Daily PresenceSample

Welcome to Numbers! Wrapped in this book of Jewish history, temple liturgy, and data from times past are some power-packed memoirs of God’s faithfulness to His people. The book of Numbers was directed towards the children of former slaves who had escaped through the Red Sea. The clear message to the younger generation is God’s undoubted direction and faithfulness to His people.

I like to picture myself as my son's hero. While that’s usually also the case with him, there are times, especially when we’re practicing a sport, that his six-year-old wealth of experience outweighs mine. “Choke up on the bat, correct your bat angle, and space your feet a little more,” is aggressively greeted with, “I know what I’m doing dad!” My response is usually not much more mature, with the next pitch arriving a little too “high and tight” for the strike zone!

Thankfully, this all changed for us a couple weeks ago. While cleaning out the attic we stumbled upon an old box filled with game balls, newspaper clippings, recruiting letters, and a bunch of old trophies. Canaan looked at me and said, “Dad, can I put your trophies on my dresser?” With tears in my eyes and my chest puffed I said, “Of course pal!”

The next time we ventured out to the backyard for some wiffle ball, guess who wanted their father's instructions? My boy finally recognized I had a history in the sport that could benefit his future.

The book of Numbers is filled with trophies from God’s past, speaking to the future of Israel a clear message, “I’ve got a history with you, so you can trust me with your future.” This couldn’t be more clear than in Numbers 9:15-16 as a cloud of fire appears to lead the nation.

Sound familiar? As the generation prior navigated the wilderness, God directed them with a cloud by day and pillar of fire by night (Ex.13). This gem in the book of Numbers is a trophy of God’s past direction, appearing again to remind the old and educate the new – God is still here.

Today, we might not get a pillar of fire above us leading us, but the fire of the Holy Spirit is within us, bearing witness to this same truth. Just as God led the nation of Israel, so He is with us. God is with us. Put that trophy on your dresser and remember it often!