Links for today’s readings:
Read: Numbers 2 Listen: (3:47) Read: Acts 25 Listen: (4:40)
Links for this weekend’s readings:
Read: Numbers 3 Listen: (6:01) Read: Acts 26 Listen: (5:17)
Read: Numbers 4 Listen: (6:11) Read: Acts 27 Listen: (6:09)
Scripture Focus: Numbers 2.32-34
32 These are the Israelites, counted according to their families. All the men in the camps, by their divisions, number 603,550. 33 The Levites, however, were not counted along with the other Israelites, as the Lord commanded Moses. 34 So the Israelites did everything the Lord commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each of them with their clan and family.
Reflection: Christ’s Body is Not God’s Army
By John Tillman
Israel counted the males over 20 years old who were fit for war. These were their “divisions” and God described in detail where each would camp, encircling the Levites who encircled the Tabernacle.
Armies of the day would have camped in a similar manner, with the king’s tent at the center, special guards around him, and the other divisions of the army surrounding them.
In modern armies, “divisions” are self-sustaining warfighting groups led by a general and capable of operating independently. But within the larger force each division may develop unique reputations or be designed for different specialties. In the United States armed forces, the 101st Airborne division is legendary for its role in critical battles of World War II. The 10th Mountain division specializes in rugged terrain and cold-weather engagement.
Later in the Old Testament, men from every tribe join David in the wilderness and Chronicles describes some specializations of the “divisions” of the Israelites. Gad’s mountain warriors were “swift as gazelles in the mountains.” Issachar’s wise leaders “understood the times and knew what Israel should do.” Zebulun’s warriors were experienced with “every type of weapon.” Benjamites were ambidextrous sword wielders and stone slingers. (1 Chronicles 12.23-37)
Nations need armies. Israel had armies because they were a nation with human enemies. The church faces different dangers than the desert-dwelling nation state of ancient Israel. The strongholds we must tear down (2 Corinthians 10.4-5; Daniel 2.34-35) cannot be damaged with human weapons and the kingdom we must build is not built by human hands. (John 18.36; 2 Corinthians 5.1-4) Our weapons are the gifts of the Holy Spirit not any spear, club, or sword. Our enemies are not flesh and blood. (Ephesians 6.12)
This is a one-way biblical metaphor from martial to spiritual. It doesn’t go the other direction. Beware those using “spiritual warfare” language to manipulate you into fleshly fights. One day, Christ will come as conqueror. He doesn’t need help with that. (Revelation 19.11-21) Until then, our orders remain those given to Peter: “Put away your sword, feed my lambs, care for my sheep.” (John 18.10-11; 21.15-17)
We are members of Christ’s body not units of God’s army. Our “divisions” are not sword-wielders and stone-slingers. We don’t set out to war becaue the victory is won. Jesus is tabernacled in our midst. Our divisions distribute his gifts, specializing in prophesying, teaching, serving, encouraging, giving, leading, and showing mercy. (Romans 12.4-8) Let us become legendary for our role in spreading the good news of Jesus.
Divine Hours Prayer: The Call to Prayer
Search for the Lord and his strength; continually seek his face. — Psalm 105.4
– Divine Hours prayers from The Divine Hours: Prayers for Springtime by Phyllis Tickle.
Read more: Unprecedented Peace
“Beat your plowshares into swords” is not a call for God’s people to answer…Isaiah and Micah both reverse [it], making it a promise of peace
Read more: Where Would the Body Be?
In God’s design, when the body of Christ is functioning properly, we share burdens and we share joys. In God’s body, every part needs the others.