Why Is This Happening to Me?
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Why is God allowing this in my life? Is God punishing me? Did I do something to deserve this? Why do bad things happen when I’m trying to do good? Why does it seem like others have it easier? These questions are deeply personal. They usually arise from illness, loss, betrayal, financial crisis, or heartbreak. They don’t come from theology textbooks.
These questions come from hospital rooms. From foreclosure notices. From empty chairs at the dinner table. From nights when the house is quiet but your mind is not. And sometimes they whisper the loudest when you are trying your hardest to follow God.
I know those questions. I’ve prayed them in my own way. And I wrestled with them as I watched someone I loved suffer.
The Treasure in the Next Room
For over twenty-five years, my grandma lived in the next room. She was spunky. She was feisty.
She firmly believed children should be seen and not heard—especially at the dinner table—and she wasn’t afraid to say so. But what I remember most wasn’t her “rules.” It was her prayers.
In the middle of the night, I would hear her voice drifting through the hallway. She would call out the names of her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren—sometimes loud enough to wake me. At first, I would stir, slightly annoyed. And then I would realize: This is the treasure. To have a praying grandmother in the next room meant everything.
The Fall That Changed Everything
On Thanksgiving morning in 2017, Grandma fell and fractured her back. Within hours, she was in the emergency room. Doctors recommended a rehab hospital. She was disoriented, fragile, and confused. But something in me knew: If she went to a rehab hospital, she would never make it back to us. So I insisted she come home.
An attendant helped me lift her—back brace and all—into my car. I drove her home, not knowing that the next seven years would become some of the most sacred years of my life.
Therapists came and went. Doctors rotated through. Attendants helped brighten her days.
But she lived.
We rolled her onto the porch so she could admire the flowers and whisper, “Oh, how lovely.” Her great-grandchildren would sit in her room with her to watch old movies. She shared Jesus with the people at the therapy center during her visits. She eventually walked again—with a walker. She showered in her own bathroom. (With help, of course.)
Home gave her dignity. Home gave her joy. Home gave her life.
When the Stroke Came
In 2023, a stroke took away everything she had regained. She became bedbound. And again, I insisted she come home.
Her body grew weaker. She experienced pain. There were days I wished I could trade places with her. I didn’t want her to suffer. But here is what stands out to me: It wasn’t her suffering. It was her joy in the middle of it.
“This is the day the Lord has made.”
“These are the best days of your life, sweetheart.”
“God is looking over you.”
Her body was failing. Her spirit was not. Even when she could no longer speak, she would smile and nod, joy in her eyes, silently assuring everyone: I’m okay.
I have no doubt that even when she couldn’t speak in her mind, she was still going through her list—children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren—lifting us to heaven one by one.
The Banqueting Table
In her final weeks, when she still had the ability to speak, Grandma began speaking of a banqueting table. She told us to come and eat. She told my mom her soup was getting cold. And I knew. She was nearing the celebration. She wasn’t confused. She was catching glimpses of glory.
What Suffering Taught Me
In this world, we will suffer. Our bodies will fail. Strength fades. We are not meant to stay here forever. But suffering does not get the last word. Transformation does. Jesus does.
Grandma showed me that joy is not dependent on strength. Faith is not dependent on health. Hope is not dependent on circumstances. She impacted my children. My grandchildren. She inspired my online community, who watched her sing and pray. And most of all, me.
She taught me that even in weakness, we are still ministering. Even in pain, we are still planting seeds. Even in silence, we can still be praying.
The Treasure Remains
I no longer hear her voice through the bedroom wall. But I still hear her prayers. And I carry them.
Suffering will happen. But we can be transformed through it. And we can transform others in the process.
Grandma is celebrating now—with the Savior she loved and the saints she longed to see.
And one day, I imagine I’ll hear her again.
“Sweetheart, come eat. The table is ready.” And this time, I won’t just hear the treasure. I’ll see it.
So Why Does Suffering Happen?
