Shabbat Devotional 7-11-26

We have now reached the closing chapters of the book of Numbers. I don’t know about you, but I used to dread reading through this book. It seemed so long and the list of names and numbers are a bit overwhelming. I often thought why do we need to know all these names and numbers anyways?  But the more I grow in my faith and dive into God’s word with a heart that wants to fully understand and know him better I have come to understand that the book of Numbers is critical to our faith.

 As Israel stands on the edge of the Promised Land, God reminds His people of all He has done for them and reaffirms what He expects of them as they prepare to enter the land He promised their ancestors. Here in these final ten chapters, we see a census of the people, reminders of the required sacrifices and appointed festivals, a record of Israel’s 42 stops during their 40-year journey through the wilderness, and the specific boundaries and tribal allotments God established for the nation of Israel. Kind of like “Cliff Notes” –a summary that highlights the key events, instructions, and promises that form the foundation of Israel’s story. While these chapters may seem like a collection of lists and instructions, they serve as a powerful reminder of God’s faithfulness. 

I don’t know about you, but sometimes I need the short version to put everything in proper perspective. As I sat down to write this week, I struggled to know where to begin. I knew what God was pressing on my heart, but I had trouble putting it into words. Yet these final chapters of Numbers helped make the bigger picture clearer. These chapters call us to remember what God has done in and through one group of people: Israel.

God did not choose the Jewish people because they were better than anyone else, or because they would follow Him perfectly. He chose them because He had a plan and a purpose—to reveal Himself, preserve His promises, and ultimately bless all nations through them. Israel has a specific calling in God’s story, and as Gentile believers, we have a calling too. Our responsibilities are not identical, but they are woven together into one beautiful redemptive story.

This is why Israel’s existence still matters-not only politically or historically, but spiritually. If you have ever wondered why such a small group of people with the tiniest strip of land have been persecuted and criticized throughout history. Remember this one thing if Israel ever ceases to exist then God is a liar. Everything we stand on is based on the faithfulness of our God. What better way to do that then destroy his chosen people. 

So how do we respond to the confusion, anger, and misinformation around us surrounding the Israel conflict? We begin by becoming people who know the entire story of scripture. So don’t skip the chapters that seem unimportant, push through and study them. Because even the names, numbers and boundaries, testify to his faithfulness. Because He is faithful to Israel, we can trust that He will also be faithful to us and every word he has spoken.

Today let us be people who seek truth, wisdom and discernment and pray for peace, standing firmly on the character and promises of God.