“Day 29 (Numbers 29)”

Wednesday, March 01, 2017

Our chapter today continues the regulations over the different offerings. This chapter focuses on the offerings at the feasts which occurred during the seventh moth of the year: the first day, for the feast of Trumpets (v. 1-6; Lev. 23:23-25), on the tenth day, for the Day of Atonement (v. 7-11; Lev. 23:26-32); and the fifteenth day for the following 8 days, for the Feast of Booths (v. 12-38; Lev. 23:34-36).
Here are some thoughts from this context today:

God intended for worship and sacrifice to be a central part to the life of His people. Every day, every week, every month, several times each year – God’s people would be reminded of what He had done for them and of how devoted they should be to Him. This ought to describe us – a people devoted to worship – not just on Sunday’s and Wednesdays – but every day! We offer our words of thanks and praise in song and prayer to God. We lift Him up and give Him glory every day – remember His goodness, reflect upon the sacrifice of His Son, every day!
 
These different offerings/feasts required Israel to worship God collectively. Certainly there were personal sacrifices required for the forgiveness of their sins. But God’s people were to offer sacrifices regularly, as a nation, a community, a family. There’s something special about being together – worshipping together – collectively honoring God. Our times together are special. They make such a difference on the heart. The Hebrew writer knew this (Heb. 10:24-25). We can stir one another up to love and good works by our time together in worship. Are you feeling low, discouraged, needing a reminder of who you ought to be, an encouragement to keep on doing what’s right? Worship with the Saints. Gather with the Saints. Spend time with God’s people.
 
Gathering with God’s people can be a time of refreshing, reminding, returning to God and renewal of our commitment to Him. We remember we’re not alone – we’re not alone in our struggles, not alone in our faith. Brother Wilson Adams put it this way:

They are parents burdened because of their prodigal children…
They are grandparents raising grandchildren because if they don't…
They are caregivers wondering if anyone understands…
They are single parents facing double duty…
They are brethren struggling with secret sins and failing again…
They are smiling faces hoping to hide their depression…
They are a childless couple facing disappointment (again)…
They are folks facing both cancer and fears…
They are parents who have had to do the unthinkable: bury a child…
They are parents struggling to raise a special needs child…
 
They are brothers and sisters who have done everything they know to keep their marriage going, but failed…
They are widows who sit down as one at a table for two…
They are sisters who harbor the secret of being a battered wife…
They are stepparents who seem to be on the outside looking in…
They are the lonely, the scared, the hurting…
Etc.

But they come. They come to the Table to share their grief with the One who gave His all. They come to lift up their voice in song while brushing away a tear. They come to pray and connect with their only hope. They come to encourage someone else while hoping someone will encourage them. They come to hear the Good News and hope to take something away that will heal their hurt.
These are the people in the pew. Funny, they look a lot like you…and me. At least we come.
 
When the Saints are gathered to worship – come. Come as you are. Come be with the family. Come bring your offering. Come in strength, or in weakness. Come with joy or with tears. Come. We need you. I need you – just as you need me. Come.
 
Our Heavenly Father, You are worthy of all honor, glory, and praise. We live to glorify You – to make Your greatness known. Thank You for times of worship – what a joy, what a privilege, what a blessing – to be refreshed and renewed, encouraged and uplifted, prepared and equipped, comforted by You and our family in Christ. Help us to make worship part of our daily life – to spend time in Your words, to speak words of praise in song and prayer. And help us to long for our worship together as a family at Campbell Road. You are the One who is great and awesome. United or apart we share the same thought – Blessed be the Lord – our wonderful, glorious God! 

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