Numbers – JumpstartCPC.com

September 23, 2020

Today you should read: Numbers 32

“And the people of Gad and the people of Reuben answered, “What the Lord has said to your servants, we will do” (v. 31)

Whenever undertaking something before God and for God obedience to the highest level is of the utmost importance. All throughout Scripture we see God give SPECIFIC directions and people who follow them to a T had success and favor before God… and those who fudged on the commandment of God, even in just a seemingly insignificant way, did not.

Here we see Reuben and Gad want to settle in Gilead. Moses has some concerns but they hear each other out and come to compromise. But Moses, who spoke to them on behalf of God, gave them specific instructions.

They vowed to obey them and follow through. But Moses reminded them in verse 23…

“But if you will not do so, behold, you have sinned against the Lord, and be sure your sin will find you out.”

He reminded them and us of something important. While obedience is important and we can fool others we cannot fool God. God has given us commandments and instructions to follow all throughout His Word. We need to obey these to the highest degree we know. We need to handle ourselves with character and honor just like the people of Gad and Reuben did

Where do you need to pursue a higher level of obedience in your life?

Pray. Lay it at God’s feet. Confess the ways you fall short and recommit to live today for Him, obediently.

By: Nick Parsons — Pastoral Ministry Associate – College

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September 22, 2020

Today you should read: Numbers 31

Good morning Jumpstarters! Almost through Numbers – hang in there.

Today is chapter 31… I know what you’re thinking – this doesn’t sound right – it doesn’t sound like a loving God to allow for – nor to order – such destruction of a people. This is a very difficult passage and subject…

I really can’t explain this to you other than to remind you that as much as God is loving – God is just. He must deal with sin. Before the cross, the people who committed the sin felt the full extent of God’s wrath. Whether that was offering a lamb from their flock, watching the lamb give its life, and be burned for their sin, or paying the price personally through pain or death. The Midianites were wicked people and God extracted His judgment on them through His chosen people.

Why not kill the Israelites when they sinned? He did! Many times through snakes, fever, the earth swallowing them, and more… but remember – God made a promise to Abraham that through them the Messiah would come. God always keeps His promises. He’s sovereign – He chooses and does what He wills.

Why women and children who seem innocent? Again, this is very difficult to answer – but the best answer I can give you is they were a part of the sin and were perpetuating it. Innocent people around us – even our kids – often pay a big price for our sin. Ask a dad who commits adultery… Do his kids pay? His wife? We need to remember this and think hard before we rush into sin.

Why not now? Jesus died on the cross and took God’s wrath.

He made Him who knew no sin to be sin on our behalf, so that we might become the righteousness of God in Him. 2 Corinthians 5:21

This is why the cross was so gruesome – God’s wrath was poured out on our sin. Are you thankful for the cross today? Glad Jesus took your sin?

NOTE: If you’ve never received Jesus – your sin is on YOU not on HIM. You will take the full hit for your sin forever in hell. Please consider turning to Jesus today and allowing Him to be your substitute.

By: Tim Parsons — Lead Pastor

September 21, 2020

Today you should read: Numbers 30

Numbers 30 talks about the importance of making and breaking vows. Read what the ESV Study Bible says about the importance of vows:

In a crisis people often make a vow: “If God delivers me from X, I promise to do Y.” There are many examples in the Bible (e.g., Gen. 28:20–22; 1 Sam. 1:11). The danger is that, when the crisis is over, the vow may not be fulfilled. Stern warnings about failing to fulfill a vow are found in Deut. 23:21–23 and Eccles. 5:4–6. These laws are concerned with defining those few circumstances in which a person may be excused from fulfilling a vow.

Essentially, men are expected to fulfill their vows, but women get a little more leniency. Regardless, it is imperative to be wise about what we say and what we promise.

The challenge is that, because of our sin, it is challenging for us to keep our promises—both to God and others. Contrast that with the consistency of who God. He does not lie, and he does not break a vow. Look what God’s Word says about the character of God:

God is not man, that he should lie,
or a son of man, that he should change his mind.
Has he said, and will he not do it?
Or has he spoken, and will he not fulfill it? Numbers 23:19 (ESV)

in hope of eternal life, which God, who never lies, promised before the ages began. Titus 1:2 (ESV)

so that by two unchangeable things, in which it is impossible for God to lie, we who have fled for refuge might have strong encouragement to hold fast to the hope set before us. Hebrews 6:18 (ESV)

Allow these truths from God’s Word do two things in your life today: (1) realize that you are different from God—you are sinful, he is sinless. (2) God offers forgiveness and redemption through repenting and seeking Jesus Christ.

Seek Christ today above all things!

By: Graham Withers — Associate Pastor

September 19, 2020

Today you should read: Numbers 29

This is one of those passages where we can understand what God is commanding Israel to do, but we might not understand why. Each of these festivals serves a purpose.

The Feast of Trumpets happened on the first day of the seventh month (v. 1). The seventh month was holy because God had ordained it that way and it resembles creation. And in Numbers 10:10, it describes that the blowing of trumpets is a plea for God to remember Israel.

The Day of Atonement is a huge day. This is supposed to be a purification day for the nation of Israel. It’s about asking God to atone for their sins. You can read in detail about it in Leviticus 16.

The Feast of Booths was when the Israelites would live in booths (like tents) for a week to remind themselves of how they lived in the wilderness following the Exodus. The many sacrifices were to serve as a reminder of how God had provided for the Israelites.

Each of these festivals ultimately serves as a reminder for the people to rely on God. God is calling them to remember who He truly is. He is the one that created all things, can atone for sin, and deliver the captive.

What things do you do to remember God each day? Do you have any special “festivals” of your own? (Maybe a salvation day or baptism day?)

What might it look like if we celebrated the things God had done for us?

By: Brice Stockton — Student Ministry Associate