Today I read Numbers 19 which contains instructions for sacrificing a red heifer and waters of separation which have to do with being unclean and the process for becoming clean again. The process seems a little involved to me, but in reality I'll bet it wasn't so bad. It never ceases to amaze me how involved the steps of the Law of Moses was, and all so that the Israelites could be as healthy as possible. At least that is my reasoning, I can't really think of other reasons to go to all the trouble of separating oneself from the congregation if you touch a dead body and so forth.
Heavenly Father's laws and commandments don't always make sense to us, but we can always rest assured that there is purpose behind them. God does not do anything without a reason. Just because we do not understand the reason doesn't mean it isn't there. From what I have observed in my own life that reason is generally our own health or spiritual welfare. It's much easier to have faith in God when you have an understanding of His true character. Joseph Smith actually taught that unless you have a correct understanding of His character you cannot have faith in Him at all. I suspect this is because we have to really understand what God's mission and plan is all about to really believe in Him. At least that's how I see it. Until tomorrow.
Saturday, June 30, 2012
Friday, June 29, 2012
Levites Given Tithes in Lieu of Land for Inheritance
Today I read Numbers 18 which is all about the Israelites and making offerings, their tithes. It also deals with the fact that the Levites have no land for their inheritance but they receive the tithes that the people bring from their sacrifices. The Lord truly does take care of His people and those who serve Him.
In our day and age when we pay tithing we are also blessed by the Lord, sometimes in ways we cannot even begin to imagine. I could name off numerous instances where the Lord has blessed someone I know for paying their tithing. I personally have never been given money that I needed or found money that I needed, but I have certainly been blessed with people giving us food and in other ways. The Lord does take care of His people and it is a wonderful thing to rely on the Lord. It takes faith though, that first time is really scary when you don't know what is going to happen. But the Lord is always there to catch you. Until tomorrow.
In our day and age when we pay tithing we are also blessed by the Lord, sometimes in ways we cannot even begin to imagine. I could name off numerous instances where the Lord has blessed someone I know for paying their tithing. I personally have never been given money that I needed or found money that I needed, but I have certainly been blessed with people giving us food and in other ways. The Lord does take care of His people and it is a wonderful thing to rely on the Lord. It takes faith though, that first time is really scary when you don't know what is going to happen. But the Lord is always there to catch you. Until tomorrow.
Thursday, June 28, 2012
Evil Speaking of the Lord's Annointed
Today I read Numbers 17 which is kind of a continuation of the last chapter where some of the Israelites were murmuring against Moses and Aaron. They were complaining against them and wondering if they were really the Lord's chosen and felt they were better than Moses and Aaron. The Lord wants to put all these issues to rest once and for all and so tells Moses to perform a test.
The Lord tells Moses to have each head of the tribes to bring Moses a rod, or staff, with their name engraved on it. These rods were placed in the tabernacle and left overnight. When Moses returned the next day, Aaron's rod had blossomed with flowers and actually produced almonds. This seems to have worked as the people react to it with reverence and even a little fear in regards to the tabernacle.
Through it all, it reminds me of the commandment against evil speaking of the Lord's anointed. One of the few things that Heavenly Father seems to not tolerate from His children is speaking ill of those He has called. In fact for those who have been through the temple, it is one of the things we promise, that we will avoid speaking ill of our priesthood leaders. It can be a challenge sometimes, because we are not perfect. However, we are still commanded to sustain them and support them, and most importantly, follow them. Heavenly Father chooses those who are in positions of authority and He does it for a reason. Sometimes it is so that person can grow. We are not always told and should not be told what His reasons are, but we need to trust Him. If we do, our lives will be so much easier. Until tomorrow.
The Lord tells Moses to have each head of the tribes to bring Moses a rod, or staff, with their name engraved on it. These rods were placed in the tabernacle and left overnight. When Moses returned the next day, Aaron's rod had blossomed with flowers and actually produced almonds. This seems to have worked as the people react to it with reverence and even a little fear in regards to the tabernacle.
Through it all, it reminds me of the commandment against evil speaking of the Lord's anointed. One of the few things that Heavenly Father seems to not tolerate from His children is speaking ill of those He has called. In fact for those who have been through the temple, it is one of the things we promise, that we will avoid speaking ill of our priesthood leaders. It can be a challenge sometimes, because we are not perfect. However, we are still commanded to sustain them and support them, and most importantly, follow them. Heavenly Father chooses those who are in positions of authority and He does it for a reason. Sometimes it is so that person can grow. We are not always told and should not be told what His reasons are, but we need to trust Him. If we do, our lives will be so much easier. Until tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 27, 2012
The Lord Slays those who Speak Out Againts Moses
Today I read Numbers 16. It never ceases to amaze me that the people would think that Moses was setting himself up to be their leader. After all they have seen and done since Moses came to Israel to liberate them. Do they really think that he could have done all those miracles himself? Apparently they did because in this chapter there are about 250 plus people who are mad at Moses saying he is power hungry and that the Lord really hadn't chosen him.
