Day 29 – Numbers: Preparing for the journey

Reading: Numbers 1:1 -10:10)

“Tell Aaron and his sons to bless the people of Israel with this special blessing: ‘May the Lord bless you and protect you. May the Lord smile on you and be gracious to you. May the Lord show you his favor and give you his peace.’ Numbers 6:23-26 NLT

Any trip takes planning – holiday trips, picnic trips, (and in my case even shopping trips). What road is the best to take, packing, itineraries and trying to plan and manage the “what if’s”. I imagine this was the buzz in Israel’s camp as they prepared to move after two-year encampment. But the biggest preparation wasn’t what to pack where, it was God preparing them for what He knew lies ahead.

He brought order and security by implementing a military for the nation because He knew that His nation would be opposed and threatened and had to protect themselves in the wars ahead. Then He gave strict instructions for the priests and their duties to minister to Him and His people.  Within these instructions are still practices we follow today as disciples and leaders. It’s interesting to read that God commanded the second Passover for Israel in this time of preparation. God then instructed them on how to maintain purity within camp life. These were for their physical health and well-being. God’s preparation ensured His nation was physically strong, spiritually strong, and healthy.

As we embark on our journey with Him, we too are instructed and guided to be physically strong (endurance), spiritually strong (grow in our faith) and healthy (physical and mental) to face the challenges ahead with Him.

Prayer: Father, thank You that I am not alone in my journey and for every twist and turn You have already prepared me. Thank You for my security, spiritual growth, and health and that You provide for it all. Amen.