Philippians 4:6 is so key to our understanding of prayer. Boldness in prayer is not the same thing as being demanding! Paul writes that should pray but with a heart of thanksgiving, never a sense of entitlement. That is where things went terribly wrong with the Israelites in Numbers 11. We see them being ungrateful, demanding, a sense of entitlement for more and better...did God out of grace help, sure, but with a healthy dose of lesson learning judgment mixed in!
Picking up in verse 16 and 17, we see the placing of elders to share with Moses the "burden" of the people, essentially, their discipleship. This is different from what Moses instituted at the urging of his father-in-law in Exodus 18, having people in place to settle disputes. The elders are to serve as prophetic, spiritual leaders along with Moses, an extension of Moses of sorts throughout the camp... on person is not capable of caring for all the discipleship needs of the people. Too, there were still the priests. Do you see the shaping of church roles here thousands of year ago? Fascinating isn't it! The Levites represent a need for full-time, vocational staff, the elders are, well the elders, serving with the lead person in helping with governance and discipleship, and then there is the collective responsibility of everyone to serve in whatever capacity helps to lead the greater unity of the community (Exodus 18). I love it!
Oh Joshua! In verses 28-30 we see Moses, a wise leader shaping his young protege. A shaping that many of us as leaders can never have too much of! We must never be threatened by the influence others are supposed to have with us. Great leaders release others into their own place of influence, not threatened by others role as leaders but celebrating seeing them fulfilled in their calling!
Finally, in verses 31-35, Kibroth-hattaavah, translated "Graves of Cravings." What cravings do we have that will become our graves to us spiritually, and in some cases, physically?
Pastor Fred
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