It is very amusing to me that such people who generally accuse others of being power hungry, are really power hungry themselves. Case in point Laman and Lemuel were always mad at Nephi because he was their younger brother and they thought he was trying to rule over them. It wasn't the fact that they didn't want to be ruled, well in a way it was, but it was more the fact that they wanted to do the ruling. They were the ones who were power hungry and wanted to be in charge. So it is in this chapter with some of the sons of Levi. The are mad at Moses saying he has set himself up to be a prince among the Israelites and are taking power unto himself.
So amusing that what they are accusing Moses of doing is exactly what they want to do. It kind of reminds me of Steve Jobs getting mad at Bill Gates when Microsoft first came out with Windows which was based on another companies design but was also taken from Apple's new design. Steve Jobs essentially got mad that Bill ripped off the other company before he could. Similarly, Moses is only following the commands of God and doing what Heavenly Father wants him to do. Yet others are blatantly ignoring all the miracles that Moses has performed that are impossible for man to perform themselves. As expected, the Lord does not take kindly to the people speaking evil of His anointed prophet. God causes a fissure in the earth to open up and swallow the rebels who are speaking out against Moses. Sometimes it seems harsh to me when God punishes the wicked, but when He punishes blind stupidity, it doesn't seem so harsh to me for some reason. I guess that's because I really, really don't like stupidity. It's a flaw of mine. Until tomorrow.
It is very amusing to me that such people who generally accuse others of being power hungry, are really power hungry themselves. Case in point Laman and Lemuel were always mad at Nephi because he was their younger brother and they thought he was trying to rule over them. It wasn't the fact that they didn't want to be ruled, well in a way it was, but it was more the fact that they wanted to do the ruling. They were the ones who were power hungry and wanted to be in charge. So it is in this chapter with some of the sons of Levi. The are mad at Moses saying he has set himself up to be a prince among the Israelites and are taking power unto himself.
So amusing that what they are accusing Moses of doing is exactly what they want to do. It kind of reminds me of Steve Jobs getting mad at Bill Gates when Microsoft first came out with Windows which was based on another companies design but was also taken from Apple's new design. Steve Jobs essentially got mad that Bill ripped off the other company before he could. Similarly, Moses is only following the commands of God and doing what Heavenly Father wants him to do. Yet others are blatantly ignoring all the miracles that Moses has performed that are impossible for man to perform themselves. As expected, the Lord does not take kindly to the people speaking evil of His anointed prophet. God causes a fissure in the earth to open up and swallow the rebels who are speaking out against Moses. Sometimes it seems harsh to me when God punishes the wicked, but when He punishes blind stupidity, it doesn't seem so harsh to me for some reason. I guess that's because I really, really don't like stupidity. It's a flaw of mine. Until tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 26, 2012
A Man is Stone for Breaking the Sabbath
Today I read Numbers 15 where different types of offerings are laid forth. I'm so glad that in our day and age we don't have to worry about giving different types of offerings for different things. It's just a flat give 10% of your annual increase. You don't have to worry about the circumstances or what type of an offering to make, you just have to pay your tithing. It's so much easier.
I often wonder if the harsh penalties for disobeying the laws and commandments were still in force today what kind of a world we would live in? In this chapter a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. Now, as far as physical labor goes, that's about as easy as it gets really. But when Moses asked the Lord what should be done with the man, he was told to stone him! That is a really harsh punishment for so light an offense. Or perhaps it is not a light offense. It's hard to tell really because so much has changed and the world does not keep the sabbath day holy at all any more so compared to what most people are doing, gathering sticks seems almost laughable as far as sins go.
But I wonder what would our wold be like if we imposed such harsh penalties in our own times for breaking the Sabbath day. I'll tell you one thing, there would be no more breaking of the Sabbath! Sometimes I wish there was a more concentrated effort on the part of everyone else to do what was right and follow the commandments of God. It would make for a really nice world I think. I guess I'll just have to wait for the millennium. Until tomorrow.
I often wonder if the harsh penalties for disobeying the laws and commandments were still in force today what kind of a world we would live in? In this chapter a man was found gathering wood on the Sabbath day. Now, as far as physical labor goes, that's about as easy as it gets really. But when Moses asked the Lord what should be done with the man, he was told to stone him! That is a really harsh punishment for so light an offense. Or perhaps it is not a light offense. It's hard to tell really because so much has changed and the world does not keep the sabbath day holy at all any more so compared to what most people are doing, gathering sticks seems almost laughable as far as sins go.
