Keeping What We Vow
 
The vow between a man, woman and God should be taken seriously. In Numbers 30 Moses addresses the importance of vows given by men and women. These vows were not arbitrary.
 
For forty years Israel has been wondering. Now that they are about ready to enter the Promised Land they had to accept and apply basic principles Moses gives them.  This chapter is really simple; if one makes a vow one must keep it. And, if one hears the vow but remains silent, silent means consent.
 
The home is the most basic unit of society. When the home is harmonious and fruitful the nation will be as well. If we look at our world today we see the home is shattered and in many cases non-existence. It is any wonder that the world is in chaos? Lessons learned in the home prepare one for life.
 
For example, the lesson of self-discipline is learned in the home. Self- discipline is  opposite self- indulgence. When a vow is taken the man and woman must exercise self-discipline. Self-discipline keeps the marriage pure. Self-discipline also applies to how we keep ourselves. If we just let ourselves go it may be harder to say, “No”  when “No” should be said. It may be harder to say “Yes” when ”Yes” needs to be said. Closely connected to self-discipline is self-control. Both speak to the heart of an individual. The one who can control self is greater than one who can control a nation (Prov. 16:32). How about controlling our anger? Our tongue? Our eyes? We want to say the right things, see the proper things and have the right disposition. Those do not come by accident.
 
Another lesson learned in the home is respect. Respect for those in authority. The lesson is learned when each one in the family recognizes his or her place or role. When children see Mother respect Daddy and Daddy respect Mother they will see respect for others is important. When parents respect children and children respect  parents, children learn to respect authority and how to give dignity to others. It is not unusual to hear someone say, “Those kids….” I wonder if there a kid problem or respect problem. Are parents teaching respect and living respectfully in the home? I heard a young boy on the news after the recent election answer when asked, “Why did you start that fire in the street?” He said, “Because I wanted to.”  He was surrounded by anarchist. He was learning the lesson well. I wondered where  were his parents?
 
Vows begin with man, woman and God. They keep the home glued together. They produce lives and hearts in people who keep their word. Not simply to each other but more importantly 
 

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! 

Memorials

From the beginning of Israel, the secret to their success was their relationship with God characterized by faith and obedience.  The Jews were God’s covenant people, chosen by Him to do His will and ultimately bring the redeemer into the world. Once Israel was settled into the land they had to carefully follow the instruction given. They worshipped the Lord God Almighty. Israel had to bring the right sacrifices at the right time and in the right way, or the Lord would not bless them. Each of these offerings had a different purpose. The ultimate goal was to please the Lord.
 
Each morning and each evening, the priest were to offer a lamb for a burnt offering (Numbers 28:1-10). The burnt offering typified total dedication to the Lord. Shouldn’t we begin each day and end each day by giving ourselves completely to the Lord (Rom. 12:1-2).
 
Next, were the monthly offerings (Numbers 28:11-15). On the first of every month, along with  the daily continual burnt offering, the priest were  to offer an additional burnt offering comprised of two young bulls, a ram and seven male lambs a year old, along with the proper meal and drink offerings. A male got was offering as a sin offering. Israel was to make a new start each month.
 
Following there was to be the annual religious events (Number 28:16-29).  These annual events begin with the Passover. Pentecost was celebrated seven weeks after Passover. The seventh month of the Jewish year opened with the Feasts of the Trumpets signaling the beginning of the Jewish civil year. On the tenth day of the month, Israel celebrated the Day of Atonement.  Five days later, the Feast of Tabernacles began and lasted for a week. For each of the events, the priest were instructed offer appropriate sacrifices.
 
Today, we do not celebrate these feast, but each Lord’s Day we celebrate the Lord’s memorial. We remember what He did for us by partaking of the bread. The bread is a memorial of His body. We remember what He did for us by taking the fruit of the vine. The fruit of the vine reminds us of the sacrificial blood He offered for our redemption. His blood paid the ransom price.
 
As then, now we celebrate what God has provided for us and our salvation. Each time we partake ought to be as fresh as the first time. As we grow spiritually each time ought to mean even more to us. In partaking of this memorial we look back to what He has done for us. Also, we look ahead to the great day He will come again.

