26.3: Jesus in Numbers Part 1: The Journey in the Desert Starts for the Jews

The Hebrews call the Book of Numbers “In the Wilderness”. It’s the beginning of the journey of the Jews to the Promised Land — the Covenant that God made with Abraham. First, let’s do a little recap on the story of the people of Israel until now. In Genesis 46,  we learned that there were 70 members of Jacob’s (aka Israel) family  who moved from Canaan to Egypt because of the drought and famine in the  area. Jacob’s son, Joseph was a high-ranking leader in Egypt. Fast forward 430 years and the Jews are enslaved by a mean Pharaoh who didn’t know Joseph. Enter Moses, who was called by God to lead the Hebrews out of Egypt. There were about 600,000 men, not counting women and children, who left Egypt to return to the Promised Land. It’s a year since they left Egypt and during that time, God gave  Moses some rules and laws that they the Jews needed to follow to stay  “right with God”. He also gave Moses detailed instructions on building  their mobile “church” or tabernacle, as well as strict rules of sacrificing for atonement. (After going through all that, I’m really glad that Jesus made the final and ultimate sacrifice and we don’t have to go through all those rites and rituals — Jesus paid it all!) So, we find the Jews getting ready to set out, finally, to the  Promised Land, but before any road trip, there’s got to be a little  organization. Especially if you’re trying to move 2 million people into  an inhabited land, where there was going to be resistance! Let’s dig in… Keep reading in my blog where there are links to dig deeper…. If you want to reap all the benefits of salvation including the 1-way, non-stop ticket to Heaven then… Believe. Repent. Be Baptized. Receive the Holy Spirit. Pray this prayer humbly and wholeheartedly… “Dear Lord Jesus, I know I am a sinner. I believe You died for my sins. Please forgive me. Right now, I turn from my sins and open the door of my heart and my life to you. I confess You as my personal Lord and Savior. I surrender my whole life to you and I will follow you for the rest of my life. Thank You, Jesus, for saving me. In Jesus' name, Amen.” Soli Deo Gloria — To God Alone Be the Glory!