seeking leaders who pray

Posted on December 19, 2017 by Jefferson Vann

marmsky December 2017 (19)devotional post # 2235

Numbers 1:32-33

Num 1:32  Of the sons of Joseph, namely, of the sons of Ephraim, referencing their historical lineage, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:
Num 1:33  those mustered of the tribe of Ephraim were 40,500.

seeking leaders who pray

40,500 men followed general Elishama, whose name means “my God has heard” and reflects a belief in prayer, not because prayer has power but because God listens to prayer. He also leads people who seek his guidance. When you commit your life into someone’s hands, you feel better about it if you know that your leader has guidance from a good source. The best source of guidance is a divine source.

LORD, give us the wisdom to seek leaders who pray, and are guided by your Holy Spirit.

Posted in guidance, leadership, prayer | Tagged | 1 Comment

sharing a relationship

Posted on December 18, 2017 by Jefferson Vann

marmsky December 2017 (18)devotional post # 2234

Numbers 1:30-31

Num 1:30  Of the sons of Zebulun, referencing their historical lineage, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:
Num 1:31  those mustered of the tribe of Zebulun were 57,400.

sharing a relationship

57,400 sons of Zebulun followed general Eliab, whose name said “my God is a father.” This name encouraged a religion not based on fear, and a warfare not based on possessing a kingdom, but on spreading a family. Our life is not to be judged on the basis of the territory we conquer, our challenge is to make disciples like us. We are invited into a glorious family – a relationship with the Father. Sharing Christ is offering that great gift — a chance to know God, which is eternal life.

LORD, open doors for us to share our relationship with you today.

Posted in evangelism, relationship with God | Tagged | 1 Comment

given by God

Posted on December 17, 2017 by Jefferson Vann

marmsky December 2017 (17)devotional post # 2233

Numbers 1:28-29

Num 1:28  Of the sons of Issachar, referencing their historical lineage, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:
Num 1:29  those mustered of the tribe of Issachar were 54,400.

given by God

54,400 men followed General Nethanel, whose name says “given by God.” The Lord wanted those men to trust him to give them what they need, not to just try to take it on their own, or to trust some foreign god for it.

When we look back on the accomplishments of our lives with a clearer perspective, we will see that we actually did not accomplish much. Many of our greatest successes will have been the result of happy coincidences orchestrated by our God of grace. We will also see the positive influence we will have had on others while we were going through our darkest days. Like Issachar’s army, we march to a banner celebrating God’s grace.

LORD, thank you for your grace.

Posted in grace, sovereignty of God, success | Tagged | 1 Comment

name of shame

Posted on December 16, 2017 by Jefferson Vann

marmsky December 2017 (16)devotional post # 2232

Num 1:26  Of the sons of Judah, referencing their historical lineage, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, from twenty years old and upward, every man able to go to war:
Num 1:27  those mustered of the tribe of Judah were 74,600.

name of shame

74,600 sons of Judah followed general Nachshon, whose name “enchanter” seems to have been associated in some way with the magic arts. Perhaps God was getting them ready to see a pure magic from his hand, which would encourage them to stay away from the dark arts for good. Or, maybe his name is a reminder of the influence that Egypt had on the Israelites. God had rescued his people from Egypt, but there was still a memory of Egypt in them, with its emphasis on animistic power. Either way, this name probably brought shame to the Judahites. But, embarrassment over sin is also a good thing.

LORD, when we are tempted to prideful thoughts, remind us of the sins of the past, but keep us from repeating them.

Posted in shame, sin | Tagged | 1 Comment

God has added

Posted on December 15, 2017 by Jefferson Vann

marmsky December 2017 (15)devotional post # 2231

Num 1:24  Of the sons of Gad, referencing their historical lineage,, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of the names, from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:
Num 1:25  those mustered of the tribe of Gad were 45,650.

God has added

Gad’s general was Elyasaph (God has added – from the same Hebrew root as the name, Joseph). The young and old men who followed him into battle were reminded that when God is with you, your numbers do no matter. God can always make up for your lack of numbers by his miraculous power.

LORD, remind us that whatever we do, your power to help us far supersedes our capacity to do it for you.

Posted in confidence, dependence upon God | Tagged | 1 Comment

a friend with us

Posted on December 14, 2017 by Jefferson Vann

marmsky December 2017 (14)devotional post # 2230

Numbers 1:22-23

Num 1:22  Of the sons of Simeon, referencing their historical lineage, by their clans, by their patriarchal houses, those of them who were mustered, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:
Num 1:23  those mustered of the tribe of Simeon were 59,300.

a friend with us

Simeon’s general was Shelumiel, whose name said “my friend is God.” For the 59,300 soldiers who followed Shelumiel into battle, it was an encouragement to know that they had a powerful friend who would be at their side when they fought.