That question still lingers, doesn’t it? Why is God allowing this? Is He punishing me? Did I do something to deserve this? Here’s what Scripture shows us…
We suffer not because God delights in pain, but because we live in a fallen world.
When sin entered the world through Adam and Eve, everything fractured. Bodies break. Minds weaken. Creation groans. Death became part of the human story.
Suffering is not proof that God is cruel. It is proof that the Fall was catastrophic. But here is the part that changes everything: God did not stay distant from our suffering. He stepped into it.
Jesus and the Purpose of Suffering
Hebrews 5:8 says of Jesus: “Even though Jesus was God’s Son, he learned obedience from the things he suffered.”
That verse stops me every time. The sinless Son of God learned obedience through suffering.
Hebrews 2:10 says: “God, for whom and through whom everything was made, chose to bring many children into glory. And it was only right that he should make Jesus, through his suffering, a perfect leader, fit to bring them into their salvation.”
Jesus was not made morally better by suffering—He was already perfect. But suffering completed His mission. It qualified Him experientially to stand in our place.
“If the Son of God had gone from incarnation to the cross without a life of temptation and pain to test his righteousness and his love, he would not be a suitable Savior for fallen man. His suffering not only absorbed the wrath of God. It also fulfilled his true humanity and made him able to call us brothers and sisters (Hebrews 2:17).”
John Piper, The Passion of Jesus Christ
Think about that. Jesus did not skip pain. He did not fast-forward from Bethlehem to Calvary. He lived it. Hunger. Betrayal. Exhaustion. Rejection. Grief. Physical agony. Why? So that when you whisper, “Why is this happening to me?” you are not speaking to a distant God. You are speaking to a Savior who understands suffering from the inside.
Are We Being Punished?
Sometimes suffering is the natural consequence of choices. But much suffering is simply the reality of living in a broken world.
The cross answers the punishment question. Jesus absorbed the wrath of God for sin. If you belong to Christ, your suffering is not divine payback. It may be shaping. It may be refining. It may be mysterious. But it is not condemnation.
Why Do Others Have It Easier?
It may seem that way. But we rarely see the full story. And even when others do have seasons of ease, ease is not the ultimate good.
Jesus Himself was called “a man of sorrows, acquainted with deepest grief” (Isaiah 53:3).
If suffering disqualified us from being loved by God, then Christ Himself would be disqualified.
Instead, suffering became the pathway to glory.
The Treasure in the Next Room
When I watched my grandmother suffer, I didn’t see punishment. I saw preparation. I saw a woman whose faith had been tested over decades. I saw someone whose suffering had deepened her compassion, strengthened her prayers, and anchored her joy. And I saw a glimpse of something eternal.
Suffering did not destroy her. It revealed her. It revealed Christ in her. And that is the mystery: in this fallen world, suffering often becomes the doorway through which the beauty of Jesus shines most clearly.
If You Are Asking “Why?”
You may not get a full answer on this side of heaven. But you are not alone. The Son of God suffered. The saints before you suffered. And Christ now sits at the right hand of the Father, still bearing scars.
The scars remain. But so does the victory. Suffering is real. But it is not random. It is not wasted. And it is not the end of the story.
One day, there will be a banqueting table. And this time, there will be no fractures. No strokes. No whispered prayers through thin walls. Only joy.
And when we finally see the treasure face to face, we may understand that even our hardest questions were part of a greater redemption story all along.
Conclusion
If you are asking, Why is this happening to me? … if you are wondering whether God is punishing you, whether you did something to deserve this, why obedience feels harder than rebellion, or why others seem to walk an easier road—please hear this gently: your questions do not disqualify your faith. They reveal your humanity.
We live in a fallen world where bodies break and hearts bruise, but we do not walk through it alone. The same Jesus who “learned obedience from the things he suffered” (Hebrews 5:8) walks beside you now. The One who was made “perfect through suffering” to bring “many children into glory” (Hebrews 2:10) understands your ache from the inside.