But I wonder what would our wold be like if we imposed such harsh penalties in our own times for breaking the Sabbath day. I'll tell you one thing, there would be no more breaking of the Sabbath! Sometimes I wish there was a more concentrated effort on the part of everyone else to do what was right and follow the commandments of God. It would make for a really nice world I think. I guess I'll just have to wait for the millennium. Until tomorrow.
Monday, June 25, 2012
Israelites Doomed to Wander Forty Years
Today I read Numbers 14 where the Lord tells the Israelites that because they would not hearken unto him or Caleb or Joshua, none of them who were over the age of twenty besides Caleb and Joshua, would set foot into the land of Israel. I feel really bad for Heavenly Father, He has done so much for the children of Israel and shown them so much. He protected them, and saved them from Egypt, and the Red Sea and has fed them manna, and yet they didn't believe that He would keep His promise to them to protect them from the inhabitants of the land. Say what you will about their reasons, it all boils down to them not believing that God would protect them.
The really sad thing is they realized they screwed up when Moses told them the words of the Lord, that they would not be allowed to enter into the land of Israel. Some of them tried to go up to the land anyway, we are not told how many, and were slaughtered because God was not with them. Moses warned them that it was too late for that but they went up anyway. I really do have to wonder about the Israelites and their mental state because the way the narrative is written, they are really dumb! I mean they had seen miracle after miracle and yet they still didn't believe Heavenly Father would help them.
Of course, they are no dumber than we are today in our world. We see miracles all the time and yet we doubt the existence of God Himself! We see miracles where there is no rational explanation at all for what has happened except that God intervened, but we still, like Laman and Lemuel, doubt that He can help us. Or perhaps, even worse, we think He can help us, but doubt He WILL help us. That to me is a gross misunderstanding of God's character if that is the case. God wants to help us and will help us. Most of the time the only thing holding Him back, is us. We don't accept His help. We think our way is better, or that our knowledge is more vast than the creator of the universe. And yet compared to Him, we are like a little ant crawling along the kitchen floor in search of food. We have no idea what's really out there. And yet the one being who can help us, we shun His help, blaspheme against Him and think that we know better. The story is often repeated and always with the same results. Heartache and misery. The old saying goes that unless we learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it. And history has shown just how accurate that saying is. Until tomorrow.
The really sad thing is they realized they screwed up when Moses told them the words of the Lord, that they would not be allowed to enter into the land of Israel. Some of them tried to go up to the land anyway, we are not told how many, and were slaughtered because God was not with them. Moses warned them that it was too late for that but they went up anyway. I really do have to wonder about the Israelites and their mental state because the way the narrative is written, they are really dumb! I mean they had seen miracle after miracle and yet they still didn't believe Heavenly Father would help them.
Of course, they are no dumber than we are today in our world. We see miracles all the time and yet we doubt the existence of God Himself! We see miracles where there is no rational explanation at all for what has happened except that God intervened, but we still, like Laman and Lemuel, doubt that He can help us. Or perhaps, even worse, we think He can help us, but doubt He WILL help us. That to me is a gross misunderstanding of God's character if that is the case. God wants to help us and will help us. Most of the time the only thing holding Him back, is us. We don't accept His help. We think our way is better, or that our knowledge is more vast than the creator of the universe. And yet compared to Him, we are like a little ant crawling along the kitchen floor in search of food. We have no idea what's really out there. And yet the one being who can help us, we shun His help, blaspheme against Him and think that we know better. The story is often repeated and always with the same results. Heartache and misery. The old saying goes that unless we learn from the past we are doomed to repeat it. And history has shown just how accurate that saying is. Until tomorrow.
Sunday, June 24, 2012
Israelites Spy on the Land of Israel
Today I read Numbers 13 where the Israelites send in 12 men to spy out the land that God had promised them. One man from each tribe of Israel was sent out to spy the land and return with some of the fruit of the land. The men came back with plenty of fruit and a good report of the land itself and its bounties, however the people/inhabitants of the land were very over exaggerated.
The scriptures state that the men brought back an evil report, except for Caleb who encouraged the Israelites to go into the land and said that their numbers were easily enough to overcome them. The other ten spies however disagreed with him and shut him down saying they had seen giants and that the cities of the land were walled and very tall.
I have often wondered if the ten spies were just scared to go into Israel against those people or was it something else. I don't really think that it would be called an evil report if they were driven by fear. I think for some reason the ten men did not want to go into the city. Or perhaps it was a lack of faith in God that He would help them. I really don't know but I do know that only Caleb and, as we will find out in the next chapter, Joshua brought back a report saying the Israelites were sufficiently strong to enter into the land. And as we will find out in the next chapter they are punished for it. That is part of what makes me think it was more than just fear. Heavenly Father is kind and loving to His people and I don't think He would be angry with people who are just afraid, I think there was something else going on that we are not told about. Maybe we will know the truth one day of what happened, or rather, the complete story. Until tomorrow.
