Preparing to Plant - Lessons from Numbers

The Book of Numbers tells the story of God’s people following (or not following) His leading to establish a new community in a new place. That makes it especially relevant for us as we follow the Lord’s leading to establish Covenant City, offering rich wisdom and timely encouragement for our journey ahead. Here are 5 lessons from Numbers:

Lesson 1: Seek the Lord’s face

The LORD bless you and keep you; the LORD make his face to shine upon you and be gracious to you; the LORD lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace. (Numbers 6:22-26)

We have (and will have) lots to do as launch day approaches. There’s equipment to purchase, events to organise, problems to troubleshoot, people to meet and invite, and much more! And our to-do list will only get longer after we launch.

Numbers 6:22-26 reminds us that flourishing as a community does not ultimately come from completing a list of tasks but from the Lord, who is the source of all blessings. While it is important that we be diligent in our organisation and administration, let’s remember that all that we do is part of our bigger task of seeking the Lord’s face in all that we do.  

Lesson 2: Follow the Lord’s leading

At the command of the LORD the people of Israel set out, and at the command of the LORD they camped. As long as the cloud rested over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. Even when the cloud continued over the tabernacle many days, the people of Israel kept the charge of the LORD and did not set out. (Numbers 9:19-20)

The Israelites were completely dependent on the Lord’s leading. Guided by a cloud by day and a fire by night, the Israelites travelled as the Lord led, and set up camp as the Lord led. Even when they were instructed to stay put for longer than expected, the Israelites trusted (and obeyed) the Lord.

At Covenant City, we want to be similarly faithful in following the Lord’s leading. Sometimes this will mean moving faster than we’re comfortable, and other times it will mean staying put even when our instinct is to move forward.

Lesson 3: Be thankful for the Lord’s provision

We remember the fish we ate in Egypt that cost nothing, the cucumbers, the melons, the leeks, the onions, and the garlic. But now our strength is dried up, and there is nothing at all but this manna to look at (Numbers 11:5-6)

The Israelites were prone to grumbling. Even after the Lord had graciously rescued them from slavery and miraculously provided them with manna for food, they complained about what the Lord had not provided, and even started longing to be back in Egypt.

The Israelite’s ability to grumble at anything is a powerful reminder for us to be thankful for everything. The Lord has already been lavishly generous with Covenant City, and we want to make a point to thank him for what he has provided, and trust his provision for all our needs.

Lesson 4: Learn from Moses’ humility

Now the man Moses was very meek, more than all people who were on the face of the earth. (Numbers 12:3)

And Moses cried to the LORD, “O God, please heal her—please. (Numbers 12:13)

Moses was known for his meekness and humility. Tim Keller describes a mark of humility as never being hurt particularly badly by criticism, and we see this on display in Moses’s life. Numbers 12 gives an account of Miriam and Aaron making unjustified and unkind accusations about Moses’s actions and
motives. And yet, when God punished Miriam and Aaron, Moses cried out to the Lord on their behalf to heal them.

At Covenant City, we will experience conflict. We will have disagreements amongst ourselves, and we will receive criticism from others. May we grow and even become known for our humility and self-forgetfulness, such that conflicts become not occasions for division but opportunities to display the power of the gospel.

Lesson 5: Strive for Caleb’s courage

If the LORD delights in us, he will bring us into this land and give it to us, a land that flows with milk and honey. Only do not rebel against the LORD. And do not fear the people of the land, for they are bread for us. Their protection is removed from them, and the LORD is with us; do not fear them. (Numbers 14:8-9)

Even as the Israelites were dependent on the Lord’s leading (see lesson 3), eventually they lacked the courage to enter the Promised Land. Only Caleb and Joshua trusted that the Lord would protect them and provide for their every need.

May we strive to be like Caleb and Joshua, courageously following the Lord even into places unknown, trusting that He is with us, and He is all we need.