The Israelites were on the verge of
entering the Promised Land. They were camped on the plains of Moab
beside the Jordan river, across from Jericho. God then told Moses
to take a census of the people. The last census was done thirty
eight years ago. Thirty eight years ago there were 603 550
Israelite men older than 20 years and this time there were
601 730 men older than 20 years old.
Now the reasons for the census
range from having the correct count in order to divide the land
equally among the tribes, to Israel being able to form a military
strategy based upon the number of men they have. But another reason
I think is to show the people how God had looked after them. They
didn't dwindle in numbers even though they had to suffer in the
wilderness. If it wasn't for the people killed due to their
rebellion against God, they would actually have increased in
numbers. And that just shows God's provision. He looks after His
children. Deuteronomy 8:4 states:
"For all these forty years your
clothes didn't wear out, and your feet didn't blister or
swell."
God looked after them. It was a
miracle in itself. He provided food for them, water for them and He
looked after their physical needs like clothing and shoes. He is a
miraculous God. Many miracles are stated in the book of Numbers,
but this is one often overlooked, the miracle of God's
provision.
I don't know about you, but I have
often wished that I can see a miracle. I have experienced two in my
life that really stand out for me, but other than that I wish to
see more. But after reading this, I realised that there
are miracles in our everyday life too. Every day is a
miracle from Him. Jesus is the Sustainer of the universe and we
wouldn't even be able to get out of bed if He doesn't will us
to.
"Jesus sustains the universe by the
mighty power of His command." Hebrews 1:3
He speaks life over us every day,
He sustains us and every breath we take is a miracle from Him. Our
friends, our homes, our work, our family, our health, all of it
come from Him. We shouldn't take it for granted. It is a special
gift from God, our amazing God and King. And therefore we should
also not stress about the future. God will provide, He always has
and He always will. He will work all things for the good of those
who love Him. Your spiritual wellbeing is His prime concern and He
will do what is best for you to grow as the mature Christian He
wants you to be. Look out for His every day miracles all around
you, you will be amazed and praise His Name even more.
Thank you Father for the miracle of
life. Thank you for granting it to us each day. You are our God and
Savior and we love and praise you. In Jesus Name. Amen