The scriptures state that the men brought back an evil report, except for Caleb who encouraged the Israelites to go into the land and said that their numbers were easily enough to overcome them. The other ten spies however disagreed with him and shut him down saying they had seen giants and that the cities of the land were walled and very tall.
I have often wondered if the ten spies were just scared to go into Israel against those people or was it something else. I don't really think that it would be called an evil report if they were driven by fear. I think for some reason the ten men did not want to go into the city. Or perhaps it was a lack of faith in God that He would help them. I really don't know but I do know that only Caleb and, as we will find out in the next chapter, Joshua brought back a report saying the Israelites were sufficiently strong to enter into the land. And as we will find out in the next chapter they are punished for it. That is part of what makes me think it was more than just fear. Heavenly Father is kind and loving to His people and I don't think He would be angry with people who are just afraid, I think there was something else going on that we are not told about. Maybe we will know the truth one day of what happened, or rather, the complete story. Until tomorrow.
Saturday, June 23, 2012
Miriam Punished for Complaining about Moses
Today I read Numbers 12 where Miriam and Aaron complain about Moses. I have always wondered about this chapter. It states that both Aaron and Miriam complained against Moses but only Miriam was punished. The chapter states that Moses was the most meek man in all the earth. To me this indicates that Moses is not bragging that he is talking to the Lord or that the Lord has chosen him. But Miriam is still upset with him and complains to the people I think, it doesn't really specify who she complains to.
The Lord's response is quite interesting I feel. He comes down in a cloud and talks to Aaron and Miriam and states that with a normal prophet, He would speak to them in a dream or a vision. But with Moses He has spoken to him face to face and Moses has seen the similitude of the Lord. God makes it very clear that while He may have spoken to Miriam and Aaron, Moses is His chosen servant, end of discussion.
God is very displeased with Miriam and shows her what happens to those who speak ill of His anointed servants. The Lord punishes Miriam, who I guess was complaining the loudest, by making her skin leprous. When Moses asks the Lord to heal her He tells Moses that she will be healed in seven days. I imagine this gave Miriam a lot of time to think about her circumstances and her lust for power and authority, because let's be honest that's really what this was all about. If Moses was really that meek, then he wasn't bragging about it all the time, rather Miriam was jealous of Moses and wanted the authority that He had. This is why many are called but few are chosen. They can't handle the authority, which is really sad. Until tomorrow.
The Lord's response is quite interesting I feel. He comes down in a cloud and talks to Aaron and Miriam and states that with a normal prophet, He would speak to them in a dream or a vision. But with Moses He has spoken to him face to face and Moses has seen the similitude of the Lord. God makes it very clear that while He may have spoken to Miriam and Aaron, Moses is His chosen servant, end of discussion.
God is very displeased with Miriam and shows her what happens to those who speak ill of His anointed servants. The Lord punishes Miriam, who I guess was complaining the loudest, by making her skin leprous. When Moses asks the Lord to heal her He tells Moses that she will be healed in seven days. I imagine this gave Miriam a lot of time to think about her circumstances and her lust for power and authority, because let's be honest that's really what this was all about. If Moses was really that meek, then he wasn't bragging about it all the time, rather Miriam was jealous of Moses and wanted the authority that He had. This is why many are called but few are chosen. They can't handle the authority, which is really sad. Until tomorrow.
Friday, June 22, 2012
The Lord Gives the Israelites Quails to Eat
Today I read Numbers 11 where several things happen. In this chapter the Lord commands Moses to appoint 70 men to help him with the children of Israel. These men are to help Moses with the administration of the host of Israel was my understanding and to assist him in all matters. In this chapter the Lord also kills several rebels, although we are not told what they are rebelling about or what exactly they were doing, only that the Lord consumed them with fire from heaven.Heavenly Father made very public examples of people who were problems in those days it would seem.
The main part of this chapter however is the Israelites complaining about not having any meat. Now, I can understand them wanting to have meat with their meals, but apparently they took it way too far and complained that they never should have left Egypt. This is quite the slap in the face to Heavenly Father and I can't imagine who in their right mind would accept slavery for meat. That is so totally ridiculous that it does not surprise me in the least that God's anger was kindled against them. I'm not sure I could hold my tongue against such a ridiculous statement.
But God told the Israelites that He would give them their meat, so much meat that it would fill them to the point it would come out their nostrils. I thought that was a very interesting description. The Lord caused quail to fall around the camp, to a days journey all along the perimeter of the camp and two cubits high! That is a lot of meat! And the people let their greed get the best of them and the Lord hit them with a plague which killed off some of the Israelites, probably the most vocal of those saying they should never have left Egypt. Still, the way this chapter is written it makes it sound like even the most humble of people took way too much this go around. The Israelites had to learn to trust in God again and that He would take care of them and that He knew what was best for them. It can be a hard lesson to learn indeed! Until tomorrow.
