Day 60, Chronological Bible Study
Timeline. Map. Go to today’s Bible reading (use your browser arrow to return): Numbers 8:5–9:14 Preparations for a Spiritual Journey What final preparations would we make before we set out on vacation? We would pack our luggage and round up our children (if we have any). We would bring maps, money or travelers’ checks, passports, and, of course, a cell phone, camera, or video device. 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? After being accepted for a service field, we would raise our support, get immunizations and visas. If required, we would attend a language school and learn about the people we will work with. 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 tribe of Levi, assigned men of the Kohathite, Merarite, and Gershonite tribal families to care for and transport the tabernacle whenever and wherever the LORD desired. Soon they will begin their journey, but before that, God prepares them spiritually. How are they prepared? Dedicating servants The Levites are committed to the LORD to help the priests. They are first shaved and washed to make them ceremonially clean. Afterward, they bring burnt offerings, grain offerings, and sin offerings before Israel’s entire congregation and sacrifice them. Then, 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 their dedicated representatives (Numbers 8:15-20). As a principle drawn from the Levites’ dedication, churches should recognize and dedicate their workers to the Lord in preparation for their service in church, evangelistic, or missional activities. Respecting worship items Only male Levites, who are between the ages of twenty-five and fifty, are permitted to work at the Tent of Meeting (the tabernacle). But when they retire, they can still assist. This directive is slightly different than the one given in Numbers 4:47. In the February 27 Bible study, the difference may be related to the carrying of the tabernacle articles and furnishings. Those who enter their Levitical service at the age of twenty-five take care of the tabernacle. It was five years before they could transport it. Perhaps this is so they might gain respect for it. Christian churches today don’t have tabernacle articles to take care of. 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. This is whether or not they have to transport them as the Israelites did. Remembering God is with us gives confidence The first month of the second year after their deliverance from slavery in Egypt, the Israelites celebrate the Passover. The Passover is done to remember when the LORD delivered them 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 task? 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: Enter your prayer here: Please send your comments to mtbiblestudies@gmail.com 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. Previous Lesson  |  Next Lesson Back to top of page Return to Chronological Bible Studies main page Go to Scriptures main page Go to Topics main page Go to Home page re-edited 2-26-21

COPYRIGHT @ 2019, MASTER'S TOUCH BIBLE STUDIES