The book of Numbers* is an often overlooked book in our Bibles, but the theological import of this text should not be lost upon us. Numbers is described as a “bittersweet” text. Chapters 1-10 describes some of the commands given by God to his covenant people. One of the most beautiful texts in all of the Bible is found at 6:24-26, the priestly benediction. But obedience soon slips into rebellion at the heart of the text, and God chooses to fulfill his covenant promise to Israel by eradicating the faithless, older generation (save Joshua and Caleb), starting anew with the young. But the book ends with a message of hope and confidence as these new people stand poised to claim their long-awaited inheritance.
Numbers speaks of the cloud of God’s presence. Hear Numbers 9:15-18:
15 On the day the tabernacle, the Tent of the Testimony, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire. 16 That is how it continued to be; the cloud covered it, and at night it looked like fire. 17 Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent, the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. 18 At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp.
This cloud symbolizes God’s presence among the people. Their God, their Yahweh, was present in a very real way…present to lead His people.
I need this word so desperately. For I am a bittersweet man. Like Numbers, my life’s story is full of obedience and blessing and the promises of God. But, my story also contains rebellion and fear and disobedience and my own journey parallels too well the wilderness wanderings of faithless Israel. But I know that isn’t how my story ends. In those moments when I need Him so dearly, I’m reminded of His presence. I’m reminded that this whole thing isn’t about me, but it’s about Him. I’m reminded that He’s a great God and I’m a small man…and yet He’s still mindful of me. He’s present to comfort me, to guide me, to lead me home.
Holy Father, make me aware of Your presence…
Surround me with your cloud, your fire…
I will go where You go…
I will follow Your lead…
For in Your presence
Is the only place
I want to be.
Forever.
Amen.
*For some great material on Numbers 21, check out Scott’s Sermons.
already & not yet 
Great thoughts on Numbers–check out my sermon on it.Now, far be it from me to detract from the weight of your words in this post but I wanted to quote you from an earlier comment:”Scott, I know it matters to you longsuffering Steeler fans. I just don’t see how the game is relevant to the other 95% of the country. I predict a ratings dud, mon frere.”What was that about a ratings dud?
I haven’t seen the ratings, but I’m guessing I wouldn’t be hearing about this unless the ratings were quite good. I can concede that…I’ll check out the Numbers stuff. Have you ever preached through the Pentateuch? So rich…
3 best ratings of all time. The highest ratings since the last time the Steelers were in the Super Bowl. Who is America’s team? I have not preached through the Pentateuch but I did a long classroom series on Genesis a few years back.As you know, we are doing a book a week right now. Just did Lamentations on Friend Day–how’s that for thinking outside the box?
Sweet, baby. You posted it to your page yet? Lamentations on Friends Day…you’re the next Rob Bell, man.D’you see Big Ben get his beard shaved on Letterman last night?
Just put it up.By the way, since you are in class doing nothing, why don’t you fire off a Brasco thread?
I got nothing with bite right now. I’ll work on something.Your wife gonna let you play fantasy baseball this year?