The main part of this chapter however is the Israelites complaining about not having any meat. Now, I can understand them wanting to have meat with their meals, but apparently they took it way too far and complained that they never should have left Egypt. This is quite the slap in the face to Heavenly Father and I can't imagine who in their right mind would accept slavery for meat. That is so totally ridiculous that it does not surprise me in the least that God's anger was kindled against them. I'm not sure I could hold my tongue against such a ridiculous statement.
But God told the Israelites that He would give them their meat, so much meat that it would fill them to the point it would come out their nostrils. I thought that was a very interesting description. The Lord caused quail to fall around the camp, to a days journey all along the perimeter of the camp and two cubits high! That is a lot of meat! And the people let their greed get the best of them and the Lord hit them with a plague which killed off some of the Israelites, probably the most vocal of those saying they should never have left Egypt. Still, the way this chapter is written it makes it sound like even the most humble of people took way too much this go around. The Israelites had to learn to trust in God again and that He would take care of them and that He knew what was best for them. It can be a hard lesson to learn indeed! Until tomorrow.
Thursday, June 21, 2012
Warning System of the Israelites Laid out
Today I read Numbers 10 where the Lord sets forth the marching order of Israel and also sets forth the call to arms. Honestly I thought this was brilliant to have such a detailed structure of what to do during each type of an emergency. It is very clear cut and each Israelite, down to the smallest child, would know exactly what to do in case of an emergency. It's much clearer than our own emergency system!
The rest of the chapter details who is in charge of each tribe. It is not too surprising really how much like a military band the Israelite camp was. The military is about nothing if not order and God is also a God of order. If we think about it, humans really like to have order also. Think about infants and toddlers, they thrive on a schedule and when that schedule gets broken, it is very hard on them. Even as adults we like to have a schedule as much as possible. It gives us security and a sense of comfort. Heavenly Father of course knows this and wants us to be happy so He gives us what we need to be happy. He is a very loving Father. Until tomorrow.
The rest of the chapter details who is in charge of each tribe. It is not too surprising really how much like a military band the Israelite camp was. The military is about nothing if not order and God is also a God of order. If we think about it, humans really like to have order also. Think about infants and toddlers, they thrive on a schedule and when that schedule gets broken, it is very hard on them. Even as adults we like to have a schedule as much as possible. It gives us security and a sense of comfort. Heavenly Father of course knows this and wants us to be happy so He gives us what we need to be happy. He is a very loving Father. Until tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 20, 2012
Israelites Commanded to Keep Passover Even When Unclean
Today I read Numbers 9 and I must say I was instantly struck by the relationship between the ancient Israelites and the early church in this dispensation. The setting of this chapter is that when the feast of the passover came again, there were some of the men who had come into contact with dead bodies and so were deemed "unclean". As such, they were not able to keep the feast of the passover with the rest of the Israelites. This upset the men as they wanted to worship their God too, so Moses went to inquire of the Lord.
I can think of dozens of examples of something similar to this with Joseph Smith in the early days of the church. It is a wonderful thing to have an open connection to the Lord like that, to be able to take a question to the Lord and know you will receive an answer? Of course, any person can do the same thing, Heavenly Father will answer all His children's inquiries in His own due time. When it concerns matters of His people as a whole, that is when the Lord communicates through His prophets. It is comforting to know that He has always followed the same pattern throughout history. Man is fickle and ever changing but we can always count on Heavenly Father to be there for us and stay the same. Until tomorrow.
I can think of dozens of examples of something similar to this with Joseph Smith in the early days of the church. It is a wonderful thing to have an open connection to the Lord like that, to be able to take a question to the Lord and know you will receive an answer? Of course, any person can do the same thing, Heavenly Father will answer all His children's inquiries in His own due time. When it concerns matters of His people as a whole, that is when the Lord communicates through His prophets. It is comforting to know that He has always followed the same pattern throughout history. Man is fickle and ever changing but we can always count on Heavenly Father to be there for us and stay the same. Until tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 19, 2012
Levites Consecrated
Today I read Numbers 8 where the Levities are set apart in front of the Israelites. It also sets the age limits for those who are to serve among the Levities. The Levite men are to serve from the age of 25 through the age of 50. This makes me think of the story of Zacharias and Elizabeth and John the Baptists. I have always pictured them as old men and women who had a children way after their prime. However, if this was the law, it would appear they were almost 50 or under 50 years old, at least Zacharias was, I suppose Elizabeth could have been older. Still though, at age 50 Elizabeth was still most likely post menopausal so I do not want to downplay the significance of the miracle that was John the Baptist. It's just that I had always pictured him as a very old man, and apparently he was not.
