in the wilderness

In Numbers 5, the author wants the readers to see how God's presence cannot abide impurity or sin in the camp.  And the people of God will demonstrate their impurity again and again in the wilderness.  But praise God for His mercy that accepts the atonement for not just Israel's sins, but ours as well.

The role of the Levites was critical to the function of the people of God.  They protected, assisted with and transported the tabernacle in the wilderness.  Through Jesus the presence of God is once again on the move in our world.  And it is the job of the church to help transport this tabernacle as they go in their spheres of influence.

In Numbers 3, 4, and 8 we find the role of the Levites described.  In short, they were set apart by God to remind people of God's mercy, to help others center on God's presence, and to carry the house of God everywhere He instructed.  This special calling also gives purpose to our lives today in the Gospel.

The book of Numbers, also called "In the Wilderness", begins with the people of God having been freed from slavery so they could center theirs lives in worship around God in the tabernacle.  So, too, today the people of God are able to center around God because Jesus tabernacled among us...centering himself in our midst by his Spirit.

Why start a book with a census?  To demonstrate the faithfulness of God to his people.  What started as a promise of a great nation had played out before their eyes.  What's more, God not only keeps his promises, but keeps his presence amongst his people.  And he shows them that the only proper response is a life ordered around him.