There’s a good reason the book of Numbers is called that: it lists a bunch of numbers. It’s a census of the people of Israel. And there were a lot of people! If you’ve ever seen Cecil B. DeMille’s 1956 epic film “The Ten Commandments” (shown on network television every year since 1973 during Easter/Passover…
Today’s Bible reading* has a lot to say about the Year of Jubilee: Everyone gets a do-over. A reset. A recalibration. God goes into great detail about what this looks like. Debts are canceled. Properties are returned to their original owners. Slaves are released. All in one year. The Year of Jubilee occurred every fifty…
We see a lot of details concerning the Tabernacle in today’s Bible reading*. In fact, it’s easy to get lost in all of the details. But one thing we shouldn’t miss. It comes at the beginning of today’s reading. The Lord spoke to Moses: “Tell the Israelites to take an offering for me. You are…
Among other things in today’s Bible reading*, God expounds on the Fourth Commandment: Sabbath Rest Remember the Sabbath day, to keep it holy: You are to labor six days and do all your work, but the seventh day is a Sabbath to the Lord your God. You must not do any work—you, your son or…
We read today* that Joseph becomes Egypt’s Prime Minister. After interpreting Pharaoh’s dream, he is put in charge. Pharaoh provides Joseph with his own signet ring, a wife, clothes, and transportation. Basically, Pharaoh gives Joseph everything a man could ask for. Per his recommendation to Pharaoh, for the next seven years, Joseph collects 20% of…
In today’s Bible reading, Peter reminds us that God’s promise is sure: Jesus will return. He says that scoffers will come, trying to discourage God’s children by pointing out that Jesus has yet to return. “Where is the promise of His coming He predicted?” (2 Peter 3:4) There will always be nay-sayers. There will always be scoffers. There…
