Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons audio. Book of Numbers 7:1 describes how Moses completed, anointed, and dedicated the Tabernacle along with its instruments, marking the beginning of organized worship for Israel. This moment highlights God’s timing and the importance of embracing every season and purpose He sets for our lives. The unified offerings from each tribe, detailed in the chapter, demonstrate obedience, unity, and generosity—reminding us that God values our faithfulness and every contribution made from the heart.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8, Numbers 6:27, Numbers 7:1, Acts 22:6-10, 2 Corinthians 4:7, Matthew 25:4, 2 Timothy 2:20,
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
Ecclesiastes 3:1-8
1 To every thing there is a season, and a time to every purpose under the heaven:
2 A time to be born, and a time to die; a time to plant, and a time to pluck up that which is planted;
3 A time to kill, and a time to heal; a time to break down, and a time to build up;
4 A time to weep, and a time to laugh; a time to mourn, and a time to dance;
5 A time to cast away stones, and a time to gather stones together; a time to embrace, and a time to refrain from embracing;
6 A time to get, and a time to lose; a time to keep, and a time to cast away;
7 A time to rend, and a time to sew; a time to keep silence, and a time to speak;
8 A time to love, and a time to hate; a time of war, and a time of peace.
Seasons, Purpose, and Divine Timing
In everything there is a season and a time for every purpose under heaven. A time for what? Every purpose. Not a time for everything, but a time for what? Every purpose. Let’s all say that together. There’s a time for every purpose. Let’s say that together. There’s a time for every purpose. Amen. That’s what there’s a time for.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
What we’ve got to understand is that we throw a lot of things out there, like the thought of predestination. “Well, God’s going to do what God’s going to do, and it’s just going to happen if it’s going to happen.” No, no, no. There’s a time for every purpose. Everything God purposes, then there’s a time for it. It’s just not wound up and flipped out there and allowed to run all on its own. There’s a time for every purpose under heaven.
Over the years, the Lord has revealed new insights to us—some things were present in Scripture that we did not notice before, and some things we expected to find were not actually there. We recently covered pages 139 to 140 in our study, which ties into previous teachings from the Book of Numbers. This discussion has focused on the significance of the name of Jesus, asking whether it is truly above every other name, including Jehovah and El Shaddai.
Numbers 6:27
27 And they shall put my name upon the children of Israel, and I will bless them.
Numbers 6:27 says that God’s name is placed upon the children of Israel, and the blessing is connected to that name. While blessings could be given in various names like Jehovah, El Shaddai, or Elohim, I prefer that blessings be given in the name of Jesus.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
Chapter 7 is a very lengthy chapter with 89 verses, centering on a 12-day feast. The chapter opens by describing the day Moses finished setting up the tabernacle, anointed and sanctified it, along with all its instruments and vessels. Much of Chapter 7 is repetitive, emphasizing the same principles, but the intention is to move through it quickly after getting past the detailed first verse. The teaching aims to challenge, encourage, and engage listeners, starting with the foundational setup of worship in the tabernacle.
The chapter ends with God speaking to Moses from the mercy seat, after everything that happens in the 89 verses. I think that’s the place I want God to speak to me from—the mercy seat. I want the Lord’s mercy, and I want Him to speak to me from that place. As we study this chapter, I am hoping the Lord will show us principles that help us come before Him, position ourselves so He speaks to us from the mercy seat.
Numbers 7:1
1 And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
“It Came to Pass”: Biblical and Personal Milestones
It starts with the phrase “And it came to pass.” In the King James Version, this phrase appears 456 times. The first time is in Genesis 4:3, which talks about a process of time. Cain brought his fruit to the Lord, and it came to pass because that time was ready. So, when Scripture says “it came to pass,” it means a process or a course of time has brought us to a significant moment.
Other Bible translations use “In the course of time” or “So it came about in the course of time.” This shows that time itself has a course, maybe even a God-given direction. In our lives, we experience moments when “it came to pass” becomes real, like meeting important people or encountering Jesus. Life is full of these moments when the right time arrives, and something important happens.
I want you to see that in our lives, every experience happens between past events and future ones that are yet to come. Each one is a moment of “it came to pass.” The word itself, in Genesis 4:3, carries a meaning connected to process, time, or course. When traced to its roots, it means an extremity or to chop off. It describes a segment of time that God separates, marking it as fulfilled. These moments are like sections of time that God identifies and then moves forward from.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
The phrase “it came to pass,” used 456 times in Scripture, speaks of times that have been fulfilled and then set apart, almost as memorials in history. As each section of time is fulfilled, God marks it and moves into the next era. The people of God have used these sections to communicate their stories to the next generation.
I want you to think about how important it is to leave enough information about yourself and your heritage that future generations can know what happened in your life—how things came to pass. Aren’t you glad someone recorded the stories of Adam and what Jesus did? Our grandchildren and great-grandchildren will want to know our stories, too. I was talking to Dwayne Swilley about ministry and experiences. I told him I wish I had kept a diary, tracking all those “it came to pass” moments over the years. It would be a record of the things God brought to pass in my life.
I want to share my story with my grandchildren and great-grandchildren. I wish my ancestors had written down their experiences so I could know more about where I come from. Knowing my family’s story would help me understand my own journey and where I’m going. I think it’s a good idea to have something to pass down—a record of who we are and how we lived.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
I’ve done a lot of writing and made many recordings, so my voice is saved on hundreds of tapes. Today, with all our technology, we can share not just photos but also our voices and even videos of how we lived. My grandchildren will be able to see and hear me, not just look at a picture. I think it’s wonderful to be able to share so much information with them about their heritage. I wish I had more details about where I came from and how things came to pass.
