Continuing Catholic Education February

Numbers(Wilderness) - Overview Background – En route from Mount Sinai – >Plains of Moab Timing – After commandments and right before entering Canaan Audience – Israel in the wilderness Purpose – Preparing the nation to receive the promised land – Flowing Milk and Honey Main Themes – Ch 1-10 People are called to service and given tasks – Ch Desert Wandering Experience – Ch Walking towards the Victory

In the Wilderness

A Nation Called for Service(Ch1-10) First Census – Selection of soldiers Levites called as priests Establishing Priesthood rather than domestic priesthood of firstborn sons. Lord was in the cloud above Tabernacle Manna, Ten Commandments and Aaron’s Rod “Lord said to Moses” Israelites did everything the LORD commanded- Ministry

Cloud above Tabernacle

What does this mean to me? What is my call of duty? What is my ministry? Do I hear God’s voice at the beginning in this role? Do I fulfill this duty as Lord commanded? When my life is going good, do I see the cloud? How do I honor and respect the Tabernacle?

Desert Wanderings

Desert Wanderings(Ch 11-20) Complaints about food Complaints about authority of Moses Aaron’s Rod – Symbol of Authority People were sent to spy in Canaan Feedback about challenges to be faced Caleb’s conviction trusting in God Revolt against God and Moses Complaint about Lack of Water Speak to Rock Kadesh-barnea Experience(Are you with God?)

What does this mean to me? Any Endeavor we take upon, can reach the desert wandering experience – Our Marriage – Our Family – Church - Our Extended Family – Career Questioning leadership Challenging purpose Not seeing the Cloud above the Tent Kadesh-barnea Experience

Victory Lies Ahead (Ch21-34) Moving on from Kadesh with God Story of Bronze serpent- Symbol? Story of Balaam and his Donkey Oracles of Balaam, Curse turns to blessing Prophecy about The Great King to come from Judah Recognizing God’s powerful presence in their midst. Plans for occupying the promised land

Summary God’s cloud is always above us ‘Problem we have a God’ attitude Respect Authority even if don’t agree with the decisions When placed in Kadesh-barnea situations, stand with God and be Kadesh (Holy) Ultimate victory is for Lord.