Who is God? And, how can we find God - Bible answers.

By Joseph MalekaniReligion & Spirituality Christianity

Who is God? And, how can we find God - Bible answers. episodes

July 30, 2021 Numbers 35 Commentary
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://lovingscripture.com/2021/07/30/numbers-35-commentary/
Numbers 35 Commentary
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The Levites get their allocation of land. It's not one large portion like other tribes. Instead they get towns within tribal allocations - with measured areas around the towns for grazing their animals. So is fulfilled the prophetic utterances of the patriarch Jacob regarding the tribe of Levi.

“Simeon and Levi are brothers. They use their weapons to commit violence. I will not join in their secret talks, nor will I take part in their meetings, for they killed men in anger and they crippled bulls for sport. A curse be on their anger, because it is so fierce, and on their fury, because it is so cruel. I will scatter them throughout the land of Israel. I will disperse them among its people. Genesis 49 verse 5 to 7.

We are reminded of the scattering at Shinar (Tower of Babel) in Genesis 11. When man gathers in order to sin, the LORD moves in to scatter. Importantly we appreciate the LORD'S mercy in ensuring that the scattering did happen but now the punishment was positively shaped by service to the LORD. This is the meaning of grace; that one can serve the LORD from his land of scattering, from a position of one’s punishment.

Even in this chapter we can see how the LORD provisions for one accused of manslaughter. The provision of Cities of Refuge foreshadows the cross in its function as a safe haven for the sinner today. From this position one is shielded from the consequences of sin. When the psalmist David sings of the LORD as his refuge, the thought is that the LORD is his safe haven. From this position David is protected from those who seek his death. Guilty? We too can find our way to the LORD Jesus as our city of refuge.
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2 min
July 29, 2021 Numbers 34 Commentary: Size of the Promised Land and the new leadership team
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://lovingscripture.com/2021/07/29/numbers-34-commentary/
Numbers 34 Commentary
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This book is about numbers. One figure has reduced significantly. It is the size of the Promised Land. The LORD'S promise to Abraham saw us looking at a much bigger portion of land. In this chapter we have seen a much reduced portion of land. Later we shall see that the land that Israel eventually and actually occupied is much smaller.

We can learn one thing: the promises of the LORD are always bigger than our human capacity. What we eventually achieve is less than what the LORD offers. What is on display in your life is actually less than what the LORD has given!
Take a look at the names of leaders. Joshua is commissioned to lead the community in matters of the state, while matters relating to Sanctuary worship are left in the hands of Eleazar the priest. It's a new cast. It reminds us of the many difficulties encountered in the wilderness. It is a moment one stops to count the losses. The leadership team at the start of the long trip is completely gone.
We do well to remind ourselves of the LORD’s name. “And he passed in front of Moses, proclaiming, “The Lord, the Lord, the compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness, maintaining love to thousands, and forgiving wickedness, rebellion and sin. Yet he does not leave the guilty unpunished; he punishes the children and their children for the sin of the parents to the third and fourth generation.” Exodus 34 verses 6 and 7.
It is a fatal mistake by mankind to want to diminish the name of the LORD by ignoring the justice part of the LORD’s character. Indeed the LORD is one.
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2 min
July 28, 2021 Numbers 33 Commentary
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://lovingscripture.com/2021/07/28/numbers-33-commentary/
Numbers 33 Commentary
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We should be grateful to the LORD for this chapter. It gives us a summary of the long trip from Egypt to the boundary of the Promised Land. The LORD had commanded Moses to put it in writing. The LORD is concerned about history. Future generations must hear about the miraculous works of the LORD. What is true about the Bible is that men were inspired by the Holy Spirit to write the scriptures - but only generally true. Huge portions were written in response to a direct command from the LORD to record these historic events.

Verse 4 explains that the LORD had brought judgment on Egyptian gods. So we can look back and appreciate the choice of signs against Egypt. For example, we can see that the sign of complete darkness was a sign to defy the Egyptian sun-god.

The Israelites left Rameses and camped at Sukkoth. Between Sukkoth and the plains of Moab, Israel camped and decamped dozens of times. The lengthy list of stoppages tells its own story. But at last Israel is here.

The LORD repeats Israel's mandate: destroy and possess. More appropriately, destroy then possess. Destruction needed to be complete. As history would have it, they didn't destroy it completely. Instead they mixed in. The bad influences of Canaan infiltrated the Community of God's people. But that is for later history.

