As I pen these words, I pray that all who read this had a blessed Christmas and joyful New Year’s celebration. The beginning of a new year brings with it hope and optimism and with Jesus Christ, we as believers have both in abundance. As we continue through our journey to hit every book in the Bible in this newsletter series, we come upon the book of Numbers. Although Numbers is a book with which many of us may not be familiar, it is important as both “holy history” and (as I heard it once put) “theology in the trenches”. In other words, similar to how viewing a painting or piece of art may teach us something about ourslves while we enjoy its beauty, Numbers tells a story that is meant to show us something about ourselves in the process. It shows us what it means to take our belief and live it out in our daily lives. 

My personal study Bible writes, “When Numbers opens, the Israelites are camped in the wilderness of Sinai, where they have been since Moses led them out of Egypt. Exodus revealed how God brought them to Sinai to instruct them on becoming a treasured possession, a priestly kingdom, and a holy nation. These instructions continue through Leviticus and into Numbers, which also narrates the journey after they break camp. Numbers demonstrates that, within the framework of God’s plans for further provision, guidance, and blessing, Israel must choose to proceed faithfully or retreat fearfully”. Unfortunately, when the people arrived at the Promised Land the first time, they chose fear over faith. Out of the twelve spies sent to investigate the land, only Joshua and Caleb encouraged the people to trust God rather than cower in the face of their enemies. Joshua and Caleb tried to remind the people of God’s power and faithfulness and how He promised to take care of them. Sadly, the people refused to listen and a wilderness journey that should only have taken a matter of days or weeks stretched out to forty years! However, Numbers ends on a good note as the new generation of Israelites finally make it to the border and are ready to cross and finally experience the freedom and new life God has been promising them since He made a covenant with their ancestor, Abraham. 

Like the Israelites, our lives are a journey, and often it can be a journey through what seems like barren wilderness. Yet, like the Israelites, God provides us with everything we need. He leads us through life, and all the while, asking us to trust Him and to display that trust by following Him daily. Every day, we too must make the choice of whether to move forward in faith and boldness or retreat backward in fear and mistrust. Forty years may seem like a long time, but it is only a series of days. All throughout Exodus and Numbers, there is rich symbolism pointing to Christ. Just as the people were instructed to use a passover lamb and spread the blood on their doorposts, Jesus Christ is the true Passover Lamb whose blood covers our sins, and He died so we would not. Just as Moses struck the rock and water came forth, so too Jesus the Rock of our salvation was struck for humanity’s sin and He is our Living water that gives us new life. Just as every journey begins with the first step, trust God for every step and move forward with boldness, humility, and persistence. One day, God will lead you and I into that promised land, His kingdom.