Day 76

Numbers 26:1‐51; Luke 2:36‐52; Psalm 60:1‐12; Proverbs 11:15

God Is Our Inheritance

There are several books in the early part of the Bible where it is easy to get bogged down. One of those places is our Numbers reading for today, as it is primarily a list of the tribes of Israel for the second census of the people. But there are interesting and even encouraging things to note here. First, this census is about how the promised land will be apportioned among the tribes (v.52-56). Second, despite it being almost the same number as the first census, it is, with the exception of Joshua and Caleb, an entirely new population (v. 62). God promised in 14:28-29 that none of the people (who had grumbled against God) would enter the promised land. God will keep His promises.

Lastly, note that there was no land inheritance for the Levites (v. 62). Was this a punishment? By no means! During the incident of the golden calf, Moses asked, “Who is on the LORD’s side?” All the sons of Levi gathered around him (Ex. 32), after which God declares in Num. 18:20, “I am your portion and your inheritance.” And as servants and priests of God they lived among all the other tribes in Israel.

Here is the lesson for the Christian! 1 Peter 2:9 declares that we are a chosen race, a royal priesthood and a people for God’s own possession. He is now our inheritance and we are His. Wherever the people of God are in the world, we do not primarily belong to any land, but to God and God to us. And we were sealed with the promised Holy Spirit, who is the guarantee of our inheritance…to the praise of His glory! (Eph. 1:13-14)

Kent Madison