As we read the book of Numbers, chapter 2, we will learn about God’s instructions to His people concerning where to pitch their tents as they traveled through the wilderness. This was when the Levites would help carry the tabernacle in which way God would lead them. The people at the different camps were also ready for war at any time, for they had captains over each set of people who were ready to fight when needed. Nothing was going to stop God and His people from reaching the promised land except for their own disobedience. It is written, “and the Lord spake unto Moses and unto Aaron, saying, every man of the children of Israel shall pitch by his own standard, with the ensign of their father’s house: far off about the tabernacle of the congregation shall they pitch. And on the east side toward the rising of the sun shall they of the standard of the camp of Judah pitch throughout their armies: and Nahshon the son of Amminadab shall be captain of the children of Judah.” (Numbers 2:1-3) The entire chapter talks about the different tribes of Israel and their captains of thousands. The same thing happened when people came to America. They came to settle these different lands, which also meant warring with each other, aka the civil war, from 1861 to 1865.
If I was to do a poll on who is in favor of war, the great majority would be against it. There is so much unnecessary bloodshed in every war. However, there are times when people try to take away our rights, freedoms, and faith, and the least we can do is fight for what is right. That means do what is necessary to not allow the enemy to take us captive. That is why the Ukrainians are fighting off the forces of Russia and not backing down. Even as Christians, our faith will be tried more and more as time goes on. At this point, we will need to be near unto the Lord and be ready to go forth and do what He expects of us also. This might mean fighting in a war where religious freedoms are being taken away. Now, concerning Moses and the people of Israel, it is written, “and his host, and those that were numbered of them, were threescore and fourteen thousand and six hundred. And those that do pitch next unto him shall be the tribe of Issachar: and Nethaneel the son of Zuar shall be captain of the children of Issachar. And his host, and those that were numbered thereof, were fifty and four thousand and four hundred.” (Numbers 2:4-6) They were ready to fight if it came to that. Are we ready also? God is supreme and can do all things through those who trust in Him. Amen.
Let us pray:
Oh Lord, You are the mighty God in the heavens. No one is like You. The mighty men on earth don’t have a chance against You and Your powers. What people try to do to deceive people with magic, sorcery, and other evil things, You can do even greater things at any moment and at any time. Even to the point of calling upon legions of angels to come and bear us up in this darkened world. It is hard to believe how evil this world has become. Truly, what is good is now evil and what is evil is now good in the sight of most people and even the news stations. Values and morals that You have instilled in us from the beginning are being trampled upon, which is very sad. It just makes me wonder how much longer we will have to bear the turmoil happening in this world before Your return. I know that signs of Your coming are coming to pass before our very eyes. Will Your return be in my lifetime, my wife’s, or my children’s? Only You know this. What is happening now is just too sad. The rights of every believer is being taken away little by little. Many street evangelists have been thrown in jail as people on missions have been killed for their faith in Muslim-filled countries. I will fight for my religious rights and not back down. Lead me, Lord, and I will do as You say. I love You, God. Amen.