The Lord has Moses set apart the Levites in front of the children of Israel. I suspect this is to show the children of Israel who had God's authority so that there was no question in their minds. And from what I remember/know of the Old Testament, they did accept the Levites without question and they knew who the priests were. The Levites were consecrated to the Lord in place of the first born of all Israel. Heavenly Father reminded Moses that since the time of Egypt, all of Israel's first born children had been consecrated to Him, however He is taking instead the tribe of Levi. Sometimes I wonder why the Lord did it this way. It would have been interesting and probably would have worked out ok if He had kept it as the first born of all Israel. Perhaps He did it this way to keep the line of succession clear? Or to prevent families from trying to hide their sons? Obviously there was a reason as God does not do anything without cause. I'm sure we'll find out some day. Until tomorrow.
The Lord has Moses set apart the Levites in front of the children of Israel. I suspect this is to show the children of Israel who had God's authority so that there was no question in their minds. And from what I remember/know of the Old Testament, they did accept the Levites without question and they knew who the priests were. The Levites were consecrated to the Lord in place of the first born of all Israel. Heavenly Father reminded Moses that since the time of Egypt, all of Israel's first born children had been consecrated to Him, however He is taking instead the tribe of Levi. Sometimes I wonder why the Lord did it this way. It would have been interesting and probably would have worked out ok if He had kept it as the first born of all Israel. Perhaps He did it this way to keep the line of succession clear? Or to prevent families from trying to hide their sons? Obviously there was a reason as God does not do anything without cause. I'm sure we'll find out some day. Until tomorrow.
Monday, June 18, 2012
The Princes of Israel Make and Offering
Today I read Numbers 7 and quite honestly my first thought when I read this chapter is that this book, the book of Numbers, is aptly named! This entire chapter save for a few verses catalogs the offerings of the Princes of Israel. In all honesty, it is quite tedious. Now, that is how I feel about it personally. From a historical standpoint, this chapter is probably a gold mine so I don't want people getting the wrong idea that I think this chapter is worthless, it is not.
The last verse of this chapter however is of substance. In the final verse of this chapter the Lord speaks to Moses out of the mercy seat. I find this interesting because it tells us once again that Moses was called of God and received instructions from our Heavenly Father. He was called of God, just like Joseph Smith and every other modern prophet in this dispensation. Moses had a very hard task and was led of God to make sure he performed it properly and to help him. I'm sure Moses' task was extremely daunting. Heavenly Father is very caring and loving and does not leave His children alone in their hour of need. That is very comforting to me. Until tomorrow.
The last verse of this chapter however is of substance. In the final verse of this chapter the Lord speaks to Moses out of the mercy seat. I find this interesting because it tells us once again that Moses was called of God and received instructions from our Heavenly Father. He was called of God, just like Joseph Smith and every other modern prophet in this dispensation. Moses had a very hard task and was led of God to make sure he performed it properly and to help him. I'm sure Moses' task was extremely daunting. Heavenly Father is very caring and loving and does not leave His children alone in their hour of need. That is very comforting to me. Until tomorrow.
Sunday, June 17, 2012
Rules of the Nazarite Set Forth
Today I read Numbers 6 where the Lord sets forth the rules governing the Nazarites. Essentially they were to avoid strong drink, dead bodies and not cut their hair while they were consecrated to the Lord. Now, this chapter does not state what a Nazarite does or why he, or she as I assume they can be women too, is consecrated to the Lord. I must admit that I don't really know anything about them. I remember Sampson was a Nazarite but that is all.
But consecrating ones life to the Lord is not a new concept for those who read the scriptures. Samuel was given to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, after she prayed for children. Jesus of course was consecrated to God. I'm sure several others were also. In our day and age, young men, and sometimes women, consecrate portions of their lives in the service of our Heavenly Father. For the men it's two years, for the women it's eighteen months. During those months these men and women are consecrated to doing the Lord's work and forsake everything including families, to serve Him. This is what it means to consecrate ones self to the Lord. To give all your time, talent and energies to the building up of the kingdom to Heavenly Father. It's a wonderful feeling and doesn't really feel like sacrifice at all. Until tomorrow.
But consecrating ones life to the Lord is not a new concept for those who read the scriptures. Samuel was given to the Lord by his mother, Hannah, after she prayed for children. Jesus of course was consecrated to God. I'm sure several others were also. In our day and age, young men, and sometimes women, consecrate portions of their lives in the service of our Heavenly Father. For the men it's two years, for the women it's eighteen months. During those months these men and women are consecrated to doing the Lord's work and forsake everything including families, to serve Him. This is what it means to consecrate ones self to the Lord. To give all your time, talent and energies to the building up of the kingdom to Heavenly Father. It's a wonderful feeling and doesn't really feel like sacrifice at all. Until tomorrow.
Saturday, June 16, 2012
Laws for Jealousy Offerings
Today I read Numbers 5 where the Lord sets forth the rules governing jealousy offerings and when a man or woman makes a mistake. When I first started this chapter my first thought was that the Lord is really concerned with when we make mistakes, but then I realized that is because we are human and we are going to make mistakes, it is going to happen.