Possession was important but only after destroying. The saint today is warned that you cannot have a clean walk with the LORD without completely destroying sinful elements in your life. As someone has said, you cannot escape a swarm of bees with honey in your hands.

When you read the Bible in pieces (which is very bad), you get the temptation to think that the LORD was cruel in ordering Israel to destroy Canaan completely. But if you have been through the book Exodus and Numbers you know that Israel suffered the same punishment each time she sinned. In fact the same punishment was awaiting Israel, just in case. The generation receiving these instructions is very different from the one that we started with in Exodus.

The consequence of sin is always death. This brings us to a point of understanding and appreciating the value of the cross. How grateful we should be for one who died on our behalf - the LORD Jesus.
We do have a hint here regarding the events of Judges. The LORD promises to punish Israel for any holiness failures - the same punishment that Canaan is about to suffer.
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3 min
July 27, 2021 Numbers 32 Commentary
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://lovingscripture.com/2021/07/27/numbers-32-commentary/
Numbers 32 Commentary
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Israel begins to occupy the land. Three tribes request that they settle on the eastern side of the Jordan. But fearful of another rebellion Moses makes them promise that they would accompany their brothers into battle west of the Jordan.

Moses is very much aware of the potential trouble that this request might bring. He reminds the tribes of another rebellion that accounted for a mass clear-out. He knows very well that possession of the LORD'S promises hinges on obedience. The saint today does well to reflect on these pages with a sense of godly fear. The LORD'S promises are not an easy pick for just about everyone. Obedience is key.

One might want to reflect on Moses' angry reaction with a question. Was he concerned that Israel's military strength would be less by the two and half tribes? Indeed this appears to be the reason but why was he worried when the battle was actually the LORD'S. We want to believe the LORD fought for Israel.

His reference to the rebellion of chapters 13 and 14 may suggest his worry was elsewhere rather than on diminished military strength. Israel's weak faith was fragile enough to be a factor in the battles ahead. They needed to feel humanly strong enough to take on the military campaigns on the western side of the Jordan.

The chapter may also raise a point in our direction to consider fellow saints even as we decide to settle. Have they settled or will they settle like we have? The point seems to be that the battle continues until my neighbor also settles. The comfort of a member of the household of faith is as important as my own comfort. It is a call to prayer for all saints, particularly those in troubled situations.
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2 min
July 26, 2021 Numbers 31 Commentary
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://lovingscripture.com/2021/07/26/numbers-31-commentary/
Numbers 31 Commentary
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Moses has one more task before transitioning into glory in death. Midian must be destroyed.

There is one important pick from this chapter. We have more details about Balaam. We know that immediately after Balaam's triumphant display of integrity, the scripture recorded for us yet another downer as Israel engaged in sexual immorality. Now we know who was behind the sexual immorality that rocked the nation of Israel. Balaam must have regretted (shortly after) turning down the handsome bribe from Barak.

The last time we saw Balaam, he stood tall having refused to take a handsome fee. He had been hired to curse Israel. We know the curse was going to be fruitless. As Balaam had put it; there is no divination against Israel. The LORD had put words in Balaam's mouth - the same way He had put words in a donkey. When the power of the LORD had waned off, Balaam returned to his usual self. He sought to curse Israel but this time using a working formula. Sexual sin is always a working formula for diverting men’s attention from their LORD to satan.

The working formula was this: tell Midian chiefs to lead Israel into sexual sin. In this way Israel would destroy herself as the LORD would not tolerate sin. It is this sin of Balaam and others that attracted punishment on Midian and Balaam himself.

So chapter 31 is a record of Midian's punishment. It is a record of Balaam's punishment. Importantly it is a record of success for God's community. Midian is destroyed completely. The plunder is shared as guided by the LORD.

We can look back at the story of Balaam with a couple of highlights.

Firstly, a sin situation isn't purposeless. Israel's sexual immorality had the destruction of the nation for a purpose. Even today the evil one knows how to get the saint destroyed - just cause him to sin. It is a time bomb planted in the saint's life.

Secondly when divinations and witchcraft fail, the enemy turns to vanity and sinful self-gratification. This is always a working formula for destroying saints. Empty words don't work.

But really chapter 31 has more. It's a high point for Israel. It looks like we are off to a very good start. Looking at the sheep from the plunder, there was so much of it to go round the entire community - one sheep per man! Israel is enjoying herself. They are inheriting material wealth they didn't work for, exactly as the LORD had said.
More resources visit www.lovingscripture.com
3 min
July 25, 2021 Numbers 30 Commentary
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://lovingscripture.com/2021/07/25/numbers-30-commentary/
Numbers 30 Commentary
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The aim of these instructions on vows seem to be an encouragement to treat one's relationship with the LORD very seriously. The LORD isn't an inanimate object like a stone that you can easily paint in different colors at will. So vows must be made seriously.

