Unless you're a toddler or a maths teacher, the book of Numbers may not sound like an exciting read. However, several chapters in this book are particularly engaging, so don't be fooled. The events in Numbers are filled with drama, unexpected plot twists, and life lessons that are very relevant for today!
The book of Numbers continues to narrate the journey of God's people (Israel) through the desert as they travel to a new land. A journey that could have taken 11 days if they had listened to God and obeyed Him took forty years. Eventually, Moses brought them right to the edge of the Promised Land. Instead of entering it and trusting in God's power and promises, the people focused on all the dangers. You may remember the story of the twelve spies sent to explore the land. As children, we used to sing a song that said, "Ten were bad, two were good." The essence of the story teaches us that they should have believed that God could lead them into the land and protect them from their enemies. Ten of the spies focused on the problems and viewed the situation as an absolute disaster. This is often how people approach life: some see the positives, while others only see the problems. The bottom line is that God had promised to lead them from Egypt through the Red Sea, across the desert, and into the Promised Land, but they didn't trust Him.
Do you trust that God can take you from this life to the next? Jesus died to forgive your sins and to secure a place for you in heaven. This story of Numbers remains highly relevant today. The people who lived thousands of years ago were just like us. They complained, fought, disagreed with their leaders, and accused God of being mean. They didn't trust Him and doubted that He had the power or the inclination to help them.
Despite their struggles, we see how faithful God remains. We can learn so much about ourselves and about God from their lives. We argue about God, disagree with what the Bible says, doubt His existence, and question His choices and methods of salvation. For instance, imagine believing that a man dying on a cross could pay the price for sin so that human beings could be forgiven, cleansed of their guilt, and have a new life, ultimately finding a home in heaven. It seems impossible, but that is the truth, and that's what the Bible teaches.
Open the book of Numbers today and read it. You will soon realise that you are looking through a window that allows you to see your own life and behaviour more clearly.
Let me leave you with some scriptures that speak of God's patience with us:
It is a trustworthy saying and deserving full acceptance: that Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners, among whom I am foremost. Yet for this reason I was shown mercy, so that in me as the foremost, Christ Jesus might demonstrate all His patience as an example for those who are going to believe upon Him for eternal life. Now to the King of the ages, immortal, invisible, the only God, be honor and glory forever and ever. Amen.
1 Timothy 1:15-17
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