The book of Numbers
I can remember times when I wanted to help my wife or daughters bake or cook something. Now, I am a decent cook, but baking is not my strong suit. To me, you just throw all the ingredients into a bowl, mix it up, and presto, you are ready to bake. Not so fast, I have learned. The order in which you prepare the cookie dough or cake batter is very important. The type of flour, the way you mix it, and so on are very important. If you want to taste a cookie that melts in your mouth or a cake that is light and fluffy yet not dry, it’s the little things that matter the most. They may seem insignificant, but they make or break your outcome.
This book was written over a period of time that started when the Israelites were camped in the desert of Sinai. The first couple of verses in this book tell us that it has been 2 years and 2 months since the Israelites left Egypt. So, it has been a little over two years since Moses was given the book of Leviticus by God. It has also been over 2 years that the Israelites have been camped and moving around the desert of Sinai, eating manna every day.
By now, the Tabernacle of God has been built, and this budding nation is ready to move into the Promised Land. A huge census has taken place, and Moses is directed to count all the men able to serve in the army: 603,550 men. Also, the Levites were counted as well. All these men and people were told where to camp and what to do. No one was left out. God even outlined the people who were to take the Tabernacle down and move it and how to disassemble everything and reassemble everything. I can go on and on about all the little things that the Israelites had to do, but you can read it for yourself.
Today, reflect on all those little things we do every day. After reading this, I am convinced that God has a purpose for it all. So, embrace all the details of the day because God is working on something that you cannot even dream of yet. You see, the Israelites did not even know what they were getting into, but God did. He was leading them and preparing them in every little, painstaking way, preparing them. God is leading and preparing us for something that gives Him glory, and that something may take a little time to prepare for.
So, if you feel like you have been in the desert of Sinai for years, know that God is preparing you for something, so listen and obey. The Israelites did listen, but they did not obey, and they took another lap in the sand. Today, decide to move forward with God even when you cannot believe it or see it. Yes, the Lord is very interested in your everyday life, even the small things. Remember, it’s the small things that make or break your day.
Prayer: Father, help me to not get discouraged by my current situation. I know You are in the middle of my mess as well as my victories. I pray that my mind stays upon You. In Jesus’ name, amen.
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