124 Dedication. Certainly not Mine Though (Num 7)

Well here we go. (Again!)

Don't you hate it when you see a lame blog with the comment
"Well, it's been a while, but anyway........."?

Well, it's been a while, but anyway I thought after holidays and illness, trips away and getting back to work, I should continue.
I would love to say I've missed it, but it would only be partly true.
So a lie!
So I won't.
But I did. I did. I really did. A bit. A slightly, significant bit.
Glad I cleared that up.

Big news in my world recently has been the astonishing events in Liverpool last week.
Fernando Torres sold to Chelsea for 50 million pounds.
Sad day.
Could not believe it.
3 years of memories. Gone?
Nope. Not really.
Just making room for new ones. (Plus there are some simply spiffy ones that will not be forgotten.)
So we wish him the best and look forward to Luis Suarez and Andy Carroll.
There will always be fantastic footballers.
There will only be one Liverpool FC.

Numbers 7
Ah yes, offerings and sacrifice.
A practical point first.
Why did the chiefs of Israel bring offerings of oxen and wagons?
Did they know they were needed?
I already commented on the huge task of carrying everything to do with the tabernacle.
Being the leadership of a nation, I'm sure they were a practical group.
They knew what was happening.
Here was a chance to be involved.
To give what they had, to make a difference.
If you give a gift to a group of priests, does it become an offering?
Probably.
After the practical gift of a means of carrying stuff, they then bring more stuff to be carried. Practical in another sense.
Plates, basins, dishes and animals for sacrificing.

"Oh fantastic, these wagons will help us sooooo much lug stuff around. Thanks heaps."
"Um what's in the sacks on top?"
"Plates. Wow. Oh and basins. Super. Dishes, hey? Nice."
"Any brasso by chance?"

Just kidding.
First sanctified and anointed.
Now dedicated in a grand, grand manner.
These guys knew the importance of the tabernacle.
It deserved nothing less than the best.
They had the best.
They brought the best.

123 Great Surprises (Num 6)

I had two surprises today.
The first, at the start of my day involved my beloved ute.
It has been raining a little the last couple of days.
Not a lot.
But a bit.
Under the dash of the ute on the passenger side, is a parcel shelf.
Just a small one for rope, books, valve saver and country and western cassettes.
Remember cassettes anyone?
Tapes?
Before CD's?
Before mp3's?
*sighs*
Anyway, the shelf has a bit of a lip on it so things like cassettes, but more likely books, won't slide off as I career around corners.
This morning though as I braked at the end of the drive, there was a loud
SPLOOSH
and water poured off the shelf onto the floor and out the holes onto the gravel.
Just kidding about the holes.
Heh heh.
Oh look! An eagle.
The remaining water evaporated through the day and I had a steamy ride home.

The second surprise was a little more comforting.
Out of nowhere, and I mean nowhere, I received a gift.
An iPod Touch.
32Gb of sweet playfulness.
I left it on the seat next to me in the ute and had a steamy ride home.

Numbers 6
Whoa Nazirites.
No haircuts.
No wine or strong drink.
No eating anything from a grapevine including grape skin.
(Maybe that wasn't too hard)
No going near dead bodies.
No being close to people who die unexpectedly.
Even if you don't mean to.
There was a famous Nazirite, Samson, who God blessed with immense strength because of his vows.
Yet here there is no promise of great feats of strength.
Or small feats for that matter.
Just notice from God.
Yet these were men and women who had discovered that sin could not be tolerated.
Not only did they decide to follow the commandments and laws, they went beyond that.
They were so disturbed by sin that they took extreme steps to lead lives close to God.
They lived to be clean, pure and focused on God.
They set themselves apart visually by not cutting their hair.
And with everything they dedicated themselves to serving God.
Gee it must have gotten hot.
Because of the hair thing.
But I bet they had a mean band. \m/ \m/
Sorry.
Two bad jokes to finish.

122 Unclean and Unclean (Num 5)

Just realised last night I wrote about Leviticus 4.
I didn't really, but I titled it Leviticus 4.
It was about Numbers 4, honest.
I hate that.
I check and recheck all my spelling and punctuation.
I'm careful with the words I try and use.
And I get the title wrong.
Twice.
The main title.
And then the sub title.
Grrrr.
I only noticed because I did it again tonight.
It didn't look right and I couldn't work it out.
Happily tapping away.
Girl talk in the background.
Then the girl talk got too girly.
So on with the headphones and Kate Bush, Hounds of Love.
Much more manly I think.
It irked me somewhat until it clicked.
I'm in Numbers Derhead.
Deep sigh.