Another easy pick from this chapter is the order of authority expected in the community of God's people. An unmarried woman living under the roof of her father is actually free to make vows to give or abstain from something. If a check by her father confirms that she has made a 'good' vow, then she remains under the vow and the conditions thereof. The exception though is that her father may cancel the deal and the LORD doesn't hold the young woman accountable under these circumstances.

It provided another layer of safety for women regarding vows. A man's role in God's creation is to take responsibility while the woman's role is to share responsibility with a man in her life. The measure of grace given to her regarding decision making is one of shared accountability. Therefore her father or her husband can cancel her vows - and the LORD is agreeable. She therefore honors the LORD by obedience.
A Christless society is very unforgiving on men! Many are left in ruins as a consequence of a bad decision here and there. Judgment is often very harsh. The thought of one (father or husband) who can cancel and reverse stupid decisions for women is very cool.
These instructions may easily lead one to think of a possible denial of a right to honor the LORD. No. Emphasis is on the special privilege by the young woman or a married woman to have her vows revoked by another. Men didn't have this chance. If a foolish decision came out, the man suffered the consequences all by himself. The lack of recourse for men in case of stupidity in decision making leaves us with a need for mediation. A very foolish decision isn’t good enough reason for one to die. Mediation is available. It is easy to see the cross in these lines.
More resources visit www.lovingscripture.com
3 min
July 24, 2021 Numbers 29 Commentary
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://lovingscripture.com/2021/07/24/numbers-29-commentary/
Numbers 29 Commentary
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We have a continuation of instructions on regular festivals. We have three festivals in this chapter – all in the seventh month. The chapter begins with the festival of Trumpets, then the festival of Atonement and lastly the important festival of Tabernacles (shelters or booths). The requirement to blow trumpets may sound strange but not entirely meaningless. It's the blowing of trumpets that brought down the walls of Jericho. We can think of it as a declaration of the LORD'S victory in a month we can call as the Sabbath month, because of its many Sabbath events.

Again we see whole burnt offerings at these events. The animals are specially selected as food for the LORD - in whole burnt offerings. The regularity of these requirements paints for us a picture of the need for constant fellowship with the LORD. These offerings rank top. They are most holy.

The festival of tabernacles or the festival of shelters reflects the wilderness experiences. Israel is commanded to observe this festival as a way to appreciate the LORD'S presence with them in times of difficulties in the wilderness. But it's not the difficulties that are important here but the many deliverances. The mathematics in the numbers of offerings during the festival of shelters seem to have a deeper meaning. However here the focus is on the burnt offerings. The two chapters seem to focus on burnt offerings. By these sacrifices the LORD is drawing us closer to Himself in fellowship.
During this month a total of 219 animals are sacrificed. Only 10 animals out of 219 are presented as sin offerings. The rest are offered as burnt offerings – a food offering to the LORD, an aroma pleasing to the LORD. We can see only less than 5% of these sacrifices can be considered as sin offerings. The rest are an act of deep worship put forth by the nation. Could it be that the LORD expects less repentance because saints are more drawn to him than to the world? All animals are male and without defects. Isn’t this telling us more about men’s role in leading mankind back to the LORD in real worship?

The saint is reminded of the need to be fully focused on his relationship with the LORD. It is the real reason for these festivals.
More resources visit www.lovingscripture.com
3 min
July 23, 2021 Numbers 28 Commentary
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://lovingscripture.com/2021/07/23/numbers-28-commentary/
Numbers Chapter 28
We have a rundown of important offerings to the LORD. There are two burnt offerings per day. This is pleasing food for the LORD. But we have seen this before! Why this duplication? The nation about to enter Canaan is very different from the nation that received these instructions at Mount Sinai. Besides, the many failings along the way are a good reason to repeat these instructions. In essence these instructions are literally like critical safety instructions. We have seen how deviations and violations are fatally punished.

We may also notice that after each failure the LORD repeats these laws - in the hope that man begins to see them as life. Instead of us viewing them as repetitions we do well to view them as yet another opportunity for a new page, a new start with the LORD. The apparent repetitions are a constant reminder of the LORD'S loving patience. So to a new generation these instructions are a brand new page for a people judged by their times - nothing for old time's sake.

