14/3/18 – Numbers 1, Numbers 2:1-9 Luke 1:26-38 Psalm 33:12-22

Today’s contributions are from Alan Coyle

Numbers 1, Numbers 2:1-9

God commands Moses to take a tribe-by-tribe census of all of the Israelite males over the age of twenty. The census is taken, but the Levites are counted separately, and their total is not included in that (603,550) of the rest of the nation because they are to “carry the tabernacle and all its furnishings – to take care of it and encamp around it.”

When Jacob and his clan went down to Egypt, they numbered only 70 souls. After a while, the Israelites were reduced to slavery, and Pharaoh tried to limit their numbers by killing their new-born sons. Now, having left Egypt after centuries of hardship, their sons are some 600,000 strong. The census is testimony to God’s power to fulfil God’s promise to Abraham — that his descendants would be too numerous to count — no matter what the circumstances.

However, the stated purpose of the census, concerned war preparations. “All the Israelites twenty years old or more who were able to serve in Israel’s army were counted according to their families. The total number was 603,550.” This count included men from every tribe except that of Levi (verse 47).

God sets us free in Jesus, and then turns us into warriors for the kingdom. The difference is that our warfare doesn’t kill men but brings them into the glorious liberty of the sons of God.

Luke 1:26-38

Mary is a model believer, taking God at his word, in contrast to Zechariah (vv. 37-38).

What Mary was about to hear has changed time forever.  “‘Do not be afraid, Mary, for you have found favour with God. And now, you will conceive in your womb and bear a son, and you will call him Jesus” (1:30-31).

The name “Jesus” would have special meaning for her and all Israelites, because it is derived from a Hebrew word that means “saviour”. Hear the message of the angels: “To you is born in the city of David, a Saviour, who is the Messiah, the Lord” (2:11).

The key is in the message of the angel: “For nothing will be impossible with God” (1:37). The final response of Mary expresses her faith: “‘Here am I, the servant of the Lord; let it be with me according to your word.’ Then the angel departed from her” (1:38).

Let’s emulate Mary’s faith and obedience and have a “can do” attitude to God, because He really can do!

Psalm 33:12-22

The key to a thankful, worshiping heart is to rely completely on the Lord

a. The eye of the Lord is on those who fear Him (v18):  Jesus told us that God cares for the smallest of birds (Matthew 6:26); surely He will care for those who honour Him, who are made in His image.

b. On those who hope in His steadfast love: Those who truly fear the Lord find their hope in His mercy, not in their own goodness or righteousness.

c. To deliver their soul (v19): Jesus promised that in the world we would have trouble, but, he said “take heart; I have overcome the world.” (John 16:33)