Numbers 5
The surprising thing here is the first couple of verses.

v2-3 "Command the people of Israel that they put out of the camp everyone who is leprous or has a discharge and everyone who is unclean through contact with the dead.
You shall put out both male and female, putting them outside the camp, that they may not defile their camp, in the midst of which I dwell."

v4 "And the people of Israel did so, and put them outside the camp...."

How many were there?
Was it a lot of people?
Was it 6?
Was it 2348?
I talked about this when the laws came up in Leviticus. It's a common sense rule.
Sick people.
Contagious sick people in a confined crowded space.
Not a good mix.
At all.

The other rules imply occasions of sin yet to come.
Break faith with the Lord.
Wives going astray.
Jealous husbands.
But do you think given the fact that the leperousy people were sent out of the camp straight away that people who were tempted to do something a bit wrong didn't think twice about doing the wrong thing when they were about to?
I don't think it's a mistake the lepery bit comes first in the chapter.
Nor the fact that it seems a bit odd compared to the rest of the chapter.
Physically unclean.
Then spiritually unclean.
Unclean through no fault - consequences carried out.
Unclean through fault - consequences implied and no doubt they will be enforced.
Definitely food for thought.

Re-reading through I'm struck by the part in verse 2, "through contact with the dead."
It made me giggle a bit and I'm not entirely sure why.
It sort of reads like they might have talked to the dead.
I know it doesn't mean that.
But it got my head going to funny weird places it doesn't usually go.

Also it annoys me that tonight my ' are coming out ;.
I much prefer my ' to remain ' and not ;.
Stupid fingers strike again.

121 Two Wise Monkeys (Well Sort Of) (Num 4)

I had a pretty good day today I must say.
It wasn't an easy day.
But I finished with a sense of fulfillment.
Lots of paperwork, I should have done before Christmas.
Nearly all done.
An understanding, caring, thoughtful, compassionate, highly intelligent boss.
(Yes. He does often read this.)
Cheese on toast.
Twice.
Heh heh. It was too good to have just once.
Almost the perfect coffee early in the day.
Maybe the best meal I have cooked all year for tea.
AND I coughed up copious amounts of phlegm at 4 AM this morning.
Today just has been a resolute peach of a day.

Numbers 4
The men who were commissioned to serve in the tabernacle stood out from those called to fight due to their age.
Men to fight = 20 years and older.
Men to work in tabernacle = 30 to 50 years.
Some would argue, men in their prime.
Of course the most prime of all men's ages is 41.
Oh dear.
Oh deary me.
Is this really as good as it gets?
Maybe it's 50.
Definitely 50.
Hopefully 50.
Gee I really hope it's more than 41.
So, is this reflective of the immaturity shown by Aaron's sons?
I mean anyone can grab a sword or a spear and fight someone.
But it takes maturity and respect for the task to work in the tabernacle.
To do God's work.

The men of Kohath's clan had two issues with their service.
Look after the holy things but don't look at them......
until they are covered.
And they must carry the holy things but don't touch them.....
until they are covered.
But at first, it must have been a tricky time explaining this.
Imagine the looks that would be passed when being told.
"Uh huh. Uh huh. Uh huh. Uh WHAT!!!
You want me to what?
Without what?
And carry what?
Without y'know, the easy way?
Just how long have we been in the desert?
You were up yon hill for how long?
Oh really!
Really?
Without using......
Or........
Crackers!!!!!
Ok, ok, ok.
Jiminy cricket!!!"

Maybe not, but I enjoy conversations with myself.
Sometimes.
Stop shouting.
Hey! No pushing.
No!
But I don't like liver.
No.
Definitely not their liver.
It's ok. He's gone now.

During the description of the making of the tabernacle, and you see how much precious metal and gems and other bits were used to make it.
The ornateness and the majesty of the craftsmanship.
I got to think how tricky was this going to be to carry around.
Well, this tricky.
It takes 2750 to carry the implements used in the temple.
It takes a further 2630 to carry the tent and curtains.
It takes a further 32000 to carry the poles, the pillars and the bits that dress them.
Now they probably did this in shifts, not all at the same time.
But wowee, that's a lot of people needed to carry stuff.
Immense stuff.

