Written by David Self Sunday, 04 December :00 - Last Updated Thursday, 08 December :51

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1 Explore the Bible Lesson Preview December 11, 2011 "Stay on Track with God's GPS" Background: Numbers 9:1-10:10 Lesson: Numbers 9:1-11a, Motivation: Perhaps the single most asked question among Believers is "How do I know God's will for my life?" Often this is asked in the middle of a hard decision: who to marry, what vocation to pursue, or how to get out of a financial problem. In this study, we'll find at least three resources for our spiritual GPS: God's presences, Godly leaders and visible markers that point the way. I. Observing the Passover (9:1-14) The greatest night of deliverance for the Jewish people held captive in Egypt was the First Passover recorded in Exodus 12. At that time, the Lord gave specific and detailed instructions concerning how He wanted His people to observe this remarkable day. "So this day shall be to you a memorial; and you shall keep it as a feast to the Lord throughout your generations. You shall keep it as a feast by an everlasting ordinance." (Ex. 12:14). To this day, Jewish people revere Passover as the holiest of days. Our Numbers passage records the second observance of Passover, the first in the wilderness journey. We can glean several important truths from this occasion: A. Some Things Can't Be Postponed "Let the children of Israel keep the Passover at its appointed time" (9:2). Given the seriousness of the Feast and 1 / 7

2 the need for preparation and implementation, some might argue that it should be postponed until they reached a place of permanent settlement. But God said Do it at My appointed time.' As Christians we're often tempted toward delayed obedience, doing God's will in a more convenient season. Yet, delayed obedience is often disobedience. B. God Wants Things Done His Way "According to all its rites and ceremonies you shall keep it" (3b). I'm sure God's people felt that they were in a period of transition. At this time most didn't expect to be in the wilderness forty years. Perhaps some thought that a shortened version of Passover would have been appropriate while they were still traveling. Yet God not only demanded immediate obedience but also complete obedience. In our "microwave society" we're often tempted to look for shortcuts. We often feel we are in transition and should put off until later things like joining a church, tithing, finding a place of service or developing our spiritual gifts. God wants complete obedience in the journey as well as at the final destination. C. Exceptions to the Rule May be Granted Grace but not an Excuse "Now there were certain men..." (6). Persons unable to take part in the Passover because they were ceremonially unclean or on a journey (13) were allowed to celebrate it in the same manner one month later. Failure to take part for any other reason resulted in being "cut off" (13). 2 / 7

3 Often when we hear the preacher talk about a requirement from God, we're tempted to think of ourselves as exceptions to the rule. However, special circumstances may call for a modification but do not excuse completely ignoring God's standard. W hile the church is a big tent covering many convictions and interpretations, we can't ignore some basic requirements such as salvation by grace through faith, Believer's baptism, regular attendance and support and holy living. D. Guests are Invited to Become Members "And if a stranger dwells among you, and would keep the Lord's Passover, he must do so according to the rite of the Passover according to its ceremony; you shall have one ordinance, both for the stranger and the native of the land." (14) Believer's Study Bible, p. 204: 9:14 "S trangers or foreigners were excluded from the rite of the Passover unless they conformed to the laws of the Hebrews, including circumcision (Ex. 12:48, 49; Josh. 5:2-10)." This practice is analogous to the Pastor instructing guests at the observance of the Lord's Supper to let the elements pass them by unless they are born again believers in Christ. II. Following the Cloud (9:15-23) A. God's Leadership "Now on the day that the Tabernacle was raised up, the cloud covered the Tabernacle" (15). Believer's Study Bible, p. 205: 9:15 "The last matter needing attention before the departure from Sinai was the means by which God would guide His people in the wilderness. The cloud (vv ) was already present. It was the visible sign of YAHWEH's presence and His moving with His people (cf. Gen. 28:15). Its movements indicated the guidance of God. When the glory of God filled the Most Holy Place, the cloud lingered above, and the people would remain encamped. 3 / 7

