Under the Cloud

Last week we learned that the priests and Levites are given the first fruits of the harvests of Israel as support. The first fruits are introduced in Exodus 23 .  Before harvesting their crops, the best of the fruit  of the land  was to be brought to the Lord as an offering.   The spiritual application is direct:  God must come first in our giving and not simply be given what is left over.  This can be a challenge. To give first to God and live on what is left is not what the average person would do. Is this a challenge for you? The pattern is set here for cheerful giving.   2 Corinthians 9:7 says, “God loves a cheerful giver.”   In the book of Malachi, the Lord is angry with Israel because they have robbed him by withholding their tithes,  first fruits  and offerings. Israel was under a curse for disobeying the Lord and being selfish.    God gives a message to Malachi that holds true today; He ...

God has a message for Aaron, the first high priest. Numbers 18 begins with God addressing Aaron this time. “The Lord said to Aaron, ‘You, your sons and your family are to bear the responsibility for offen s es connected with the sanctuary, and you and your sons alone are to bear the responsibility for offen s es connected with the priesthood.”  So now, God is providing a safeguard for the people who approach the Lord unauthorized  in  the future   to avoid judgment.  Now if there is an offense against the sanctuary, Aaron and his family will bear the responsibility and the priests alone bear consequences of offenses on the priesthood.  What does it mean to bear the offense?    Aaron needs to guard the tabernacle and ark. God  has  given him an honorable position; this honor comes with great responsibility.   While setting up the Levites with responsibilities in Numbers 4, we learned that the priests are to cover  a...

Can you hear me now? I am sure God has so much to tell us, if we would only listen. Numbers Chapter 17 begins with the Lord giving Moses a directive.  God spoke to Moses all the time.  He speaks to us also, especially through His word, if we will just listen.  As I read the word of God every morning, there are  often times  that a Scripture goes straight to my heart and makes me think, convicts me, blesses me or causes me to be amazed. This is the Lord speaking to me. It is a beautiful thing. Other times, just sitting quietly can lead to a clear word from God in my heart, not audible, but impressed on me so directly that I know He has spoken.   Take 5 minutes to listen for the Lord’s voice.  Sit or kneel in a quiet place by yourself seeking His presence.  Set a timer for 5 minutes and try to just quietly listen for the Lord’s voice.  If you feel your mind wandering, say a short prayer about it and continue listening. God’s voice in ...

Last week ended with the announcement of a showdown in the morning.  God was going to make it clear that HE had chosen Moses and Aaron and anyone that opposes them is rebelling against God.  Korah , a Levite, and a few  Reubenites  and 250 leaders of Israel had  risen up against  Moses and Aaron, wanting to lead the nation.  So  the next morning,  Korah , his followers and Aaron appeared before the Lord with censers of incense.   These men had recently  seen  Nadab  and  Abihu , the consecrated priests, struck dead for  unauthorized offerings  ( Leviticus 10 )  yet they have not taken heed of the warning their deaths should have been.   In their strong wills and defiance, these men  had the nerve to  put forth  a challenge they could  not win.  The glory of the Lord appeared to the entire assembly.  God told Moses and Aaron to separate from the  people ...