If you have ever been in a car wreck then you might have suffered from "whiplash". Whiplash is defined as “a neck injury caused by sudden back and forth movement of the neck.” It is commonly associated with rear-end collisions. From Exodus 2:23 through Leviticus and into Numbers, we have seen the same generation of people. Just when you think they might be finally getting it and following God, WHIPLASH! This week we continue to see odds and ends of instructions on various topics for God’s people, however the Tabernacle will be fully consecrated, Levites cleansed, and the people ready to move. Pay special attention to the back and forth of obedience and disobedience. This week’s reading contains group and individual cases of pride against God’s design. Notice how God continues to weave perfect grace, mercy, and justice in His dealings with His people on a corporate and individual level.
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 14
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.
According to Numbers 6:2, who could take a Nazarite Vow? What was the purpose of a Nazarite Vow according to Numbers 6:2? How does this reflect on God’s character that anyone is allowed to be set apart for special service to God?
What tribe is set apart to help the priests with their duties according to Numbers 8:17-18? (Go back and see Exodus 28:1 and 40:12-15. Their duties are described in Numbers 3 & 4)
What is the punishment for a person who does not keep the Passover according to Numbers 9:13? Who is welcomed to participate according to Numbers 9:14? How might this echo God’s covenant with Abraham to be a blessing to all nations?
What is the common theme in Numbers 11:1 as in Exodus 14:11-12, 16:2, 17:3? What happens in Numbers 11:25? How is this surprising considering what happens in chapter 11? (Read Ezekiel 26:22-37)
How does the leprosy represent spiritual condition according to Numbers 12:11? How might the leprosy and having to remain outside the camp 7 days been a mercy to address a more dangerous condition? How is this surprising considering the judgement of God in Numbers 11:33-34?
SHARE IT.
How is Numbers similar or different from Exodus and Leviticus? How do these books show you that God cares about his people? (Consider the census numbers that start Numbers)
Why would God care about the organization of his people's lives? Why would the Almighty God of the universe care about how you organize your life?
How have you been reminded of Jesus in the reading of Numbers this week?
Compare these verses:
Matthew 27:46 to Psalm 22:1
John 19:24 to Psalm 22:18
John 19:30 to Psalm 22:31.
How are you encouraged that God’s Word is true? What did Jesus lose according to Numbers 6:24-26, and what do believers gain? How does this affect you today?
Read Numbers 9:13. “At its appointed time,” what opportunities to follow the LORD in obedience do you have today that you might not have tomorrow? How has your following the LORD changed in different seasons of your life: i.e. childhood, single, married, children, etc.? How might you need to repent of a previous opportunity you ignored? (Read Philippians 1:6, Ephesians 2:10)
FINAL THOUGHT
Numbers 9:13 states there is an “appointed time” to celebrate the Passover. The punishment for defying this is being “cut off” from God’s people and therefore access to God or salvation. The Passover is central to the Jewish identity and therefore a Christian identity. For a person to ignore or think lightly of this feast was to miss the message of salvation. There really is a holy God. People really are unclean and require something to take their place as punishment. Galatians 4:4-5 says “when the fullness of time had come, God sent forth his Son, born of woman, born under the law, to redeem those who were under the law, so that we might receive adoption as sons.” There really is one way of salvation, through faith in the perfect blood of Jesus. There is an appointed time of opportunity for those around us. Hebrews 9:27-28 states, “And just as it is appointed for man to die once, and after that comes judgment, so Christ, having been offered once to bear the sins of many, will appear a second time, not to deal with sin but to save those who are eagerly waiting for him.” Jesus really is coming again. Today really is the day of salvation (2 Corinthians 6:2). LORD, give us grace to be bold today.