Numbers ‘ The Journey of a Lifetime’

Numbers – What’s in a name? It derives its name from the census described in the first chapter of the book, in which the tribes of Israel are numbered (1:1-3). The book begins, "The Lord spoke to Moses… in the desert of Sinai" (1:1). And illustrates the continuity between Numbers and the previous book, Leviticus.

Numbers – An Outline of the book A bridge between the events of Mt Sinai and Moses last words before they entered the promised land: God had planned for them to travel directly to the Promised Land, but they spent 40 years wandering around! After 40 years a new generation are finally ready!

Numbers – Major themes God keeps his covenant with his people He is sovereign over heaven and earth God will not compromise his holiness According to circumstances, God warns, punishes, instructs, commends or blesses. It reminds Christians that in spite of our weaknesses, God remains faithful to his purposes for us

Numbers – What do we learn about God? God’s character is revealed – His loyalty The Israelites loss of courage and bitter complaining yet God continued to protect and lead his people. God hates rebellion. He is merciful, but he did punish those who consistently challenged his leadership.

Numbers – What we learn about God Jesus is revealed: God supplied water miraculously from a Rock (Ch 20) St Paul refers to these events as symbolising Jesus Christ (1 Cor 10:1-4) The Messiah is prophesied by Balaam :"I see him, but not now; I behold him, but not near. A star will come out of Jacob; a scepter will rise out of Israel.“ (Num 24:1)

What does this book mean for us ? An example to follow He is with us even when we lose our way A God of faithfulness There’s no difficulty He cannot deal with God’s desire is that we move ever more deeply into the ‘Kingdom of God’

The Journey we are on! Are we going to be the same at the end of our journey as we were at the beginning? What have you learnt about God on your life’s journey so far? What has God been saying to you?

The Journey we are on! How about you? Is God offering you chance after chance? Is He looking for us to take him seriously? In what is He calling you to be obedient? Is there something he wants you to trust him with?

The Challenges  How about you? Is God offering you chance after chance?  Is he looking for you to finally take him seriously and to always act like there is a God?  In what is He calling you to be obedient?  Is there something he wants you to trust him with?  Now are we ready to walk further into the Promised Land…. the Kingdom of God?

Walking deeper into the kingdom “the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness, gentleness and self–control.” ( Gal 5: 22,23)

Walking deeper into the kingdom “It was he who gave some to be apostles, some to be prophets, some to be evangelists, and some to be pastors and teachers, to prepare God’s people for works of service, so that the body of Christ may be built up”

Walking deeper into the kingdom “ Now to each one the manifestation of the Spirit is given for the common good…the message of wisdom, …the message of knowledge …to another faith by the same Spirit, to another gifts of healing …to another miraculous powers, to another prophecy, to another distinguishing between spirits, to another speaking in different kinds of tongues, and to still another the interpretation of tongues.”

BLESSING “The L ORD bless you and keep you; the L ORD make his face shine upon you and be gracious to you; the L ORD turn his face towards you and give you peace.” (Num 6:24-26)