the Sabbath. God has specific regulations regarding the Sabbath described in Exodus 12 & 13. In our context a question arose about someone who was unclean. Some men had become unclean due to contact with a dead person, yet they knew they needed to keep the Passover. Notice, instead of just acting, supposing their decision was right, they came to Moses for direction. And Moses didn’t just give them his best opinion on the law, he went to God for guidance (v. 8).
The chapter ends with a description as to how Israel knew when to depart, and when to stay put. God’s presence would rest over the Tabernacle as a cloud by day and fire by night (v. 16). Whenever the cloud rested over the Tabernacle, Israel stayed put. Whenever it lifted, they journeyed on. Notice v. 23 – “At the command of the Lord they camped, and at the command of the Lord they set out; they kept the Lord’s charge, according to the command of the Lord through Moses.” In other words, they acted only by the command of God.
What a necessary reminder for us. Their steps were directed by God. It reminds us of the hymn we sing, “Where He leads, I’ll follow.” Instead of assuming God would be pleased with our desired course of action, we must learn to wait and listen to what the Lord will command (v. 8) through studying His words. If we speak, let them be God’s words (1 Pet. 4:11). If we act, let them be in keeping/following His words (1 John 2:3-6). May it be said of us what is said of those in Revelation 14:4, “…These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever He goes…”
“Loving Shepherd, our Leader and Guide, thank You for leading us in paths of righteousness, to the green pastures of life. Even though we travel through the wilderness, the places where our faith is tested, we walk with confidence knowing You are with us, always. We are like sheep and tend to go our own way, thinking we know best. Forgive us. Be patient with us. Help us to surrender our will, and to follow the Lamb wherever He may go.”
