I’ve neglected my blogging for the last two months because I have been studying Hebrews, 1 John, and Nehemiah but I think it is important for me to continue the story and journey of blogging through the Bible. In Hebrews the author is proclaiming Jesus Christ as better than everything that Jew’s hold as important. John is fighting against false teaching in 1 John. The ruined wall is being rebuilt in Nehemiah. The story of scripture all ties together and it is best seen as we read through the Bible.
In Numbers 15 God instructs the people to offer sacrifices to Him once they enter the land He promised to them. What is the importance of giving this offering when God brings them to the land he promised? I know that it is all too easy to forget God. Forgetfulness seems to be an ongoing problem for the people of Israel in my reading so far. God consistently showed Himself in mighty ways and repeatedly the Israelites strayed away. I am in the same place today in my life. Do I consistently have a thankful heart before my loving God? Sadly I do not but my hope is built upon Jesus Christ who is my High Priest who offered Himself up as a sacrifice for my sin.
The rebellion and disrespect of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram is shown in Numbers 16. These men and those who rebelled with them, the 250 who offered sacrifices, were Levites who God took into His service when the firstborn of Israel were redeemed. These Levites sought equality with the Aaronic priests because they were Levites. God rejected these men and they were killed just as Aaron’s sons, Nadab and Abihu, were killed for offering incorrect sacrifice before God. The utensils which were used in the offering became holy because they were used to present an offering to the Lord. In Romans 12:1 Paul exhorts believers to offer themselves to God as a living sacrifice. In light of Numbers 16 it reinforces the fact that through Jesus Christ I am made holy because I can offer myself as a living sacrifice.
You would think that seeing God kill all these men and seeing their tents, belongings, and familes being swallowed up by the earth would humble and amaze the people of Israel before the power of God. Amazingly the day after God worked in their midst the people grumbled. Sitting in the bleachers watching the action unfold it is easy to look down upon the Israelites but the reality check that I am just as bad at following God as they were. I am only spared because of Jesus Christ and the Holy Spirit given to me. God told Moses and Aaron to “Get away from among this congregation, that I may consume them instantly.” God started a plague among the people. The best part in chapter comes next. Aaron stood between between the dead and the living and the plague was stopped. This is a foreshadowing of Jesus Christ dying for my sin. When God looks upon me He sees the blood of Jesus Christ and I am declared clean, holy, and without defect.
If you are reading this and wondering if Jesus Christ had paid the penalty for your sins. Please let me know and I will be happy to talk with you.
