Day 60, Chronological Bible Study Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Numbers 8:5–9:14
What final preparations would we make before we set out on vacation? Here are some things we might do:
• Reserve our place with activities, transportation, and hotel/motel accommodations
• Check for health or other restrictions
• Arrange for the care of our home and pets
• Pack our luggage and round up our children (if we have any
• Bring maps, money or travelers' checks, passports, and cell phones, cameras, or video devices
• Leave contact numbers and anything else on our lists
How would preparations for a spiritual journey differ from that of a vacation?
What if God calls us to be a missionary—what would we need to do?
• Identify the target group God wants us to reach
• Apply and interview to be accepted for a service field
• Establish new and renew old friendships to raise our support
• Attend a language school and learn about the people with whom we will work
• Get immunizations and visas
• Arrange for the sale or rental of our home
What about spiritual preparations? Shouldn't they be the most important thing to do if we are going on a spiritual journey or to perform some task for the LORD? In today's Bible reading, the Israelites make spiritual preparations before setting out on their journey to the Promised Land.
Spiritual preparations
Under God's direction, the Israelites built the tabernacle in the desert wilderness of Sinai, instituted priests, and began making offerings to him. Afterward, they took a census of the Levites, assigning men of the Kohathite, Merarite, and Gershonite tribal families to care for and transport the tabernacle whenever and wherever the LORD desired.
Soon they would begin their journey, and although they have their duties, God prepares them spiritually. How are they prepared?
Dedicating servants
The LORD commissions the Levites to help the priests. They are first shaved and washed to make them ceremonially clean. Then the Levites bring burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sin offerings before Israel's entire congregation and sacrifice them. Afterward, Aaron presents the Levites as a wave (dedication) offering to set them apart for service to the LORD on behalf of the Israelites. The Levites are now Israel's dedicated representatives (Numbers 8:15-20).If Church leaders need help with the proper representation of their members, they should recognize and commission qualified member to the Lord to prepare for their service in church, evangelistic, or missional activities.
Respecting worship items
God only permited male Levites, between the ages of twenty-five and fifty, to work at the Tent of Meeting (the tabernacle). But when they retired, they could still assist. This directive differs slightly from the one given in Numbers 4:47.In the February 27 Bible study, the difference seems related to the carrying of the tabernacle articles and furnishings. Those who entered their Levitical service at the age of twenty-five took care of the tabernacle, but it was five years before they could transport it. Perhaps this was so they might gain respect for it.
Christian churches today don't have tabernacle articles. To prepare for worship, they should learn to properly care for the furniture, musical instruments, sound system, and any other items used in their services, whether they have to transport them as the Israelites did.
Remembering God is with us gives confidence
In the first month of the second year, after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites again celebrate the Passover. The Passover commemorates their deliverance out of the bondage of slavery in Egypt (Exodus 12:1-27).This second Passover is a preparation for their spiritual journey to the Promised Land in Canaan. The trip will not be a Sunday School picnic—it will be difficult to face many enemies. They need to be reminded that the LORD, who so powerfully delivered them from Egypt, will go with them on their journey and bring them to the Promised Land in Canaan. So, they celebrate!
In what strength will we go on our spiritual journey or accomplish our God-given tasks? God, who so powerfully saved us, will be with us when we face adversity. We can celebrate our deliverance from sin's bondage and remember his mighty power in protecting and providing for us. Then we can go forth in confidence! If any of us are not Christians, we can trust the Lord to be our Savior. He will give us forgiveness, peace, spiritual life, and the power to go on our spiritual journey. (more...).
Discussion
Why is spiritual preparation needed before a spiritual journey? What things might need to be done before we launch out on a mission?
What was the purpose of the second Passover? Is there anything we might do together to draw confidence in God?
Focus Verses
Leviticus 20:7 (NIV) “Consecrate [dedicate] yourselves and be holy, because I am the LORD your God.”
Exodus 3:12a (NIV) “And God said, ‘I will be with you.’”
Here is a video illustrating the Passover
Write a private prayer response to today’s Bible study:
Please send your comments to me, Rod, the author
Looking Ahead: The preparations for Israel's journey are almost complete, but first they must organize a defense. We too, will face adversity. How do we organize a defense? Find out in our next lesson.
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re-edited 3-3-23
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