Promised Land – Be Still…

Numbers 2:1-34 – Keep God in the Center

With so many of God’s people roaming around in the wilderness, it makes sense that God would command them to be orderly. I can just imagine the chaos of establishing a highly mobile residence in a desert-like region like that if each tribe didn’t have their assigned space.

When it came time to move, there was also an order for leaving established for the clan leadership to follow. I had a flashback to being in school, choosing line leaders, and lining up at the designated time to walk the halls. Classrooms also had their dismissal order to follow. Having an orderly progression helped us students know when and where to move. For the Israelites’, God thought of everything! Continue reading “Numbers 2:1-34 – Keep God in the Center”

Ezekiel 16:1-34 – She Had It All

Read Ezekiel 16:1-34

The Sovereign LORD has quite a message for Jerusalem. We see how God describes the history of the holy city. He equates Jerusalem to an unwanted child now bound for her “happily ever after.” That is until her own pride and confidence get in the way. What happens is predictable even today as she falls away from God, leading her to make many unhealthy choices.

First we see God’s mercy in choosing to rescue this abandoned child. What devotion the creator feels toward his eventual bride! But the word picture here of this forgotten child is chilling. Sadly, there was a time in history when parents would leave behind their unwanted children, particularly daughters. God uses this familiar example to get attention but mainly to be understood. Continue reading “Ezekiel 16:1-34 – She Had It All”

Ezra 6:19-22 – Passover Celebration

Read Ezra 6:19-22

The first part of Ezra and the temple restoration ends with this passage – the celebration of Passover. It sounds like this was the first time the returnees celebrated this festival of remembrance since being back “home.” What a beautiful bridge to close the chapter of their past wrongs and open the new chapter full of promise of following the Lord and his decrees!

To celebrate the Passover is to remember how God showed up powerfully to save you. We can celebrate what Jesus did for us every day! Sharing in this celebration was a brilliant way to signify a unified heart devoted to God. Such a fitting end to the dedication festivities!