The natural man is an enemy to God, as we are already aware. Heavenly Father knows this, of course, and so He wants to give Moses and the Israelites all the information they need to make sure that they know how to act in any given situation. It is unfortunate humans cannot stay faithful to things. They turn away from their God, from their spouse, from almost any aspect in their lives. I personally despise anyone who would have an affair and turn away sexually from their spouse for any reason. It is the ultimate betrayal to give that most sacred part of yourself that you only give to your husband/wife to another. It shows a complete lack of caring for their spouse. If they truly loved their spouse then they would stay faithful. They should come clean to their spouse that they are having trouble with feelings of attraction to another person and invite their spouse to help them. It is so much easier to overcome temptations if we get the strength and help from our spouse.
But Heavenly Father knows that people are going to have affairs and not stay faithful to their spouse and as such He wants to make sure that the Israelites know how to handle that situation. Heavenly Father knows the human heart and its follys. I'm sure most of you have heard the phrase hope for the best, plan for the worst. I think that is what Heavenly Father is doing here in this chapter. It's what all of us need to do. If we are prepared, we shall not fear. The only advice I can give is to have no secrets from your spouse. It sounds simple, but can be a challenge. But the reward is an eternity of happiness. Until tomorrow.
The natural man is an enemy to God, as we are already aware. Heavenly Father knows this, of course, and so He wants to give Moses and the Israelites all the information they need to make sure that they know how to act in any given situation. It is unfortunate humans cannot stay faithful to things. They turn away from their God, from their spouse, from almost any aspect in their lives. I personally despise anyone who would have an affair and turn away sexually from their spouse for any reason. It is the ultimate betrayal to give that most sacred part of yourself that you only give to your husband/wife to another. It shows a complete lack of caring for their spouse. If they truly loved their spouse then they would stay faithful. They should come clean to their spouse that they are having trouble with feelings of attraction to another person and invite their spouse to help them. It is so much easier to overcome temptations if we get the strength and help from our spouse.
But Heavenly Father knows that people are going to have affairs and not stay faithful to their spouse and as such He wants to make sure that the Israelites know how to handle that situation. Heavenly Father knows the human heart and its follys. I'm sure most of you have heard the phrase hope for the best, plan for the worst. I think that is what Heavenly Father is doing here in this chapter. It's what all of us need to do. If we are prepared, we shall not fear. The only advice I can give is to have no secrets from your spouse. It sounds simple, but can be a challenge. But the reward is an eternity of happiness. Until tomorrow.
Friday, June 15, 2012
The Lord Assigns the Levites to Parts of the Tabernacle
Today I read Numbers 4 where the Lord commanded Moses and Aaron to divide up the responsibility for the tabernacle and moving it when they broke camp. The Lord assigned several families the responsibility for different parts of the tabernacle. It never fails to impress me how in those days the Lord left nothing to chance but dictated their every responsibility for them. I wonder if this was because it was so sacred or if it was just because the Israelites had trouble when left to their own devices? I'm sure we will know some day.
In a way, it is kind of nice how the Lord spelled everything out for them. I know there are some Latter-day Saints that would love that, in fact there have been Latter-day Saints in the past that complained why Heavenly Father didn't just flat out state what items to avoid in the Word of Wisdom, such as caffeine or soda drinks. But as the Lord has told us in the past, it is not pleasing that we should be commanded in all things but that we should use our own intelligence to make decisions. Now, when it comes to the temple, or other such sacred things such as ordinances, that is when He gives us explicit instructions, but otherwise, He prefers us to come up with the choice/decision on our own. How else are we going to grow? Until tomorrow.
In a way, it is kind of nice how the Lord spelled everything out for them. I know there are some Latter-day Saints that would love that, in fact there have been Latter-day Saints in the past that complained why Heavenly Father didn't just flat out state what items to avoid in the Word of Wisdom, such as caffeine or soda drinks. But as the Lord has told us in the past, it is not pleasing that we should be commanded in all things but that we should use our own intelligence to make decisions. Now, when it comes to the temple, or other such sacred things such as ordinances, that is when He gives us explicit instructions, but otherwise, He prefers us to come up with the choice/decision on our own. How else are we going to grow? Until tomorrow.
Thursday, June 14, 2012
The Tribe of Levi is Consecrated to the Lord
Today I read Numbers 3 where it lists the generations of the Levites and and the Lord explaining to Moses that He had taken the tribe of Levi for Himself. The Lord asked Moses and Aaron to number all the first born males from one month old and up in the host of Israel. He explained that because of the final plague in Egypt, these men had been consecrated for Him. But instead of taking those men, the Lord instead claimed the tribe of Levi for His own to officiate in the office of the priest for the Children of Israel.
