Take aways from Numbers

I completed the reading of Numbers today. Some take aways from this book are:
1. It is important to keep track of the people you are responsible for. Moses was leading 603,550 people who were 21 years old and able to serve in Israel's army. Assuming an equal number of women and children and you have potentially 2 to 2 and a half million people.
2. They delegated responsibility of the tabernacle to many people.
3. Annual feasts and festivals were a part of their culture, worship and community.
4. I remember Joshua and Caleb's names but not the other 10 spies who lacked faith in God's ability to bring Israel into the promised land. Who would you rather be like?
5. Restitution: It was practiced by the Israelite community as a commandment from the Lord. I don't see this fleshed out very often by Christ's followers today. I think we want to just be forgiven and go on without much concern regarding the wrongs we have done.
6. I love the priestly blessing of Numbers 6:22-26. The Lord Bless you and keep you; the Lord make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the Lord turn His face toward you and give you peace.
7. Keeping a journal has it's place. Moses recorded their journey at the Lord's command. I have never viewed keeping a journal as that important. Maybe I should give that some more thought. ( can my blog count?)
8. Cities of refuge. A safe place to go when you messed up. God is my refuge!
9. Laying on of hands was used to commission Joshua as the leader to take Moses' place.
10. God had an inheritance for Israel and He has one for all who follow Him.

Child-Like Faith

I just walked out of our ALC pre-school chapel. What an experience watching children be uninhibited in singing and praising God. No wonder Jesus said, unless we repent and become as a child we will not see the kingdom of God. I need a good healthy dose of child-like faith. To hear the word, believe it and respond to who God is in my life. I John says, Behold what manner of love the Father has given unto us that we should be called the children of God. God is telling us to "look" for our own benefit and enjoy all the blessings that He delights in bestowing upon us just because we are His. I love being a child of the Father.