February 26th

Leviticus 27:1-34

Numbers 1:1-54

We finished Leviticus, with the laws of redemption, and headed into Numbers, with the first census of Israel. If something or someone was dedicated to the Lord, a person could redeem him, her, or it or buy it back from the Lord for a price. The concept of redemption would be very familiar to God’s people when the Messiah would come and redeem His people from their sins.

Concerning the census, which is fitting for a book entitled Numbers, the Lord was organizing the people for several reasons, for camp arrangement, for travel purposes, for land allotment in Canaan, and for war. Notice that the priests and Levites were exempted from the census, as they would not go to war. They would not receive any land, and their location in the camp was around the Tabernacle.

With the census, we get an idea of just how many people were involved in the exodus. When Jacob arrived in Egypt, 400 years earlier, he came with 70 people in his family. Now, according to the census, there were over 600,000 fighting men. A conservative number, then, including priests, Levites, women, children, and the elderly, would be at least two million people. If a professional football stadium held 100,000 fans, Israel would require at least 20 of them to seat everyone. That is amazing, especially when you consider that the Lord has been providing bread and water for them for 40 years.

I noticed today that each tribe had a designated camping area with its own family banner (Numbers 1:52). These banners would have included the name of the tribe but, perhaps, they would have had symbols as well, something that represented them in some way. Whatever it was, it served as a rallying point, identifiable to others in travel or in war. Of course, flags have been used in this way for centuries.

Daily Reflection

For years now, our family has had a “banner” of sorts, more a motto or purpose statement. Each family member knows it. We repeat it often and discuss what it means and how to live it out. Much like a “life verse” or personal mission statement, we have noticed over the years that it has been helpful to provide our family with God-centered focus, purpose, and unity.

Did you grow up with a family banner, motto, or flag? If so, what was it? Was it helpful?

Do you have a “life verse” or personal mission statement? If so, what is it? If not, consider developing one.

When developing a family banner or motto, life verse, or mission statement, make sure that it is biblical and that it points you and your family members to your God-given purposes.

BiAY.org | Day 57 — 308 Days to Go