Your pain is not proof that God has left you. It may, in ways you cannot yet see, be the very place where He is forming you, holding you, and carrying you toward glory. Let this truth rest over your heart like a healing balm: suffering is real—but so is redemption.
A Prayer for Those Who Are Suffering
Father God,
You are near to the brokenhearted, and You save those who are crushed in spirit (Psalm 34:18). Today I lift up the one who is whispering, Why is this happening to me?
Lord, for the one who fears they are being punished—remind them that “there is now no condemnation for those who belong to Christ Jesus” (Romans 8:1).
For the one who wonders if they deserve this—cover them with the truth that Jesus has already borne our sin and carried our shame.
For the one who is trying to do good and feels weary in the struggle—strengthen them, because You see every unseen act of faithfulness.
For the one who looks around and feels others have it easier—guard their heart from comparison and anchor them in Your perfect plan.Jesus, You who “learned obedience from the things [You] suffered” (Hebrews 5:8), sit beside them now.
You who were made “perfect through suffering” to lead us into salvation (Hebrews 2:10), remind them that their suffering is not wasted.When they feel alone, assure them that You will never leave nor forsake them (Hebrews 13:5).
When they feel weak, let Your grace be sufficient, and Your power be made perfect in weakness (2 Corinthians 12:9).
When they cannot see the purpose, help them trust that You are working all things together for good for those who love You (Romans 8:28).Bring healing where there is illness.
Bring comfort where there is grief.
Bring provision where there is lack.
Bring hope where there is heartbreak.Like cool water on parched ground, let Your peace guard their hearts and minds in Christ Jesus (Philippians 4:7).
And fix their eyes on the promise that one day You will wipe every tear from their eyes, and there will be no more death or sorrow or crying or pain (Revelation 21:4).Until that day, hold them steady.
Turn their suffering into testimony.
Turn their questions into deeper trust.
Turn their wounds into wells of compassion.And remind them, even now:
They are not abandoned.
They are not forgotten.
They are deeply loved.In the name of Jesus—the suffering Savior and risen King—
Amen.
Is There Hope for You?
If you are reading this and realize you do not yet have a personal relationship with Jesus, you do not have to solve every theological question before taking a step toward Him. Faith does not begin with having all the answers. It begins with trust. It begins with one honest step.
A relationship with Jesus starts by simply acknowledging the truth: we are human, we have sinned, and we cannot rescue ourselves. It is saying this:
“Jesus, I know that as a human on this earth, I have sinned and I need a Savior. Thank You for coming, for living, for suffering, and for breaking the bondage of sin and death for me.
I surrender my life to You and trust that as Your Holy Spirit lives in me, I am forever changed, and I have an eternity waiting. I understand that from this moment forward, my life won’t be focused on following rules, but on a relationship with You. Help me to understand Your Word with new clarity and connect me with a community of believers who will walk alongside me as we serve You and this world together. Amen”
Friend, that one step of faith changes everything! Not because you suddenly understand it all, but because you now belong to the One who does.
Next Steps in Your Relationship with Jesus
1. Tell Someone
Faith grows in the light. Share your decision with a trusted Christian friend, family member, or pastor. Saying it out loud strengthens your commitment and invites encouragement and accountability.
“For it is by believing in your heart that you are made right with God, and it is by openly declaring your faith that you are saved.” — Romans 10:10
2. Begin Reading the Bible
Start with the Gospel of John. It clearly explains who Jesus is and why He came.
Then continue with:
- Romans (to understand salvation and grace)
- Psalms (for comfort and prayer language)
- Ephesians (to understand your new identity)
Ask God before you read:
“Lord, help me understand Your Word.”
“Your word is a lamp to guide my feet and a light for my path.” — Psalm 119:105
3. Start Talking to God Daily
Prayer doesn’t require fancy words. Just talk to Him.
You can pray:
- Gratitude: “Thank You for today.”
