Skip to main content

February 11 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 42

Here's another great video that summarizes the book of Numbers well.  I can't recommend these video enough to you.  They are helpful in understanding not just what you're reading, but why what you're reading is important.




DAILY READINGS

Numbers 8-10 & Psalm 42

DAILY NOTES

Numbers 8:2
  • This doesn't seem like a direct command, but the implication of the placement of the lamps is understood.
Numbers 8:5-26
  • The Levites are consecrated for their work.  
  • Levites served up to 25 years.  They retire at 50. After that, they are allowed to help with priestly duties, but not act as overseers.  
Numbers 9:2
  • "Let them" really means "Make them."
Numbers 9:7
  • Doesn't their question resemble questions we modern readers have about some of these laws?
Numbers 9:10
  • Modern Jews don't sacrifice any more because there is no appropriate place to do so.  They do, however, observe the passover.  The verse gives direction to do so.
Numbers `10:1-10
  • Silver trumpets are used to gather the congregation or leaders.  
  • An alarm must have been a different kind of sound from the trumpet.  
Numbers 10:13
  • This is the first time they will move as a new, organized people.
Numbers 10:29
  • Moses' father-in-law once helped him.  Now, Moses convinces him to be helped.
Psalm 42
  • The psalmist is able to trust in God, even as he suffers, because he knows who God is.  
  • Adversaries may tempt him to question who and where God is, but the psalmist knows that Creation remind him that God is worthy of praise.

OTHER OBSERVATIONS

The Numbers video highlights the placement of God's presence within the camp of the Israelites.  It's right in the center.  And, as they travel, it goes before them.  Both of those are great illustrations of where we should keep God.  At the center of our shared life and ahead of us.

I remember with one of our youth groups we had a 7-foot cross we used to keep in the center of the room at all our activities.  It was impressive and people always noticed it.  Still, there were plenty of times people wanted to move the cross because it was "in the way."  Of course, Mr. Preacher used that as a chance to remind said people that it's too easy to move God out of the way.  And that's when we get sidetracked.  

Imagine the scene.  Your tribe couldn't view other tribes without being reminded of God's presence.  

What reminds do we keep among us today of God's presence?  We haven't moved too many things around, have we?

Stay blessed...john
Labels:

Comments

Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

February 16 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 47 Before the movie Shrek, the best known talking donkey was Balaam's donkey.  That's what we're reading about today.   Of course, that's only part of the story between Balak and Balaam.   DAILY READINGS Numbers 22-24 & Psalm 47 DAILY NOTES Numbers 22:2 Apparently, Israel is making a name for itself.  The Moabites are terrified and distressed/irritated by the news of what the Israelites are doing. Numbers 22:5-6 Balaam is, apparentely, a diviner with a good reputation.  Balak is "overcome with fear" and his response is to go to Balaam.  Balak knows that "whomever you bless is blessed, and whomever you curse is cursed." Numbers 22:8 This is the recurring theme for Balaam.  He will only say what  God tells him to say.  That is, there's no money back guarantee.  Even if it doesn't align with what Balak wants, Balaam will only give the words that God gives him. There is no indication why Balaam w...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 3 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 93 After today we'll have finished another book of the Bible.  King David's place in the story of God is winding down. DAILY READINGS 2 Samuel 22-24 & Psalm 93 DAILY NOTES 2 Samuel 22 This is a psalm of praise and thanksgiving.  Psalm 18 is a variation of this psalm. 2 Samuel 23 David's reign (and life) are drawing to a close.  These are some of his last words and speak of men that have served under him.   2 Samuel 24 David wants a census of the people.  Since he later sees it as a sin, we can gather that he had prideful purposes for doing so.   The king repents, but also suffers the judgement of the sin.  Technically, 70,000 of the people he just counted suffered. Afterwards, David builds an altar to God. Psalm 93 God's rule over earth is celebrated.  This is what's called an enthronement psalm.  OTHER OBSERVATIONS There's an interesting observation to consider about 2 Samuel 24:1...
Post a Comment
Read more

April 6 + Daily notes & readings

DAY 96 We've come a long way from wondering in the desert.  Now, after many battles and years of disarray, God's people are living in peace and the Lord has a house built. DAILY READINGS 1 Kings 8-10 & Psalm 96 DAILY NOTES 1 Kings 8 Solomon brings the ark of God to the temple. The temple is dedicated.  Solomon offers a prayer for the occasion. Solomon blesses the people. 1 Kings 9 The highlight of this chapter is that God appears to Solomon again (in a dream?).  The line of David will continue through Solomon, assuming he follows the way of God.  The people must also follow. 1 Kings 10 The Queen of Sheba visits Solomon to see for herself his wisdom.  She is amazed (breathless).  The two crowns exchange gifts. Some of Solomon's furniture is described as a way to emphasize the grandeur of his reign and the temple.  Notice how "the whole earth" wanted to see Solomon (10:24). OTHER OBSERVATIONS Solomon's prayer at...
Post a Comment
Read more