Text: Numbers 10: 29 – 36
In 2010, we spoke about the Five Family Values, looked at the 7 churches in revelation, went through the Book of Acts as part of Chronological Bible Storying (CBS) and we looked at Nehemiah – how he built the walls of Jerusalem. Stephen’s prayer for 2011 and beyond is that we implement and put into practise the things we hear as God speaks to us.
The children of Israel number about 2½ million. They have been camped at Mount Sinai for about 12 months (1 year) v11: In the second year of the second month on the 20th day, the cloud lifted from over the tabernacle. They now leave for Kadesh-Barnea – an oasis on the Southern Border of Canaan. God gives specific instructions to the tribes: who should go where and when and how they should move forward.
In 2011, we need to hear from God before we move or do anything. We need to seek God and ask that His presence goes before us. If God doesn’t move, we won’t move. V13: They set in a special order. There were 12 tribes of Israel. God is a God of order. In 2011, let’s do things in order.
V29: Moses has a conversation with a man called Hobab. This man was Moses brother in law. Moses father in law was called Reuel or more commonly known as Jethro. Moses asks him to go with them as they set out for the place God has given them.
The invitation: Come with us. Stephen invited everyone to come with Crossroads as we enter into what God has in store. The proclamation: we will do good to you (For God has promised good to Israel.) God has good plans for us, to propel us, to give us a hope and a future.
You would think this guy would jump at this amazing opportunity – but no, he refuses, declines, and rejects v 30.
V31: Moses pleads with him “Please don’t leave us, for you have certain talents we need.” Stephen asked the church again to go with him to all that God has in store in 2011. He assured the church that the road will be bumpy and rough, that we will face opposition, there will be trials and hardships but God is on our side. If God be for us, who can be against us. The promises of God are ye and Amen to those who believe.
If we are to fulfil all that god has for us in 2011, then we need to be a people of Faith. Let us genuinely and passionately love one another and this community we live in. You can give without loving but you cannot love without giving. There are many people with various needs, emotionally, physically and spiritually. As a church, as part of this family, we need to commit ourselves to getting involved and playing our part. Let’s not sit on the side lines but let’s be involved in the game.
V33: So they set off from there on a 3 days journey. We are setting off from here on a 3 days journey of prayer and fasting. Seek to hear from God, for yourself, for others and for the church.
Our prayer will be “Arise, o Lord and let your enemies be scattered, and let those who hate you flee before you.”
By Molly Manhanga
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