READING: Numbers 32:1-33:56
If I’m honest, Numbers 33 is one of those chapters in the Bible I probably skimmed when I first started reading the Scriptures years ago. Not only had I never heard of the places in what seemed to be nothing more than a travelogue, but I also could not pronounce many of them! It just didn’t make a lot of sense to me that God included this list of journeys in the Bible. In fact, I’ve since learned that even some scholars debate the location of some of the places.
Now, though, I greatly appreciate this chapter. On one hand, it’s evidence of Moses’ taking the time to write down God’s guidance, care, and blessing over the distance of their travels. As I think about long-term believers who are heroes to me, but who are also moving toward the end of their lives, how I want to know more about their journeys along the way! Some of them have journaled their stories, and they plan to give their journals to their kids and grandkids when the Lord calls them home. That way, their witness to God’s guidance will continue beyond them.
Even more significant to me, though, is the fact that this chapter is not just about geographical journeys. It’s about the faithfulness of God to watch over His people, to keep His covenant with them even in times when they turned away from Him. It’s a record of God’s grace. That’s worth reading over and over again.
PERSONAL REFLECTION: What has your journey looked like? Where has the Lord taken you?
TODAY’S PRAYER: “God, thank You for Your faithfulness all along the way.”
TOMORROW’S READING: Numbers 34:1-36:13
