God in the Midst

The Book of Exodus gives us a picture of an incredible year in the lives of God’s people. It tells us the story of God’s amazing grace and the lengths He will go to save His people.

The Book of Leviticus gives us an insight into God’s character and holiness. It covers about a month of events while Israel camped at Mt. Sinai. It tells us that God is making a path for us to walk closely with Him.

The Book of Numbers covers about 40 years. It is the story of God’s people in the wilderness. The Hebrew title for the Book of Numbers is actually, “In the Wilderness.” It is the story of a people who wander.

As we begin the Book of Numbers we are introduced to a census. God calls His people to count their numbers. He directs a census that notes the size of the armies of Israel and the family structures that exist within the nation. Both are important. The size of the army helps the people of Israel see the mighty working of God in their lives. God has called His people out of slavery and given them a strength and power that they did not know existed. The family units show how God has connected His people together in community. He displays the strength of walking together, loving one another, and building the next generation on a solid foundation.

The picture of the census is a fitting picture to begin the Book of Numbers. It is a reminder of the movement of God in the lives of His people. It is a way to count blessings and see the hand of God. But the Book of Numbers is also a Book that will come with strong warnings and the reality that God’s people do not always honor God’s purpose. There will be sin and rebellion that lead to wandering.

So what do we look for? Read Numbers 2:17. “Then the tent of meeting shall set out, with the camp of the Levites in the midst of the camps; as they camp, so shall they set out, each in position, standard by standard.” As God ordered His people’s living arrangements, purpose, and direction, He put Himself in their “midsts.” God placed the Levites, the ones who stood among Israel and led them in worship and His own Tabernacle, in the very center of the people. This is the picture to hold in your mind and in your heart as you read Numbers. God wants to be in the center of our lives.

This world and this life hold a lot of opportunities for wandering. There are voices that cry out for us to pay attention to the culture, to bow to human wisdom, or to give ourselves over to idolatry. We struggle with fear, intimidation, the need to be in control, or the desire to be the most important. But Numbers warns us that sin leads to destruction. That rebellion sidetracks us from God’s purpose. That when we walk away from God we walk away from the promises that He has made, the power He offers, and the purpose He provides. God does not change, but sin causes us to miss His hand in our lives.

The answer is to keep God in the midsts. To keep God central. To develop an awareness and focus of God in our everyday moments. Like the Israelites, we need to rise in the morning and see where God is moving before we take our first steps. We need to look around and see the blessing and provision of God that lies at our doorsteps, just like manna laid on the ground. We need to learn to talk to and spend time in the presence of God every day. God is there.

Numbers will teach us how to walk with God. How to keep God central in our lives. So as you read this week, don’t get bogged down in names or frustrated by numbers. Look for the movement of God in the pages of His word. Embed deeply the truth that God has chosen your heart as His home.