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Dear Heavenly Father, Praise I praise you today as the God of planning and preparation. You knew the challenges that lay ahead, and you patiently prepared Israel to meet those challenges. You also know about the challenges in my life, and you are working to mold my character so that I will endure to the end by faith. I bow in worship before you, for you know the future and will be faithful to me no matter the circumstances. Praise the Lord! Today in Your Word Today you told me about your command to number the people for war and your instructions concerning the encampment and marching order of each tribe. The Israelites carefully obeyed you in both matters. This reminds me that faithful obedience is necessary no matter what your directive may be. The census was for military conscription. Each soldier was to train and fight alongside the members of his own tribe. This capitalized on family relationships and provided incentive to protect and cooperate with each other. You intended the men—not the women, the children, or the Levites—to wage war against the Canaanites, personally putting them to death with the sword. This meant that each individual’s commitment and faith in you would be put to the test. Would they be willing to put their lives on the line and go up against professional armies whose equipment and experience outmatched their own? At this point the exodus generation seemed ready to follow you into battle. Indeed, some of them had fought the Amalekites almost a year ago (Exod 17:8–16). But what would happen when they faced the Canaanites? Would they remain faithful in the face of such a fearsome foe? Reflection You promised Israel the land of Canaan, but their possession of the land came through war. In the same way, you have promised me victory over the world, but I must claim that victory by waging spiritual war (Eph 6:10–13). Am I being faithful to strap on my sword and do battle with the enemy in your name? Request Father, give me the courage and power I need to be a victorious soldier of Christ. Help me to reject the values and beliefs of the world and to stand firm against the schemes of the devil. Thanksgiving I’m grateful to know that I can “be strong in the Lord and in the strength of His might” (Eph 6:10). “Thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Cor 15:57). In Jesus’ name, Amen. Suggested Hymn: “Lead on, O King Eternal” by Ernest W. Shurtleff. Meditation Verse: Numbers 1:54; 2:34. |