Reading
SAA Notes
The Tabernacle was in the centre of the camp at the start. This was an ordered society though it was nomadic. The family bond is the cohesive glue of ancient Israeli society and at the centre was the LORD.
SJA Notes
* All-Powerful God, thank You for today. Please help us see You better.
“These are the people of Israel as listed by their fathers’ houses.”
Here we read of the twelve tribes who were brought forth from the twelve sons of Jacob, brothers by birth.
Jesus to, He brought together the twelve disciples who were brothers in their Lord.
Psalm 133 says,
“Behold, how good and pleasant it is when brothers dwell in unity!”
Here in Numbers God divided up the tribes in a way that promoted unity.
The tribes were to be unified around the tabernacle with the Levites taking care of the centre.
In Jesus we have a great high priest who “took care” of the centre – He broke open the meeting place, making us a priesthood of believers.
The tribes fought. A lot.
The disciples fought and bickered and played politics.
But Jesus has broken the hold of sin that threatens to entangle us.
We are one tribe in Him, one people of God Almighty. We meet together in small portions of His flock – But we are one flock, with one Shepherd.
In Ephesians 4 Paul exhorts us toward maintaining the unity of the Holy Spirit in the bond of peace.
We need to be encouraged and convicted in this, so that we might,
“… Walk in a matter worthy of the calling to which you have been called, …”
* Gracious Lord God,
Thank You for calling us to be Your people.
Please help us each day to work at dwelling together in unity.
Please help us with the practical outworking of this command.
Amen.