120 The Levites (Num 3)

There was a time not too far in the past, when white was the only colour I needed.
I could see white clearly.
All the time.
Even if the small amount of white I was looking for, was one spot in a myriad of other spots.
It could even be moving fast, flowing even, and I could still see it.
Clearly.
Now, I find myself struggling to pick it up.
Even on a sunny day.
From 10 metres or so, I'm ok.
15 to 20 and it's hard if there are too many other bits of white.
At this stage any further distance is irrelevant for me.
I find myself trying reds and yellows in an effort to cope.
Fluorescent greens and oranges.
And now and then, as a last resort *gasps* PINK.
I have a drawer full of neer hair, float vis, and poly yarn to support this.
And of course if you don't fly fish, you'll have no idea what I mean.
But that's ok.
I comfort myself in the fact that you care anyway.
Thank you.

Numbers 3
So, a whole chapter dedicated to those who gave service to the tabernacle.
The Levites.
A quick reminder about Aaron's sons who died doing the wrong thing.
Maybe the first instance of the warning "Don't play with fire."
On the positive side, his two remaining sons continued to minister for the rest of their lives under the watchful eyes of their father.
They learned from their older brothers mistakes and took their role seriously.
They also learned from and respected their father.
Aaron, having lost two sons, made sure he lost no more.
His tutoring and direction ensured this.

The distribution of the jobs required to maintain the tabernacle and the sanctuary.
The cleaning.
The carrying.
The guarding.
It's interesting to have a people set apart within a people set apart.
Israel were God's nation.
Instructed to be be different and to remain apart from their neighbours and other nations.
By appearance and by actions.
The Levites were dedicated to the serving of God and His place of meeting.
The joyous roles of cleaning and carrying heavy stuff.
Precious heavy stuff.
Precious dirty stuff.
Someone needed to do it.
Someone always does.

119 Roll 'Em Out (Num 2)

Today is Friday.
It's Friday. Yay yay. Friday.
Oo yeah Friday.
Uh huh uh huh Friday.
That's the way Friday.
You could try and imagine me grooving away at the moment while singing.
I would advise against this in the interest of good mental health.
Yours.
It's too late for mine.

Numbers 2
There is a definite hierarchy set up among the tribes.
Order is required.
This order is set up by God.
It is the only way to stop any fighting over which tribe should do what.
God steps in and sets the program.
Remember, these tribes had their foundations built on twelve brothers.
Twelve often volatile brothers.
Twelve brothers with bad blood in their history.
Culturally, anarchy was just one disagreement away in a crowded, temporary campsite full of tired, hungry, complaining people.
When leadership was required. It was there.
Unquestionable.
Sensible.
The way the camp was set up.
The order in which the tribes march.
The lead tribe.
The one protecting the rear.
The Levites in the middle.

" Thus did the people of Israel. According to all that the LORD commanded Moses"
It must have made sense.
They all complied.

118 The Big Count (Num 1)

I'm so tempted to follow the title with a AH AH Ahhhhhh *thundering* ala Sesame Street.
But I won't.
:p

Well the last day of my holidays today. Until the next lot anyway.
Amazing weather and another day with our amazing friends.
Boxing Day generally is the signal to stop eating too much food.
But we ate way, way too much today.
And what a spread it was.
As only a buffet can be.
Incredible.
Oo, nearly forgot that I made a scallop laksa for Donna last night.
A bit spicy, and not what I originally intended. But I thought it rocked.
Donna smiled as she ate it and said it was nice.
I'll take that any day.
Yeah!!

Numbers 1
I enjoy the anticipation that comes starting a new book.
This is the fourth time for those maths challenged souls out there in blogland.
New expectations.
Is it really going to go as I remember?
What will the new stuff include?
I hope it's not dull.
Is this when such and such happened?
(Insert some example of a vague memory to do with the particular book here instead of "such and such" which I can't believe I used.)

Aaaah Numbers. I often refer to it as the "flick through" book.
So many names.
How the heck do you pronounce Zurishaddai or Ammihud or Ammishaddai?

So 2 years after coming out of Egypt God commands a census.
This isn't going to take a day or two.
It probably isn't going to take a week or two either.
Just organising so many people into clans and their father's houses must have taken ages.
Then there's the recording.
Then the counting.
Just writing down over 600 000 names!!!
Just imagine the RSI for the poor little scribes.
So this was important.
A big deal.
Everything needs a start so people know what's happened before.
This was the start so to speak.
The start of a nation.
It wasn't just to keep genealogist happy.
Something history changing was about to begin.
So try not to just flick through this stuff.
It means so much more.