I wonder what it would have been like to have been claimed by the Lord for His own? To be able to help those who needed it by officiating in the office of a priest. Honestly if we want to know, we have a temple in our times that can give us the same sense of satisfaction. The priests in the days of Moses were helping those who could not help themselves obtain salvation, we can do the same in our day by going to the temple and performing ordinances on their behalf for those who cannot do it for themselves. It gives us great satisfaction when we can help those who are suffering because of not having performed those sacred ordinances before passing on. Great satisfaction indeed! Until tomorrow.
I wonder what it would have been like to have been claimed by the Lord for His own? To be able to help those who needed it by officiating in the office of a priest. Honestly if we want to know, we have a temple in our times that can give us the same sense of satisfaction. The priests in the days of Moses were helping those who could not help themselves obtain salvation, we can do the same in our day by going to the temple and performing ordinances on their behalf for those who cannot do it for themselves. It gives us great satisfaction when we can help those who are suffering because of not having performed those sacred ordinances before passing on. Great satisfaction indeed! Until tomorrow.
Wednesday, June 13, 2012
Israel is Divided Into Camps
Today I read Numbers 2 where the Israelites are broken down into companies by their tribe. As I read this chapter I couldn't help but be reminded of the Lord's house being a house of order. Everything has its place and all situations are accounted for. Heavenly Father has a plan and we need to trust Him that His plan includes us and that He is wanting to help us. If we keep that in mind, we have the best possible chance for a happy life. And that's really all I have to say on that. Until tomorrow.
Tuesday, June 12, 2012
Moses Takes a Census
Today I read Numbers 1 where the Lord commands Moses and Aaron to take a census of the Israelites, broken down by tribes, of all the males age 20 and older who are fit to go to war. Judah had the most and Manasseh had the fewest. The tribe of Levi was not included in the census by the express command of Heavenly Father.
The tribe of Levi was not included because their job was to handle the tabernacle and the ark of the covenants. They were the priests of the people if Israel, a far more sacred and important job than going off to war. I have often wondered why the tribe of Levi was chosen to be the priests. I have wondered if it was because Moses and Aaron were of the tribe of Levi, or perhaps because the tribe of Levi did not participate in the golden calf debacle and in fact were the ones that helped Moses and Aaron put to death all those who did worship the golden calf. Perhaps it is a combination of things. We are not told, but it is clear that they were the priests of the Israelites and were in charge of making sure the sacrifices were performed properly and that the tabernacle and ark were cared for. It is a big responsibility and I'm sure that the tribe of Levi handled it well. Until tomorrow.
The tribe of Levi was not included because their job was to handle the tabernacle and the ark of the covenants. They were the priests of the people if Israel, a far more sacred and important job than going off to war. I have often wondered why the tribe of Levi was chosen to be the priests. I have wondered if it was because Moses and Aaron were of the tribe of Levi, or perhaps because the tribe of Levi did not participate in the golden calf debacle and in fact were the ones that helped Moses and Aaron put to death all those who did worship the golden calf. Perhaps it is a combination of things. We are not told, but it is clear that they were the priests of the Israelites and were in charge of making sure the sacrifices were performed properly and that the tabernacle and ark were cared for. It is a big responsibility and I'm sure that the tribe of Levi handled it well. Until tomorrow.
Monday, June 11, 2012
Israelites Commanded to Pay Tithes
Today I read Leviticus 27 where the Lord talks about in terms of consecration how much a person is worth in offerings and how much the land is worth. The Lord has always required His people to have offerings and to pay tithes. It is interesting though that He tells the Israelites how much a person is worth based on their age so that they can pay the appropriate amount.
I think that some people get confused because God asks His people to pay tithes that God cannot take care of His saints. But as we have discussed in previous posts, the Lord does not need us to take care of His people, He is the God of Heaven and Earth and can care for His people in any manner He chooses. The purpose of tithes and offerings is to humble us and cause us to overcome our attachment to the things of this world.
As we follow the commandments of the Lord, no matter which ones they are, we will become more Christlike and be able to overcome the natural man. That is the point of all commandments. If we follow them with a willing heart, we will be able to return to live with Him some day and become like He is. That is His promise to us. And I look forward to it. Until tomorrow.
I think that some people get confused because God asks His people to pay tithes that God cannot take care of His saints. But as we have discussed in previous posts, the Lord does not need us to take care of His people, He is the God of Heaven and Earth and can care for His people in any manner He chooses. The purpose of tithes and offerings is to humble us and cause us to overcome our attachment to the things of this world.
As we follow the commandments of the Lord, no matter which ones they are, we will become more Christlike and be able to overcome the natural man. That is the point of all commandments. If we follow them with a willing heart, we will be able to return to live with Him some day and become like He is. That is His promise to us. And I look forward to it. Until tomorrow.
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