- Honesty: “I’m struggling.”
- Surrender: “Help me trust You.”
- Intercession: Pray for others.
Prayer builds relationship, not rules.
4. Connect with a Local Church
Christianity was never meant to be lived alone.
Look for a Bible-believing church where:
- Scripture is taught clearly
- Jesus is central
- Community is active and welcoming
You need people who will walk beside you, pray for you, and grow with you.
“Let us not neglect our meeting together… but encourage one another.” — Hebrews 10:25
5. Be Baptized
Baptism is an outward declaration of your inward faith. It symbolizes leaving your old life behind and rising to new life in Christ.
If you haven’t been baptized as a believer, talk to your church about this next step.
6. Remove Old Patterns, Invite New Ones
You are saved by grace—not by rule-keeping. But as the Holy Spirit works in you, your desires will begin to change.
Ask:
- What habits pull me away from God?
- What influences need boundaries?
- What practices (worship, service, generosity) can I grow in?
Transformation is a process.
“Anyone who belongs to Christ has become a new person.” — 2 Corinthians 5:17
7. Expect Growth, Not Perfection
You will still struggle. You will still have questions. You will still have hard days.
But you now have:
- The Holy Spirit within you
- The Word of God before you
- The people of God around you
- The promises of God over you
Sanctification is a journey.
8. Serve Others
Your story matters. Your testimony matters.
Even as a new believer, you can:
- Pray for someone
- Share your story
- Volunteer at church
- Encourage someone who is hurting
God will use you sooner than you think.
9. Keep Asking Questions
Faith is not fragile. God is not intimidated by your doubts.
Bring your questions to Him. Seek wise counsel. Read. Study. Grow.
Remember: relationship deepens over time.
10. Fix Your Eyes on Eternity
This world is not the end of the story.
You now have:
- Forgiveness
- Purpose
- Hope
- Eternal life
“He who began a good work in you will carry it on to completion.” — Philippians 1:6
You don’t need to know everything today. You just need to take the next step. And then the next one. And Jesus will walk with you every step of the way.
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Weekly readings for the Daily Bible Podcast with Tricia and Michelle
February 23
Leviticus 20-22
The Weight of Our Choices
In today’s reading, we delve into the divine instructions given to Moses, focusing on the severe consequences of sin. A recurring theme that resonated deeply with me was the call to “be set apart.” God wanted His people to eliminate wickedness and embrace holiness to mirror His own purity.
Today’s reading started with the sin of child sacrifice to Molech, a deed punishable by stoning. Imagining oneself among the crowd witnessing such a punishment evokes a profound sense of the tragedy of sin and its consequences. This ancient justice system prescribed death for idolatry, blasphemy, murder, and adultery.
To cut off such evil was crucial. The Israelites stood on the brink of entering new lands, and God was laying the groundwork for their future. God’s warnings against evil practices are coupled with promises of a land “flowing with milk and honey.” Leviticus chapters 21 and 22 further detail the sanctity required of priests and the standards for offerings, highlighting the overarching theme of purity and dedication in service to the divine.
Word of the Day: Apart
Definition: to or on one side; at a distance from the main body.
God’s desire for His people and priests to be set apart in order to reflect His holiness. This principle of separation, however, extends beyond the ancient texts to resonate within our own lives.
The concept of holiness, emphasized in Exodus with the high priest’s turban inscribed with “Holiness to the Lord,” reminds us of God’s unchanging nature and the call for His people to be holy in their actions. The insistence on separation is not merely for distinction but for cultivating a community that mirrors God’s presence among them.
We walk away from today’s reading with this: consequences serve a purpose. They remind us of the impact of our actions, not just on ourselves but on those around us. Consequences also help us understand our sins better so we may seek holiness in our lives. These lessons remind us to consider the weight of our choices and to reflect the holiness of God in our lives.
