At first glance it is quite easy to dismiss Numbers 26
as just a list of names and tribes. But on further reflection this chapter
speaks quite strongly of the steadfast nature of God's character.
This is a record of the second census taken of men of
fighting age as Israel prepares for entering
into Canaan , the Promised Land. The first
census was taken 38 years earlier when Israel
was poised to conquer this land but had no faith in God's promise of victory
and once again rebelled against him.
God forgave them but declared that none of that
generation would enter the promised land except for Joshua and Caleb, whose
faith in God's word did not waver (Numbers 14 v. 20 - 24).
So here they are, nearly forty years on and this
census shows us that the total number of fighting men is very nearly the same
as that of the first census. God is going to carry out his plan to lead his
people into the Promised Land - just as he promised he would. Because of the
people's grumbling, rebellion, lack of faith and disregard for all that God had
done in rescuing them from a life of slavery in Egypt ,
they have missed out on the blessing of playing a part in God's plan of
restoration and of entering into the Promised Land.
In Numbers 23 v.19 God uses Balaam to declare,
"God is not a man that he should lie, nor a son a of man that he should
change his mind. Does he speak and not act? Does he promise and not
fulfil?"
God doesn't change. His word can be trusted. He will
fulfil his promises. Let's not miss out on the blessings of walking closely
with our God, of being used by him in the building of his kingdom. He doesn't need
us to do this work, he chooses to use us - what a privilege! Look around you
today - how is he choosing to use you? Let's not grumble or moan if things seem
unclear or uncertain, but let's partner willingly with our Father, remembering
all that he has done and trusting in his promises.
(member of
the youth ministry team)