Our reading today focuses on how two needs were met. First, it answers the question about whether or not a daughter could inherit her father's property if he didn't have sons (27:1-11). Second, it tells how Moses viewed the Promised Land but died without entering, but God had prepared and appointed Joshua to lead the people into the land (27:12-23). The people were like sheep, in need of a shepherd, a leader who would guide the people in the conquest of Canaan. Joshua was the clear choice. He had been the attendant of Moses from his youth (Num. 11:28; Ex 33:11). He led Israel in battle against the Amalekites, had accompanied Moses on Sinai when he received the law, and was one of the spies sent to scout the promised land. Joshua was the one to replace Moses as leader of Israel - not by accident or coincidence, but by design and preparation.

This chapter gives us a good thought to consider - preparing the next generation to take our place. It's passing the baton of leadership on. It's creating a legacy. But legacy doesn't come by accident. It is the product of training and preparation. Instead of hoping the next generation will be ready when the time comes for them to step into the next role, it's teaching, mentoring, shaping and molding them so that they can step right into the role, and the work can continue seamlessly. Paul told Timothy to teach others what he had been taught so that they might in turn be able to teach others (2 Tim. 2:2). Joshua's aren't born, they're made. They're the product of godly parents, godly mentors, wise men and women who helped teach through word and example.

Here's a question for you to think about today - what can you do to help prepare the next generation? Before you may be the next husbands and wives, mothers and father, servants, teachers, preachers, evangelists, deacons, shepherds, mentors, etc. We can hope that by the time they need to step up they'll be ready, or we can work to teach, train, and prepare them today for their roles to play in the future. Invest in a young person. Share your wisdom. Provide opportunities for them. Be a mentor. Help instill a heart of service, a sincere love for God and His Word. Show them examples of godly marriages, homes that honor Christ. Israel needed Joshua, and Joshua needed Moses. The upcoming generation will, Lord willing, one day, take our place and step into roles of leadership. Pass the torch. Do what you can today to help prepare those who will lead tomorrow.

Wonderful God, today I thank You for the family we have in Christ - what a blessing, what an encouragement, what a support they are to me. I thank You for all the godly individuals who have helped me get to where I am today - all the kind words spoken, all the good examples for me to follow, for those who never gave up on me, for those who gave me opportunities to learn and train, for those who saw the good and potential when I didn't see it in me, thank You. Help me to be the same kind of loving mentor for the next generation. Help me to teach, help me to train, help me to do what I can to prepare those who will follow after me. Thank You for our youth. Thank You for their interest in You - for the love they have for You and Your church. Thank You for the example they set. Thank You for their parents, and their commitment to raising their children in Your ways. Help us prepare the next Joshua's to continue to lead Your people closer to You.
 

Their Inheritance
 
At Kadesh-Barnea and at Baal Peor Israel had sinned greatly and God had chastened them but in His grace he forgave their disobedience and gave them a new start (Numbers 26).
 
First, there was the second numbering. By the time Israel had entered Zared valley the old generation had died off, except for Joshua and Caleb. And, very soon Moses would die.
 
Moses had two purposes in mind when he took the second census. As with the first, he needed to know how many men were available that were fighting age. Second, he wanted to get an idea how much land each tribe would need when Israel settled in Canaan (Numbers 26:52-56). Settling in the land required giving the tribes their inheritance.
 
First, there was the tribal inheritance (No. 26:52-56). Once the land had been conquered and God had given His people rest, Joshua, Eleazar and ten tribal representative would cast lots to determine each tribe’s portion of the land.
 
Next, came the Levitical inheritance. The Levites were not given their own land to possess but were scattered throughout the nation in forty-eight assigned cities. This was a fulfillment of Jacob’s death bed prophecy where he said the sons of Levi would be scattered widely. Also, by scattering them through the land the Levites had a better opportunity to teach the Law to more people and influence them to be faithful to the Lord. God was their inheritance so the Levites needed no land.  The Levites were to devote themselves wholly to the service of the Lord and His people, receiving what they needed from God’s hand through His people. 
 
As God scattered the Levites through the land to teach the law, it seems a forerunner of the great commission the Lord would give His twelve apostles. He told them to go into all the world to teach the gospel. All men needed to know the gospel so they could be saved. Then, they were told to teach those they had taught. All needed to know the will of God. God has always provided an opportunity for man to know Him and His will. While no land is inherited, as then. There is the promise of “The Promised Land.” An eternal home with God.