* Chap 1 -God had already given the people the law and they had built the tabernacle.
* Now it was time for them to move into the Promised Land.
* What would they do?
* How would they be able to go where God wanted them to go and keep His presence among them?
* This is what the book of Numbers is all about.
* It’s a book that counts the people and makes them accountable so they could be counted on to fight the battles that were coming!
* Numbers is a book of organization!
* An organism is something that’s alive because of proper organization.
* The foundation is RELATIONSHIP - they were in relationship with God and with each other.
* The first item of business was the Tabernacle, which represented God’s presence.
* It was the fuel for battle.
* Chap 2 - Here in these verses we see very clear separation among the people. They had to remain distinct from each other. But the ultimate goal wasn’t separation, it was oneness. They would come back together “as one” under the name of God to fight the enemy.
* Chaps 3-4 - These chaps outline the roles and responsibilities of the Levites in dealing with the Tabernacle (the presence of God).
* They erect the boundaries for relationship.
* So long as they stayed inside these boundaries they would maintain fellowship with each other and with God.
Numbers 2:1-2 (3/29/23)
March 29, 2023 • Benham Brothers • Numbers 2:1–2
Relationship is the “state of being connected.”
When God created Eve from Adam He separated feminine from masculine.
He separated what was once one so they could become one by choice.
The goal wasn’t for separation, it was for oneness.
God wanted them to come back together “as one.”
This oneness is what brings God’s:
Presence
Power
Why would we need those? Because we’re in a FIGHT!
Backstory - the Israelites were marching toward the Promised Land.
To get this land, they had to fight - so God prepared them for the battle.
He did several things to get them ready:
Gave them rules (the Law).
Gave them the tabernacle (His presence).
Gave them boundaries (separation).
Why? So they could be an army fit for a battle.
Here in Numbers 2 we see very clear separation among the people.
Vs 1-2 - “The Lord said to Moses and Aaron: “The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting some distance from it, each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family.”
Notice:
They centered around God - “The Israelites are to camp around the tent of meeting…”
If you want power in your life and relationships, it all centers around God.
They kept their distance - “…some distance from it.”
You have to show reverence and respect toward God.
They honored their boundaries - “…each of them under their standard and holding the banners of their family.”
They had to remain distinct from each other.
This kept them individually separate, but relationally whole!
Before oneness there must be “two-ness.”
Two healthy individuals coming together “as one.”
Boundaries bring freedom.
They define what’s you and what’s me.
They keep the good in and the bad out.
The above is our recipe for winning the battles that we face today.
Center on God, Reverence and Respect His Name, and Honor Boundaries.
Matthew Henry - "God is the God of order, and not of confusion. These standards made this mighty army seem more beautiful to its friends and more formidable to its enemies."
Numbers 6:2 (2/23/17)
February 23, 2017 • Benham Brothers
* A Nazarite vow was a special vow people could take if they wanted to go deeper with God and express deep devotion to Him.
* It’s kindof like Hobby Lobby and Chic-Fil-A not being open on Sunday.
* It consisted of three things that we can apply to our lives today if we want to go deeper with God:
* 1) No wine to drink - even though wine was ok.
* This symbolizes saying “no” to our senses and not indulging our appetites.
* 2) No cutting of hair.
* This symbolizes not being concerned about outward appearance.
* A Nazarite was more concerned with what was going on inside than outside.
* 3) Stay away from dead bodies.
* This symbolizes staying away from places of death (bars, clubs, etc).
