Numbers 7:11: “For the LORD said to Moses, ‘They shall offer their offering, one leader each day, for the dedication of the altar.’”

January 17th, 2023 by Pastor Ed in devotional

This chapter, containing 89 verses, is the second longest chapter in the Bible. Only Psalm 119 with 176 verses is longer. It contains a lengthy description of the dedication ceremony of the Tabernacle. The ceremony was to be 12 days of festivities, with a different tribe responsible for each day and it’s offering. With the completetion of the tabernacle, Moses was able to meet with God there, in the middle of their camp, instead of going up the mountain. God’s plan was to be in the center of the life of His people. He came to them, to the heart of their encampment, to be with them.

God is the initiator, the first cause of relationship, both with His people in the Old Testament and with us today. He continues to invite us into relationship with Him as we read over and over again in the New Testament: “Come to Me.”

“Come to Me, all you who labor and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest” (Matthew 11:28).

“But Jesus said, ‘Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of heaven’” (Matthew 19:14).

“On the last day, that great day of the feast, Jesus stood and cried out, saying, ‘If anyone thirsts, let him come to Me and drink”‘ (John 7:37).

How amazing that God invites us continually to come into closer fellowship with Him. We serve the God who seeks us out just as He sought Adam and Eve in the garden so long ago, when He asked, “Adam, where are you?” We need to remember that He actually wants to spend time with us. We don’t have to do something to get God’s attention; in fact He is waiting for us—even right this minute.

“LORD, we sense Your presence at this moment. Thank You, for caring about us even when we are distracted and chasing after the wrong things. Please, LORD, we want to walk with You today.”