Numbers 1 - Praying God's Word

Please read Numbers 1.

Meditate on verse 53a.

 

But the Levites shall camp around

the tabernacle of the testimony,

 so that there will be no wrath

 on the congregation of the sons of Israel.

 

The LORD commanded Moses and Aaron to number the men of Israel, twenty years and older, who were able to go to war (vs. 2-3).  The Levites, however, were exempt from earthly battle.  Their job was to set up, care for, and guard the tabernacle, the holy place of God’s presence in the center of the camp.  It was crucial for a Levite to faithfully execute his God-given duties, camping around the tabernacle, so the wrath of God would not be poured out on the Israelites. 

 

As a Christian, God also gives you the high Levitical calling to His priesthood:

 

You also, as living stones, are being built up as a spiritual house

 for a holy priesthood, to offer up spiritual sacrifices

 acceptable to God through Jesus Christ… so that you may proclaim

 the excellencies of Him who has called you

 out of darkness into His marvelous light.

—1 Peter 2:5, 9b

 

As you continue to read the book of Numbers, notice God’s instructions to the Levites, making practical applications to your life.  Stay faithfully camped around those you love, praying for them and proclaiming the LORD’s excellencies to them, so they will choose to be part of the holy priesthood of Christ, rather than experience His wrath. 

 

Use the words from Numbers 1:53-54 to pray over yourself and those for whom you stand guard as a faithful, prayerful watchman (Isaiah 62:6-7).

 

“LORD, I will faithfully camp around those I love,

 so there will be no wrath on them.

As a spiritual Levite, I shall keep charge of

 Your Testimony, sharing it with others.

Help _______ and me do according

 to all which You command.

In Your name, Jesus~”

 

The WATCHMAN on the WALL, 4 — Dr. Ron and Marsha Harvell