Numbers 1:47–54 March 18, 2025 (Tuesday)

The Lord said to Moses, "Only the tribe of Levi you shall not count, and you shall not include them in the registration of the Israelites." (Numbers 1:48-49)

As we journey through Lent, we have completed reading the Gospel of John and have now begun reading the book of Numbers. While it may seem important to read Scripture according to the liturgical calendar, I believe that if we understand the unique meaning and direction of each book, we can find spiritual connections that resonate with the themes of each season.

The book of Numbers, as its name suggests, centers around a census. It is one of the Pentateuch, the five books of Moses, and it is called "Numbers" because it begins with the numbering of the people.

In the Old Testament, census-taking served two purposes: first, to determine the number of soldiers for war, and second, for tax calculations. However, in Numbers, the emphasis is less on taxation and more on the consequence of the golden calf incident, where approximately 15,000 Israelites perished at Mount Sinai. Thus, the census takes on new meaning—it is about those who remain, those who will enter the Promised Land of Canaan.

The scouts who returned from Canaan brought back discouraging reports. They compared numbers and saw the physical disparity between the Israelites and the Canaanites, concluding that conquest was impossible. But as many of you know, this is when Joshua and Caleb made their famous declaration of faith, saying, "Give me this mountain"—a bold and shining confession.

Because of the fear and disbelief expressed at that time, God declared through Moses that the first generation who had come out of Egypt would not enter Canaan, and only the second generation would inherit the land. This is the background of the book of Numbers. The census was necessary to determine the size of each tribe and, consequently, how to distribute the land among them.

In a way, this census is like the calculations we make today for ministry. We assess church capacity by looking at numbers—congregational size, offerings, and levels of commitment. To pursue building a $2 million church with fewer than fifty members may seem reckless today. While stories of churches built by brick-laying congregants and anonymous donors miraculously providing the final funds once inspired awe, such feats were perhaps possible in an era driven by growth-centric faith.

However, understanding that Numbers is about organized preparation and planning reveals a different side of God's work. When God led the Israelites out of Egypt, it was not reckless; it was miraculously yet meticulously prepared. Even the settlement in Canaan was approached with calculation and strategy, not just spontaneous faith.

Reflection

Are there things that you feel called to act on right now? Is there something that comes to mind as the next step?

Intercessory Prayer

• Please pray for Kwonsanim Jeongja Park.

• Please pray for Pastor Yoon Jin Eun's quick and full recovery.

• Pray for our Sunday School, Pastor Heewon Jin, and all the parents of the children in our church.