4 When the cloud moved from the tabernacle, the people moved (cf. Ex. 13:21). The Decalogue, which summarized the principles of God's covenant with Israel, was contained in the ark of the Testimony as the promise of God's gracious presence inside the tabernacle, just as the cloud outside represented the pledge of His presence. This cloud has often been referred to as the Shekinah,' a non-biblical term which first appears in the Aramaic Targums. The terms was employed in the Talmud also means that which dwells'." B. God's Faithfulness "So it was always..." (16) God's direction is dependable. "Whet her you turn to the right or the left your ears will hear a voice behind you saying This is the way, walk in it'" (Isa 30:21, NIV) God wants us to know His will and direction much more than we desire to have it. C. God's Timing "Whether it was two days, a month, or a year that the cloud remained above the tabernacle, the children of Israel would remain encamped and not journey; but, when it was taken up, they would journey." (9:22) If you are a camper, think of the logistics involved in setting up camp and breaking camp. Now multiply that about two million times. As we studied the wilderness tabernacle, it became apparent that the work involved in erecting it and dismantling it was enormous. Yet, God would not allow His people to settle into a predictable routine. He wanted them to be ever attentive to His movement and ever ready to react to His call. We sometimes react negatively to change, especially if it comes without warning. However, it is clear from the "two days" that God sometimes didn't give them time to completely unpack before He called them to move again. III. Sounding the Trumpets (10:1-10) 4 / 7

5 A. The Instruments "Make two silver trumpets..." (10:2) Believer's Study Bible, p. 205: 10:2 "Besides the divine signs, human signals were necessary for guidance. The silver trumpets ( hasoserah, Heb.) were made of beaten silver (18 inches long, according to Josephus) and were to be used as a signal for assemble and for breaking camp. The trumpets also had a ceremonial use and were blown on the solemn feast days (v. 10; 28:1-29:40)." B. Their Purpose "you shall use them for calling the congregation and for directing the movement of the camps" (2b) The silver trumpets were created & quot;for calling the congregation and for directing the movement of the camps" (2) It's no coincidence that God's people in the rapture will be summoned "with the trumpet of God" (1 Thess. 4:16; 1 Cor. 15:52). 1. Both Trumpets - "all the congregation shall gather before you at the door of the tabernacle of meeting" (3). 2. One Trumpet - "the leaders...shall gather to you" (4). C. Their Symbolism 1. J. Vernon McGee notes that silver is the metal of redemption (Thru the Bible, vol. 1, p. 477). Thes e trumpets sounded the call of redemption. 2. The trumpets brought order out of potential chaos (vss. 5-7). God has a plan for us that leads us toward His destination. 5 / 7

6 3. The trumpets sounded the battle call (9). Paul wrote "Again, if the trumpet does not sound a clear call, who will get ready for battle?" (1 Cor. 14:8). Too often we forget that we are on a daily battlefield (Eph. 6:12). 4. The trumpets call us to worship (10). They are a physical reminder that God expects worship with "gladness." Application: 1. God directs His people through His presence (9:1-14). 2. God directs His people through His leaders (10:4). 3. God directs His people expecting moral purity (8:20-22) 4. God directs His people through external signs and circumstances (9:10; 10:2) Adult Leader Pack: Item 4: Handout: On Track with God's Will Illustrator: no article Notes: **You may access David's Lesson Preview in MP3 format at: 6 / 7

7 Dates: 2011: 12/3 - Christmas Store; 12/4 - Preschool and HUB Christmas Parties; 12/ Christmas Celebration 2:00 pm & 7:00 pm.; 12/10 - SPF Christmas at Hunt; 12/11 -Eve. Svc. in gym + LBS; 12/13 - Church Staff and Deacon's Christmas Parties; 12/17 - Candy Cane Lane; 12/ Christmas Holidays - church offices closed; 12/24 - Christmas Eve 2, 4 & 6:00 pm; 12/25 - Christmas Day - 1 svc. 10:30 a.m., no LBS; 12/30 - College Ski Trip; 12/31 - New Year's Eve Party - Summit; 1/1 - New Year's Day - 1 svc. 10:30 a.m., no LBS. 7 / 7