February 24
Leviticus 23-24, Leviticus 25:1-23
Unlocking God’s Mysteries
In the heart of the Old Testament, Leviticus 23 is a pivotal chapter that unveils the beauty and depth of God’s appointed festivals: the joyous celebrations of Passover, Unleavened Bread, the First Harvest, and the Festival of the Harvest.
The Sabbath and Festivals: A Time for Reflection and Rejoicing
The chapter opens with a reminder of the Sabbath—a day set apart each week for rest and worship, reinforcing the rhythm of work and rest essential for a balanced spiritual life. Following this, the narrative transitions into the details of the Passover and the Festival of Unleavened Bread, commemorating Israel’s deliverance from Egypt with practices observed for millennia.
Leviticus 23:22 and the Echoes of Ruth
A particularly striking verse, Leviticus 23:22, encapsulates the spirit of generosity and community care by instructing landowners to leave the edges of their fields unharvested for the poor and the foreigners. This timeless principle of compassion finds a memorable application in the book of Ruth, where Boaz exemplifies this commandment, providing for Ruth and Naomi in their time of need.
The Shofar’s Call: A Symbol of Divine Presence
The Festival of Trumpets, marked by the blowing of the shofar, serves as a powerful symbol of God’s sovereignty and a prophetic reminder of the day when the trumpet will sound at Jesus’ return. Along with the Day of Atonement and the Festival of Shelters, this festival maps out a journey of repentance, atonement, and rejoicing in God’s provision and protection.
Leviticus 24: The Sanctity of Light and Life
Moving into Leviticus 24, the focus shifts to maintaining the pure oil for the lamps and the holy bread—symbols of God’s continual presence and provision. The chapter also addresses the weighty matters of justice and reverence for the divine name, emphasizing the sacredness of life and the importance of community integrity.
Leviticus 25: A Proclamation of Freedom
Leviticus 25 introduces the concept of the Jubilee year—a time of restoration and freedom. Every 50th year, lands were to be returned to their original families, and slaves were freed, illustrating God’s desire for equity, freedom, and the restoration of relationships.
Psalm 119: A Love Letter to God’s Law
Echoing the themes of Leviticus, Psalm 119 celebrates the joy and peace of adhering to God’s law. It’s a heartfelt declaration of love for God’s commandments and a testament to the transformative power of living according to divine statutes.
Word of the Day: Appointed
Definition: (of a time or place) decided on beforehand; designated.
God’s appointed festivals outlined in Leviticus 23 are not mere historical footnotes but vibrant celebrations of God’s ongoing work. They remind us of the Lord’s faithfulness, the importance of community, and the eternal principles of justice and mercy that guide us. As we reflect on these appointed times, we’re invited to see the story of God’s redemption unfolding in our lives, marking our moments of celebration, reflection, and commitment to the path He has set before us.
In every festival, every command, and every appointed time, we find a facet of God’s character and a call to walk more closely with Him. Whether looking back to the foundations laid in Leviticus or forward to the fulfillment of God’s promises, these appointed times offer us a chance to pause, remember, and rejoice in the story of divine love that encompasses all of history, including our own.
February 25
Leviticus 25:24-55, Leviticus 26
Redemption, Liberation, and Divine Justice
In the heart of Leviticus 25, we read about land redemption and the sanctity of human freedom, as seen through God’s compassion. The Israelites were just recently slaves, and we see here that the land and its inhabitants are not mere assets but precious charges entrusted to us. These chapters have a deeper significance, especially concerning redemption and liberation.
The Jubilee: A Celebration of Freedom and Restoration
The promise of the Jubilee year stands out as a testament to God’s mercy and justice. It’s a divine provision that ensures no individual or family remains perpetually dispossessed or enslaved, highlighting the view that land and people are not mere commodities but precious entities entrusted to humanity by God.
Divine Ownership and the Dignity of Individuals
Leviticus 25:55 says “For the people of Israel belong to me. They are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt. I am the Lord your God.” This declaration emphasizes that the Israelites, recently liberated from slavery, are under divine protection, highlighting the intrinsic value of each individual in the eyes of their Creator.
