Numbers 35-36; Deuteronomy 1-2


The Lord always cares and provides for those who serve Him wholeheartedly in accordance with the specific calling that He has given them. Thus, the Lord provided the Levites with places of stay, as well as, gave them pasture lands for their cattle.

This was in addition to all the other sacrifices and offerings that they were already entitled to.

Places of refuge (6 in all) were also provided for those who killed someone accidently where the innocent person could flee and be protected from the avenger, provided he/she lived there until the death of the High Priest.

However, those who killed others deliberately were to be killed in return so as to purge the land from all such pollution, Numbers 35. This shows that at no point in time can we take the law in our own hands and inflict vengeance on our persecutors.

However, as we trust in God and show forth His character, He will surely provide for us a way of escape in due season! Those women who received an inheritance from their father’s property, because he had no sons, were expected to marry within their tribe inorder to ensure that the property divisions in accordance with God’s original plan would stay in place without ever being altered. Similarly, God has given women a good part of their inheritance in Christ, and as they operate within their God-given boundaries they will be an effective blessing to those who come across their path, Numbers 36.

As Moses narrates the journey of the Israelites from Mount Horeb to the promise land, we can clearly see that implicit obedience to God’s commandments is the fastest route by which we can get to our God-appointed destination, in both life and ministry.

Rebellion and unbelief caused a eleven-day journey from Mount Horeb to Kadesh Barnea by way of Mount Seir, to turn into a 40-year long expedition, which saw none of those who started out on the journey enter the promise land, except for Joshua and Caleb and the children of those who died in the wilderness during that time. What a tradegy indeed! Moses also lost his opportunity to lead the people into the land on account of his lack of self control, and because of which he ended up disobeying the Lord’s commandment to him, Deuteronomy 1,2.

Thus we can clearly see that in all God’s dealings with us, God show no partiality and gives us commandments that are designed for our good.

However, only those who trustfully obey Him will be able to enter into the fullness of His blessings.

On the contrary, all those who choose to respond according to their feelings, even when the same contradicts God’s Word, will end up living in regret for all eternity, if they don’t repent while they can!

So, let us be wise and determined to walk in obedience to God’s Word even when the going gets tough, for that alone will be the surest way of entering into His rest now and also enjoying what no eye has seen nor ear has heard which God has prepared for those who love Him in the days to come.

Rowena Thomas
Mumbai, India.