Bible Study: Following God's Will
Following God's Will 02.17.08
Hello My Friend/Guest,
It is Sunday February 17, 2008 and today we are continuing our studies on the book of Numbers. Please read Numbers 10 -- 11 in your Bible or Click Here. In today's lesson we will read and learn about the two silver trumpets; the Israelites leaving Sinai; complaints of the people; the 70 elders chosen; and the Lord sends a plague.
It was the responsibility of Aaron and his sons to blow the two trumpets of silver. The trumpets were long, straight tubes of silver with bell-shaped mouths. They could not be made from inferior metal, nor from silver fragments; instead they were to be fashioned from one whole piece of silver. Regardless of where one was in relation to the position of the Tabernacle, the clear tones of the silver trumpets would communicate various messages. "And the LORD spake unto Moses, saying, Make thee two trumpets of silver; of a whole piece shalt thou make them: that thou mayest use them for the calling of the assembly, and for the journeying of the camps. And when they shall blow with them, all the assembly shall assemble themselves to thee at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation. And if they blow but with one trumpet, then the princes, which are heads of the thousands of Israel, shall gather themselves unto thee. When ye blow an alarm, then the camps that lie on the east parts shall go forward. When ye blow an alarm the second time, then the camps that lie on the south side shall take their journey: they shall blow an alarm for their journeys. But when the congregation is to be gathered together, ye shall blow, but ye shall not sound an alarm. And the sons of Aaron, the priests, shall blow with the trumpets; and they shall be to you for an ordinance for ever throughout your generations." (Numbers 10:1-8).
Whether they worshiped, went to war, or journeyed, every move of the people was to be in obedience to the various sounds of the trumpets. The two silver trumpets represent the truth of God's Word and remind us that both the Old and the New Testaments are each a part of the whole Word of God. The two trumpets were symbolic of an appeal to God for guidance and protection as they journeyed and for victory in war against enemy forces.
On their way to the promised land, the Israelites were always complaining about something. They failed to see that every problem, every disappointment, and every difficulty was a test of their faith and an opportunity for them to trust God to supply their every need. Thanksgiving and praise should have been their reaction, but all they did was complain that it was manna and compared to all the fine food that was in Egypt. "And when the people complained, it displeased the LORD: and the LORD heard it; and his anger was kindled; and the fire of the LORD burnt among them, and consumed them that were in the uttermost parts of the camp. And the people cried unto Moses; and when Moses prayed unto the LORD, the fire was quenched. And he called the name of the place Taberah: because the fire of the LORD burnt among them. And the mixt multitude that was among them fell a lusting: and the children of Israel also wept again, and said, Who shall give us flesh to eat? We remember the fish, which we did eat in Egypt freely; the cucumbers, and the melons, and the leeks, and the onions, and the garlick: But now our soul is dried away: there is nothing at all, beside this manna, before our eyes. And the manna was as coriander seed, and the colour thereof as the colour of bdellium. And the people went about, and gathered it, and ground it in mills, or beat it in a mortar, and baked it in pans, and made cakes of it: and the taste of it was as the taste of fresh oil. And when the dew fell upon the camp in the night, the manna fell upon it. " (11:1-9). God answered their prayer for meat, however, it was not what they expected.
God sends trials to test our faith as well as an opportunity to reveal Himself as the All-Sufficient One. The Lord permits adverse circumstances that believers may discover how not to trust in our own opinions, feelings, and judgments. The believer's satisfaction and pleasure will be discovered by reading and believing all of God's Word and leaving the outcome of all situations to Him. We should be content with what Christ has chosen for us knowing that it is always for our best interest without exception. We also need to pray as He did, not my will, but Your Will be done.
In today's lesson Jesus Christ is revealed through the two trumpets made of silver. In the Bible silver stands for truth and Jesus Christ is the Way, the Truth, and the Life. "Jesus saith unto him, I am the way, the truth, and the life: no man cometh unto the Father, but by me." (John 14:6).
Today's Psalm: 31:23
"O love the LORD, all ye his saints: for the LORD preserveth the faithful, and plentifully rewardeth the proud doer."
Today's Prayer: From Luke 11:2-4
Our Father which art in heaven, Hallowed be thy name. Thy kingdom come. Thy will be done, as in heaven, so in earth. Give us day by day our daily bread. And forgive us our sins; for we also forgive every one that is indebted to us. And lead us not into temptation; but deliver us from evil.
Enjoy the rest of your day/night and weekend.
God Bless you,
Christina