Blessings for Obedience and the Reality of Divine Justice
In Chapter 26, we find a shift from regulations to the consequences of obedience versus disobedience. The blessings promised to Israel if they adhere to their covenant with God cover aspects like seasonal rains, abundant harvests, peace, security, and the divine promise of God’s presence among His people. These blessings are not mere rewards but the natural outcomes of living in close relationship with God.
However, the passage also starkly outlines the severe consequences of disobedience: fear, desolation, and divine wrath. Yet, even in this, there’s a message of hope: the possibility of repentance and restoration if the people confess their sins, showcasing God’s enduring commitment to His covenant and His people.
The Babylonian Exile: A Historical Fulfillment of Prophecy
The mention of the Babylonian exile serves as a historical anchor, demonstrating the real-world implications of Israel’s disobedience and God’s sovereignty in using nations like Babylon as instruments of judgment. Yet, the eventual return of the Jews to Jerusalem after 70 years of exile underlines the faithfulness of God to His promises and the importance of repentance and restoration.
Word of the Day: Covenant
Definition: an agreement between parties.
God’s covenant with Israel is both a promise of blessing and a caution against the curse of disobedience. This shows God’s desire for a holy, set-apart people and His patience and willingness to forgive. Through the lens of the New Testament, we see the ultimate act of redemption as Christ takes upon Himself the curse of the law, offering salvation and freeing humanity from the bondage of sin.
In every aspect, from the jubilant celebration of the Jubilee to the solemn warnings of divine justice, Leviticus calls us to a deeper understanding of our relationship with God and one another. It’s a call to live according with God’s laws, to cherish the gift of freedom, and to embrace the promise of redemption that lies at the heart of the Christian faith.
February 26
Leviticus 27, Numbers 1
Purify Your Life
Leviticus is God’s call for His people to be holy: “You are to be holy to me because I, the LORD, am holy, and I have set you apart from the nations to be my own.” This call to holiness is intricately tied to the acts of purification and the clear division between what is considered holy and unholy.
The final chapter, Leviticus 27, has detailed regulations on voluntary offerings, sanctuary taxes, vows, and dedications to God. It outlines the valuation and redemption of persons, animals, or property vowed to the Lord. The chapter revisits the principle of tithing, a practice of setting apart a tenth of one’s produce as holy unto the Lord, which began with Abram’s offering in Genesis 14:20.
Organization and Sacred Duties
While Leviticus focuses on internal purity and consecration, Numbers 1 shifts the organization of the Israelite community through a census ordered by God. This military census does not include The Levites and priests, showing their unique role within the community. Instead, they safeguard the Tabernacle and facilitate God’s worship. Their role around the Tabernacle not only signifies their separation for God’s service but also serves as a protective barrier, guarding the sanctity of the worship space and the community’s well-being.
Word of the Day: Divide
Definition: to separate or be separated into parts.
The concept of division extends to our daily lives. It’s important to set aside time for God to prioritize spiritual nourishment. My journey of allocating more time to God’s Word has opened unexpected doors and brought unforeseen blessings. As we read in Matthew 6:33, “Seek the Kingdom of God above all else, and live righteously, and he will give you everything you need.”
Overall, Leviticus and Numbers offer timeless lessons on purification, sacred division, and the dedication of our lives to God. For us, this can mean setting apart time and resources for God. As we read God’s Word, we find relevance and guidance for our modern lives. Time dedicated to understanding God’s Word is never in vain.
Engage further by tuning into our podcast for deeper discussions on Leviticus, Numbers, and the transformative power of God’s Word in our daily lives. Your journey through the Bible can illuminate historical and spiritual significance paths and personal growth and fulfillment.