Whatever challenge we face as we seek to obey the LORD and do his will, we can be assured that he is there. Jesus promised his disciples that he would be with them always, even to the end of the age. We have a friend who fights with us when we fight.

LORD, thank you for going with us into the dark places we must go, because you are our friend.

Posted in courage, friends, presence of God | Tagged | 1 Comment

Following the rock

Posted on December 13, 2017 by Jefferson Vann

marmsky December 2017 (13)devotional post # 2229

Numbers 1:20-21

Num 1:20  The people of Reuben, Israel’s firstborn, referencing their historical lineage, by their clans, by their fathers’ houses, according to the number of names, head by head, every male from twenty years old and upward, all who were able to go to war:
Num 1:21  those mustered from the tribe of Reuben were 46,500.

Following the rock

Following General Elitsur into battle would be 46,500 Reubenites. They were following a leader whose name indicated that God is his rock. There would be change, transition, disappointment and pain. But there was also a promise of stability.

GOD, give us the courage to follow you, even when doing so leads us to stretch our sense of well being, and trust you as we never have before.

Posted in suffering, trust | Tagged | 1 Comment

to stand and defend

Posted on December 12, 2017 by Jefferson Vann

marmsky December 2017 (12)devotional post # 2228

Numbers 1:17-19

Num 1:17  Moses and Aaron took these men who had been designated by their names,
Num 1:18  and on the first day of the second month, they assembled the whole congregation together, who registered themselves by clans, by patriarchal families, according to the number of names from twenty years old and higher, head by head,
Num 1:19  just like the LORD had commanded Moses. So he listed them in the desert of Sinai.

to stand and defend

Twelve generals, from eleven patriarchal families were part of this military census. The tribe of Levi was exempt from this draft, but Joseph’s patriarchal family had produced two prominent branches: Ephraim and Manasseh, and these were counted as separate clans, so the number equaled twelve.

This was not a listing for tax purposes. It was a listing of those who could fight, and would fight if necessary. It was a listing of the strong and the brave. It was a record of those who were willing to stand up for the faith of this nation, as well as defend the families of the nation.

LORD, thank you for those who protect our families, and our faith.

Posted in protection, servanthood | Tagged | 1 Comment

reflecting his faithfulness

Posted on December 11, 2017 by Jefferson Vann

marmsky December 2017 (11)devotional post # 2227

Numbers 1:12-16

Num 1:12  from Dan, Achiezer the son of Ammishaddai;
Num 1:13  from Asher, Pagiel the son of Ochran;
Num 1:14  from Gad, Elyasaph the son of Deuel;
Num 1:15  from Naphtali, Achira the son of Enan.”
Num 1:16  These were the ones called out from the congregation, the leaders of their ancestral tribes, the heads of the clans of Israel.

reflecting his faithfulness

Four more names are added to finish the list of generals designated in the Israelite army in the desert. Jacob’s generals through Zilpah have names that reflect the importance of the exodus. Their names are Pagiel (event from God) and Elyasaph (God has added – from the same root as Joseph). Bilhah’s generals’ names reflect the diversity of the brotherhood. Achiezer means “my brother is a help,” but Achira means “my brother is evil.” These names together reflect the fact that God is doing something in their midst, but also an awareness that only he can be trusted to remain faithful to his purpose.

LORD, show us your plan, and build in us a faithfulness that reflects yours.

Posted in faithfulness, loyalty | Tagged | 1 Comment

abiding trust in God

Posted on December 10, 2017 by Jefferson Vann

marmsky December 2017 (10)devotional post # 2226

Numbers 1:10-11

Num 1:10  from the sons of Joseph, from Ephraim, Elishama the son of Ammihud, and from Manasseh, Gamliel the son of Pedahzur;
Num 1:11  from Benjamin, Abidan the son of Gideoni;

abiding trust in God

Joseph’s line produced two generals. Elishama means “my God has heard” and reflects a belief in prayer, not because prayer has power but because God listens to prayer. Gamliel means “reward of God” or “my reward is God” and reflects the same trust in the God of the Bible to respond to our commitment to him. Joseph learned this lesson in a pit, and in prison. He cried out to God and God heard and rewarded his faithfulness.

Benjamin’s line produced general Abidan. The name says “my Father is judge.” It reflects a belief that our heavenly Father oversees the affairs of humanity and will see to it that justice occurs. It also reflects the belief that injustice is not necessarily ours to correct. The Father is judge, and we are not.

God’s people are best prepared for warfare when they have an abiding trust in God to hear prayer, reward faithfulness, and correct injustice.

LORD, we place our trust in you, and look to you for strength.

Posted in dependence upon God, prayer, trust | Tagged | 1 Comment