Having been delivered from slavery in Egypt and under the leadership of Moses, the Israelites are encamped at Sinai where the law was given and the tabernacle with all its furnishings was built. Now it is time for them to begin their 200 plus mile journey to the Land of Promise in Canaan. Commentators tell us that the total number of Israelites was about 2.5 million at that time. Surely it would require a well-ordered plan to get that many people with all their animals and belongings including the tabernacle to their promised home.
Today’s Scripture outlines God’s orderly plan for that journey, “According to the commandment of the LORD they were numbered by the hand of Moses, every one according to his service, and according to his burden: thus, were they numbered” (Num. 4:49). Each tribe was assigned its place and the task it was to perform. It would be a well-ordered march rather than a disorganized group wandering around in the desert.
The Bible also reveals that God has an orderly plan for our journey out of slavery to sin to eternal life in his kingdom. Only if we follow his plan of salvation from sin will we be welcomed into his kingdom while those who refuse to comply will perish in the fire of hell. We must all come to God by the way of the cross. There is no other plan or way.
Today’s Scripture reveals that Nadab and Abihu disobeyed God’s orders and were struck down because of it. Whether we like it or not God’s plan of salvation requires repentance of sin and belief in Christ whose shed blood cleanses us from sin and fits us for the kingdom of God. There is no other way and failure to follow God’s plan for us will result in banishment. Have you accepted God’s plan for your journey of faith?
“Neither is there salvation in any other: for there is none other name under heaven given among men, whereby we must be saved” (Acts 4:12).
Rev. Bill Monroe, Vernon, Vt.
Extended Scripture: Numbers 3–5 (NIV)
