The book of Numbers start with registration of men older than 20 years of age who are able to go for war.
Every tribe excluding the Levites were registered and more than 6 Lakh men were rostered. The Levites were spared from this responsibility. They were given the charge over the Tabernacle. To take care of it - the maintenance, the shifting, the hoisting.
The Lord had promised them the land of Canaan, but it was their responsibility to claim it. They had their role to play. They had to fight their wars.
It is solely my duty to nurture the relation that the Lord hath promised. The eternal life that he hath offered. Do I take a valid and notable effort to maintain that?
How do we nurture?
I faintly but vividly remember what I have been taught years ago by Dr. Mathew Jacob a mentor of mine.
* To read the Bible - as you would a letter
* To meditate the Bible - on a daily basis
* To study the Bible - as you would your text books, with cross references, commentaries maps and with everything you need to study. Underlining, highlighting, making notes, jotting down.
How well used is my Bible?
Prayer is also equally important. If I don't pray I'm trying to tell that I've got everything under control. But when I pray I am saying Lord I'm helpless and I trust in you.
Thirdly just as preparation was done to register the warriors - we have to put in our effort to live a life that's pleasing to God.
If anger is my issue - make every effort not to be angry.
If lust is my issue - make every effort to flee from it.
If laziness is my issue - start slowly to work hard.
Shift gears. The engine will definitely run and reach the destination. But unless you shift gears - it won't run smoothly.
🙏
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