A spiritual lesson from Numbers.

As we read through the Old Testament we see many pictures of Christ in His person and work.  Moreover, we also see many spiritual lessons for us, as believers.

One such example is in the book of Numbers.

After the Israelites had come out of Egypt and disobeyed the Lord, by not entering the promised land straight away, they were sent around the wilderness for 40 years.  In the early part of that period a census was taken of all the men of military age (aged 20 and above).  The count showed a figure of 603,550 and during the course of the next generation all of these people, except two, (Caleb and Joshua) died of various causes.  The reason Caleb and Joshua survived was because the Lord honoured them for standing for His cause when their comrades were showing cowardice by not being willing to enter the promised land.

Just before crossing the Jordan to Canaan, another census was taken.  Given that this was near 40 years later, one would expect the numbers in this census to be seriously depleted; after all, a whole generation had died, the wilderness was a deeply inhospitable place and the people had been disobedient to the Lord many times; moreover, they frequently rebelled against Moses and had a bad spirit of complaining instead of accepting God's providence in all things.

However, this 2nd census showed a figure of 601,730 - a difference of .3 of 1%! Given the circumstances outlined above, this was extremely remarkable, but it tells us something that we can be encouraged by.  Despite the way the Israelites frequently fell short of God's will and rebelled, and despite the fact that God had to chastise them for this, He still regarded them as His covenant people and would not disown them.  

Does this not sound familiar?  Even as believers we often fall short of what we should be in thoughts, words and deeds but, even though God may have to chastise us (Hebrews 12 v 5-11),  He still keeps us as His own special people, purchased by the blood of His dear Son.

In stating the above I'm not, in any way, seeking to encourage godless living.  All believers should recognise the need to live holy lives and bear spiritual fruit, (as our Saviour said "by their fruits you know them" - Matt. 7 v 20) but we all acknowledge,as we look into our hearts, that we are often not the people we should be, and it is so easy to get discouraged BUT the Lord who saved us is the Lord who keeps us, and we need to encourage our hearts by the promise of Christ in John 10 v 27-29; all true believers will persevere because God pours His grace into our hearts and lives day by day.