Read

Numbers 2:1-3:51

Think

Numbers 2:1, "Then the Lord gave these instructions to Moses and Aaron..."

In today's reading in the book of Numbers, there are a lot of, well... Numbers! And, again, we find ourselves at a familiar precipice: What does all of this information have to do with us? What can we really glean from the organization of the Israelite camps and Levite's census? The principle we can glean is that God is a God of order, and He desires for us to live within His prescribed structure and framework.

Wherever chaos reigns, God is not! When our lives stray from His commands - when disorder, pride, or rebellion rear their ugly heads - we're not walking within the will and the way of God. And like a car with poor alignment, we get off track, swerving and careening into potential danger. If we're not careful, we may crash in a big way. That's why God gives us protective verses such as:

• 1 Corinthians 14:33, "For God is not a God of confusion but peace."
• 1 Corinthians 14:40, "All things should be done decently and in order."
• Matthew 6:33, "Seek first His kingdom, and His righteousness and all things will be added to you."

When we heed God's instruction and stay within the lanes of His order, our lives will be fully functioning and hitting on all cylinders. These guidelines and guardrails don't restrict us; they free us to fully experience life!

What is currently disordered in your life? What do you need to surrender to God and humbly submit to His will?

Pray

God, Thank You for Your order and protective commands. Help me live within Your will and walk within Your way. Then, and only then, will I be ready to put the throttle down and fully experience the life ahead. Amen.