February 27
Numbers 2-3
Worry Less, Trust More
In God’s Word, some moments captivate us with their profound organization and the meticulous care that God takes in orchestrating every detail of existence. One such moment unfolds in the Book of Numbers, a name that at first glance might suggest a dry account of census data. However, as we delve deeper, we uncover a narrative brimming with divine intentionality and a personal message that resonates deeply with our modern lives.
Imagine the scene: a vast multitude of freed slaves recently escaped from the clutches of Egyptian tyranny. They find themselves at the foot of Mount Sinai. They are not merely a disorganized assembly of individuals but are meticulously organized into camps, each under the banner of their respective families. This is no random arrangement. Instead, it reflects a divine order that places each tribe precisely where it should be in relation to the Tabernacle, the dwelling place of God’s presence among His people.
The tribes of Judah, Issachar, and Zebulun camped to the east of the Tabernacle, numbering 186,400. To the south lay the tribes of Reuben, Simeon, and Gad, with 151,450. Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin gathered on the west side, numbering 108,100, while Dan, Asher, and Naphtali settled to the north, reaching 157,600. This arrangement was not merely logistical. The people understood the symbolic significance, with the most honored positions given to the descendants of Jacob’s wives and lesser positions to the descendants of his concubines.
As we reflect on this divine orchestration, we are reminded of the importance of organization in our lives. Our precise God orders our steps and the details of our lives with meticulous care. The eastward positioning of Leah’s sons were towards the sunrise, the westward placement of Rachel’s sons towards the sunset, and the distribution of Bilhah’s and Zilpah’s sons across the north and south. Each detail reveals a God who is intimately involved in the arrangement of our lives.
Turning our attention to the Levites, we find another layer of divine order. The Levites were divided into four divisions, each with a specific role in serving at the Tabernacle, further underscoring the theme of organized service to God. This reminder that the Levites were substitutes for the firstborn livestock of Israel ties into a broader biblical theme: God’s provision and care for His people, down to the very last detail.
Word of the Day: Numbers
Definition: An arithmetical value, expressed by a word, symbol, or figure, representing a particular quantity and used in counting and making calculations and for showing order in a series or for identification; to mark with a number or assign a number to, typically to indicate position in a series.
The word “Numbers” reflects the countless ways God orders our lives. From the numbering of the tribes to the counting of our sorrows and the naming of the stars, we see a God who is deeply invested in the details of our existence. The psalmists echo this sentiment, reminding us that our days are recorded in God’s book before we are even born, and that He is intimately aware of all our ways.
In a world where worry often threatens to overwhelm us, the message of Numbers serves as a powerful antidote. It reminds us that our lives are not left to chance or chaos. Instead, we are held in the hands of a God who numbers the hairs on our heads and orchestrates the events of our lives with precision and care. This realization has transformed my understanding of Numbers from a book of census data to a testament of God’s great numbering—a divine assurance that He has everything under control.
As we navigate the complexities of our lives, let us take comfort in the divine order that underpins our existence. May the organized camps of Israel inspire us to trust in the God who orders our days and our steps, reminding us that in every detail, we are profoundly known and deeply loved by the Creator of the universe. What a faith builder, indeed!
February 28
Numbers 4-5
The Quest for Purity
Yesterday, we discussed the importance of organization, a theme that continues to resonate as we delve into today’s focus on the Levites’ responsibilities and the purity required in the camp of Israel.
Moving with Purpose and Precision
Moving can be a chaotic experience, but it also teaches us the value of organization and preparation—lessons echoed in how the Levites were instructed to transport the Tabernacle. The Kohathites, Gershonites, and Merarites each had specific roles, emphasizing that every task, no matter how small, contributes to the greater purpose of serving God and maintaining the sanctity of His dwelling place.
Spiritual Maturity and Sacred Responsibilities
The Kohathites, tasked with carrying the most sacred objects, were not listed for service until age thirty, suggesting that spiritual maturity was crucial for their sacred duties. This detail reminds us of the importance of growth and preparation in our spiritual lives before undertaking the responsibilities God assigns to us.