The Sabbath sacrifices are repeated with increased emphasis on their observance. Every first day of the month is to be observed with burnt offerings - in addition to daily sacrifices. If the first day of the month falls on Saturday, the thought here is that three offerings are expected: the daily offering, the Sabbath offering and the first-day-of-month offering. All these are burnt offerings - food for the LORD. Here is the thought: what must be done must be done. Righteousness is required at all the points: point A, point B and point C. Success at point A doesn’t guarantee failure at the other points.

The Passover isn't exactly a festival but an event. It kick-starts the festival of Unleavened Bread. The saint is reminded of the generosity of the LORD in saving Israel. The Cross comes into picture. How can we forget?

The festival of Harvest is a reminder of the LORD'S watch over the community in providing essentials for life. Today we celebrate this festival daily, in praise and thanksgiving - in all circumstances.
More resources visit www.lovingscripture.com
3 min
July 22, 2021 Numbers 27 Commentary
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://lovingscripture.com/2021/07/22/numbers-27-commentary/
Numbers 27 Commentary
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Two items are covered in this chapter. First we have the daughters of Zelophehad. He had no sons. The daughters stood disadvantaged under land inheritance regulations. Their case also presented a gap in the regulations. Who takes over Zelophehad's land? Moses is clearly at a loss. He goes to the LORD for guidance.

The daughters are commended by the LORD. While the scripture answers a lot questions there are many items that are subjected to man's input. In this case the daughters of Zelophehad have a rare opportunity to interact with the LORD on a matter that was close to their hearts. As a consequence Moses is commanded to revise the regulations. It is an example of rare courage. Importantly, it is an example of the LORD'S generosity in allowing man (daughters) to direct and shape life's outcomes.

All this time the LORD is making laws. Moses is simply communicating them to the people. Zelophehad's daughters remind us of the LORD'S intention to cooperate with man over man's destiny. The LORD'S reaction to the daughters request is a huge encouragement to individuals who feel that prayer is one way to participate in shaping one's destiny.

It is also refreshing to see the daughters do what men had lamentably failed to do - ask. Just ask. The LORD doesn't like complaining. Men should not complain.
Men must learn to ask. The daughters had a request to make and the LORD heard them. They didn't complain.

Secondly the LORD takes Moses on a trip to see for himself the vast land that the LORD had given to Israel. He was never going to step his foot on it. Like Aaron Moses sinned by dishonoring the LORD in front of the people in the desert of Zin. Now Moses concerns himself with matters of state leadership. He is looking to the future. Who is going to take over from him? How I wish I got clear instructions like Moses? Joshua is hand-picked by the LORD to succeed Moses.

The LORD has reasons for selecting Joshua. He had the spirit of leadership within him. He is not picked for his prophetic prowess or indeed for his military experience. He had all these qualities in good measure. He is picked for having a leadership spirit within.
More resources visit www.lovingscripture.com
3 min
July 21, 2021 Numbers 26 Commentary: The second Census
This episode is also available as a blog post: http://lovingscripture.com/2021/07/21/numbers-26-commentary/
Numbers 26 Commentary
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The second census is taken of men 20 years and more. This is a completely new generation. None of the men numbered in the first censers were alive at this moment. The LORD had cleared house. Now a new generation was ready to move into Canaan.

At the first count Simeon numbered 59300. At the second count Simeon numbered 22200. The figures are telling us a story of diminished fortunes for the tribe. We can reflect on Simeon's blessing in Genesis chapter 49 and see how it has played out right before our eyes.

Chapter 26 is about a census but more importantly the chapter gives us some prophetic reflection of key moments in the history of the nation. Diminished numbers for Simeon is representative of diminished numbers for the nation. It is an invitation to look at key moments that account for these poor figures. We are far from Abraham's blessing of increase.

The first line begins by referencing the latest rebellion. Korah together with Abiram and Dathan have been singled out for a rebellion that further reduced Israel's numbers. Nadab and Abihu were among the casualties.

603,550 (chapter 1) at the start and 601,730 nearly after 40 years is not a good sign at all. It's like the LORD stopped time. Nearly the same number enters Canaan. The LORD has a way to bring us back to the same point!

The instruction to allocate land by lot is to ensure fairness and maintain order. But is was actually a complex process as we see a seeding process where large portions are given to larger tribes. We now understand why Simeon got what we can call as portions of land within Judah because the tribe was very small by this time.
More resources visit www.lovingscripture.com
2 min

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