Psalm 95:10-11 states,"forty years (God) loathed that generation and said 'They are a people who go astray in their heart, and they have not known my ways.' Therefore, I swore in my wrath, 'They shall not enter my rest.'" That is where we find ourselves this week. The old generation will die in the wild wandering around. It would take 10 chapters for 40 years to die out and prepare the next generation that followed. This week's readings begin with a new census and follows with final preparations before the Israelites are to continue into conquering the Promise Land. After this week, the story will take a pause for Moses to give God's final word through Moses to the Israelites before he dies without entering the Promise Land. This final word is the 5th and last book of the Torah, called Deuteronomy. This week focuses on God's preparation of the next generation through reminding them of the law, answering societal questions, and giving them their first victories over their enemies before a full-fledged conquest.
Each week, as you take in the Bible, find some friends to talk it out. You can follow this simple guide to help. First, R.E.A.D. and P.R.A.Y. on your own. Then, meet with friends to share what you've learned.
R - Repeated words
E - Examine and mark
A - Ask what you learn about God
D - Do if there is anything to do
P - Praise
R - Repent
A - Ask
Bible Plan Reading - Week 16
START IT.
We're reading the Bible together in 2024. Specifically, we're taking a journey into how the story of the Bible unfolded in the Old Testament. If we get the big picture, we get the story the Bible is trying to tell us. From Sunday's message or The Big Picture Bible Reading Plan this week in the book of Numbers, what is impacting you the most? Was there a word, phrase, Bible verse, or theme that impacted you?
STUDY IT.
As you think about the differences between "Generation Now" who wandered 40 years in the wild, and "Generation Next" starting in Numbers 26, what are 3 differences you see?
Compare Numbers 26:2 and Numbers 1:3. Compare Numbers 26:51 with Numbers 1:46. Did the total number of Israelites go up or down over 40 years? Read Numbers 14:31. What is the actual strength of the Israelites if not numbers? (Read Psalm 20:7)
God reminds Moses of his punishment for not upholding God’s holiness in Numbers 27:14. What request does Moses make in Numbers 27:16-17? How does God honor this request in Numbers 27:18? How does Moses respond in Numbers 27:22-23? How might this transition have been important for Moses, for Joshua, and for the people of Israel?
Numbers 28-29 are a review of offerings previously listed in Exodus 29:38-42 and throughout Leviticus chapter 23. Was there anything surprising about chapters 28-29 in Numbers? Why might this orderly review have been important at this time in Israel’s history considering Numbers 26:2?
Cities of Refuge are discussed in Numbers 35:9-34. In the case of true accidents involving death, the community would ensure that a blood feud did not start (Like the Hatfields and McCoys). The “man-slayer” must remain in the city of refuge until when according to 35:25, 28, 32?
SHARE IT.
Has Numbers been the kind of story you expected it to be? Explain your answer. What is 1 chapter that stands out to you specifically?
What is 1 character trait of God you take away from reading Numbers? How does that trait affect you on a daily basis?
Have you ever felt like you were wandering around in circles or wasting your life? Read Psalm 23. Read John 10:7-18. How might the truth of Jesus being the good shepherd comfort you when you feel lost, confused, or defeated?
Read Ephesians 5:25-33. Read Ephesians 5:22-24? How is this reading challenging to our culture? How is this challenging to you personally? How do men’s and women’s struggle in relationships with harshness or passivity relate to Genesis 3:16?
What is different about people who follow the LORD whole-heartedly?
FINAL THOUGHT
God turned His loathing on Christ so that we could come into the Promise Land. The first or wicked generation did not believe God's good promises. The land was theirs to have through faith in God’s provision, but it would be their children that would attain the victory through faith in God. The death of our high priest, Jesus Christ, ushered in a new age. In the same way the “manslayer” could return to “the land of his possession” (Numbers 35:28) after the death of the high priest ushered in a new ‘age’. Christ has all authority, and therefore we are commanded to do what in this new age? To make a Kingdom. No. To confront and defeat evil spiritual forces. No. To defeat sin and death. No. Jesus has all authority, so we are commanded to do what? "Make disciples of all nations, baptizing them in the name of the Father and of the Son and of the Holy Spirit, teaching them to observe all that I have commanded you. And behold, I am with you always, to the end of the age.” (Matthew 28:18-20) How does Jesus’ authority and commands lead you today?