The Seriousness of Purity
Numbers 5 shifts our attention to the purity within Israel’s camp, covering various laws meant to protect the community’s holiness. The ritual for determining a wife’s faithfulness might seem peculiar to us, but it underscores the seriousness with which God views purity and faithfulness—not just in marriage but in our relationship with Him. It’s a stark reminder that our actions, seen and unseen, have consequences and that God’s desire for purity among His people is as relevant today as it was then.
Word of the Day: Duties
Definition: a moral or legal obligation; a responsibility.
The concept of duty runs throughout these passages, whether it’s the Levites’ service or the call to purity and faithfulness in the camp. It reminds us that we all have roles to fulfill—duties not just to our families and communities but to God Himself. The intertwining of duties in Numbers 5, from the Levites’ sacred responsibilities to the intimate matters of marital faithfulness, is a powerful reminder of our covenant relationship with God, mirroring the commitments and faithfulness expected in marriage.
Today’s exploration of the Levites’ duties and the laws of purity in Numbers 5 enriches our understanding of God’s meticulous care for His people and the profound significance of our duties to Him and to each other. As we continue our journey through the Bible, let these lessons remind us of the depth of God’s love, the seriousness with which He regards purity and faithfulness, and the divine compassion that invites us into a closer relationship with Him.
March 1
Numbers 6, 10
God Wants Us to Pay Attention
We’ve now ventured into the heart of the wilderness experience of the Israelites, discovering profound lessons in the rituals and organization God established for His people. As we read chronologically, the intricate details of their journey become even more meaningful, especially when we look at the significance of the Nazirite vow and the use of silver trumpets.
The Call to Attention with Silver Trumpets
The silver trumpets hold a special place in the orchestration of the Israelite community. Their sound was not just about gathering the people or signaling movement; it was about calling God’s people to attention, to concentration, to a state of readiness for what God was about to do among them. This multifaceted use of trumpets—from gathering to celebrating, from warning to worshipping—teaches us about the value of clear, distinct communication with God and with each other.
The crafting of these trumpets, made of hammered work, signifies the effort and precision that goes into creating tools for divine purposes. Just as the trumpets required a skilled craftsman to shape them, so too are we shaped by the impacts and influences in our lives, designed to serve a purpose in God’s grand design.
The Discipline of the Nazirite Vow
Moving to the Nazirite vow, we see a profound commitment to consecration. The Hebrew root “nazar” speaks to abstaining from and consecrating oneself to God—a principle that resonates deeply with the Christian calling to live a life set apart. This vow, with its strict stipulations, required careful attention to detail and a deep dedication to maintaining purity for the sake of closeness to God.
Modern Parallels: Living Sacrifices
Drawing a parallel to our contemporary lives, particularly in the context of managing an audio production company, the necessity of attention—to detail, to timing, to the quality of work—echoes the biblical call to live attentively and conscientiously. Just as the ancient Israelites listened for the sound of the trumpets to know when to move, to gather, or to prepare for battle, so too must we listen carefully to God’s directions in our lives, paying attention to the roles He has assigned us and the paths He is leading us on.
In Romans 12:1-2, Paul echoes the essence of the Nazirite vow, urging believers to present their bodies as living sacrifices, holy and pleasing to God. This act of worship requires a transformation that comes from a renewed mind, attentive to discerning God’s will.
Word of the Day: Attention
Definition: notice taken of someone or something; the regarding of someone or something as interesting or important.
The lessons from the Nazirite vow and the silver trumpets invite us to cultivate a practice of attention. Whether it’s managing different versions of a radio program or living out our daily callings, the need for precision, for clear communication, and for a consecrated life is ever-present.
The priestly blessing from Numbers 6:24-26 serves as a powerful prayer for our journey, reminding us of the peace and protection that comes from living in attentive obedience to God. May we strive to be people who listen for God’s direction, who pay attention to the details of His call on our lives, and who live as consecrated, holy people in every aspect of our existence.