117 Friendly Treasures (Lev 27)

It was Donna's birthday today.
There is little else to add to that.
Apart from catching up with some friends.
Good friends.
Friends, who when we talk, it's like we've never been apart.
It's good to have such close friends.
They are a treasure.
No.
They are more than treasure.

Leviticus 27
The end of another book.
For those who aren't aware, that makes 3.
For those who are, bravo. Nice keeping up. Get yourself a smilie sticker from somewhere. :)

It's a confusing way to finish the book for me. What value a person who makes a special vow to the Lord?
The value of buildings or land to be redeemed after dedication?
It became a bit hard at first.
Does it mean that someone can vow to serve God and then buy their way out of this service? Can something promised to God be bought back?
I actually think it's the opposite.
I could be wrong, it has been known to happen, but can the rates be the cost of wanting to serve in the temple?
For those not of the tribe of Levi, those who want to serve, a cost to come into that service.
To serve does cost.
For one who serves others, the serving is of more value whatever that cost.
God treasures those who do serve.
Those who put the good of others ahead of even themselves some times.
It is a hard thing to do.
It has little reward other than the satisfaction in doing it.
There should be more who do it.
And there probably are.

What is interesting, was that just didn't serve with their hands. By their labour.
They gave their property for use by God.
They gave their land.
They gave their means of making a living.

There are many ways to give. Many ways to serve.
All seem effective and usable.

116 God's Heart (Lev 26)

Never cooked a whole eye fillet before.
Until tonight.
On the BBQ.
I am SO going to do that again.
I don't think I've ever had such a good bit of meat that I've cooked.
That I can remember anyway.
But my memory ain't that great.
Case in point, I can't remember where this was going.
Except it was a great bit of meat for tea.
As big as it was, I finished feeling I needed a little more.
Oh well, I have another.
For later.

Leviticus 26
Ok, this chapter appears to have 3 clear sections.

What will happen if the Israelites trust in God and obey Him.
What will happen if they don't.
What will happen if they don't but then repent.

Walk in God's statutes and He will bless His people.
They will prosper.
They will have plenty.
Their enemies will be defeated easily.
God will not abhor their soul.

Don't walk in God's statutes and wow, watch out.
You'll be visited by panic.
You'll flee when no-one pursues you.
Wild beasts will eat your children.
You will eat your children.
(That is probably a metaphor now, but back then it meant eat your kids.)
Vengeance will be shown to you sevenfold.
The land will be devastated.

Yet, God offers a way out.
Again.
Because He yearns to have relationship with His people.
He desires to live and walk among them.
If there is repentance and confession, God will remember the covenant He made.
He will return the land to His people.
This is the heart of God.
Fellowship.
Relationship.
Love.

115 Restarting Again (Lev 25)

It's been a while.
I lost track of how many days I haven't posted in my blog.
But this is a new year.
Everything is settling down. All things are reaching normality. It is quiet.
I feel the time is right to re-establish my ramblings.
It is time for the randomness to raise it's odd head.
It is time for men of all nations to come together and....
Oops. Sorry wrong forum.
Heh heh.
So I'll continue from where I left off.
It's a bit weird for me.
I've read all this before.
Not blogging didn't mean not reading.
Some thoughts that I've been holding for a while, have become lost.
Some just don't seem right anymore.
Some were just never meant to be.
So, if any of you are still interested, you'll have to put up with what's left.
Sorry.

Hang on. No I'm not.
So ttttthhhhhrrrreepppppppp, raspberries to you.

Leviticus 25
Looking after the land so the land can look after you, yet another common sense idea from God.
Maybe that should be look after the land AND the land will look after you.
God is just not giving the Israelites somewhere to live.
He's equipping them with ways to maintain what they've been given.
This is a long term thing.
This is a land for good.
For ever.
There's 7 year plans.
Then there's 50 year plans.
That
will
continue.
This is not a "well we'll hang here for a bit and then push off somewhere else" plan.

There is also the remembrance of the heritage of leaving Egypt.

v38 "I am the LORD your God, who brought you out of the land of Egypt to give you the land of Canaan, and to be your God."
v42 "For they are my servants, whom I brought out of the land of Egypt; they shall not be sold as slaves."

God was re-instilling pride that had been lost through years of slavery.
Look out for each other.
Yes, there may be hard times, but look out for each other.
When things are at the worst, it is for a season.
Jubilee is coming.
Take pride.
Look after your brother.
Look after the land.
I am your God.
Don't forget.