This is the direction I’m moving toward with these reflections. The Bible is filled with stories that begin with “it came to pass.” In the first book alone, it records times like when Cain killed Abel, when the flood came, when the Tower of Babel was built, and when God made a covenant with Abraham. Very often, these moments show when God moved, when people made choices, or when families changed. Each “it came to pass” marks a significant event, whether in their lives or in ours.
Joseph’s life was full of “it came to pass” moments. His brothers sold him into Egypt. Potiphar’s wife lied about him. Joseph eventually became governor of Egypt, and Jacob prophesied and died.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
God covers events about 2,000 years with a few “It came to pass” statements in the Scriptures. God brings about these moments, then marks them as complete, saying, “It came to pass.” Each one is a distinct period chopped off and set aside in the history of God’s people.
I want to leave this kind of record for my grandchildren. The Bible is filled with these moments where God closes one chapter and begins another. I’m on page 141 now, where the story shifts to Jesus. There was a time for Jesus, and one day it came to pass that John the Baptist baptized him in the Jordan. There are 50 “it came to pass” statements tied to Jesus’ ministry. His life was made up of many such sections, each marking a significant event or season.
Some of these moments include people recognizing his anointing and teaching, Jesus sitting with sinners and publicans, sending out his disciples, teaching in parables, moving to different areas to minister, healing people, revealing his coming death, praying all night, casting out devils, arriving at the day of the crucifixion, and—most importantly—being raised from the dead.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
Our own lives are much the same, full of “it came to pass” moments. As I studied this, I saw that God recorded these sections of individuals’ lives and handed them down through generations. Every generation receives these stories chopped into meaningful pieces, each one marked “it came to pass,” all the way down to you and me.
We need to learn how to share information about ourselves with future generations. Our heritage is important. The idea of an “Any Minute Rapture” has made many people stop planning for the future. It causes us to focus only on the possibility of Jesus coming tomorrow rather than thinking ahead. We need to change that and prepare a heritage for future generations. The enemy wants us never to plan, never to think about those who will follow us. But God wants us to know our lives will have moments of “it came to pass”—just like those before us.
Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that everything has a season and a purpose. Our lives are full of purpose, just like Jesus or Paul. Each purpose is divided into sections, each marked by a “it came to pass.” We go through different stages in our journey, and each one is important.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
I want to ask if you will be able to share who you were and what you believed with your great-grandchildren. Can you tell them about the sacrifices you made for their faith? The “Any Minute Rapture” belief often steals our focus from the future, especially from planning for those who will come after us. The Lord will return, but it may not be soon. Our great-grandchildren will probably live their lives before He comes. Will you be able to share your story with them?
Preserving and Sharing Personal Memories
I wish I had talked to my grandparents when they were alive. My grandfather on my mother’s side died when I was very young, but my other three grandparents lived long enough that I could have asked them about their lives. If someone had encouraged me, I could have used video or audio recordings to capture their stories. Now, that information is lost to me. If I had it, I could pass it down to my children, grandchildren, and maybe even my great-grandchildren. I would love to fill them with stories of what “came to pass” in our family.
I regret not asking them about their lives and how our family came to this country. We’ve searched archives and records, but I still do not know who was the first Young to come to America. I know other families’ stories, but the details of my own heritage are unclear. I’ve traced my family back to the 1700s, but beyond that, the line fades. If I had just a few more pieces, I might be able to connect the dots and understand my lineage.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
What I’m trying to say is that we need to record our stories and collect as much information as we can. Our heritage matters. We need to pass it on so future generations know what “came to pass” in our lives. They should know about the sacrifices we made for their sake. Somebody paid a great price for us to become Americans, and I wish I knew exactly who did that in my family. I wish those stories had been handed down so I could say, “It came to pass” that my ancestors made that journey.
This may not sound spiritual at first, but I am really talking about heritage. Generations need to know their ancestry and roots to understand the importance of home and family. We all need to ask ourselves, “Where did we come from?” and “What do we carry inside us?” It’s all part of those “it came to pass” moments. I wish I had talked to my elders about their stories and asked more questions about my heritage. I am grateful that stories like those of Abraham, Paul, and Jesus were recorded.
Remember Judy’s granddaddy, Paw Paw, who came to live with us when he was 89? His health was failing, and he didn’t have much time left. Judy and I decided to buy a camcorder, not just because we wanted one, but so we could capture Paw Paw’s story. After some hesitation, I bought it, learned how to use it, and brought it home.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
One night, during our regular family dinner in the living room, I set up the camcorder and began to ask Paw Paw about his life. He shared stories about meeting and marrying Sue, his wife, his parents and grandparents, and even how he and Sue eloped in a buggy. Paw Paw passed away the following year, but I have those memories saved—his voice, his mannerisms, and his stories. These are the things I want my family to remember and pass on.
I want to encourage you to talk to your parents and find out their stories. A few years ago, when I began to understand the importance of heritage, I sat down with my mom and dad during a Thanksgiving meal. I put a tape recorder in front of them and asked them to share their memories. I got them to talk about how they met, what they wore on their wedding day, where they went on their honeymoon, and stories about their parents and grandparents. Small details came out—things I never would have thought to ask.
Not long after that, my mother passed away, but now I have those memories saved. That information belongs to me, and I can pass it on to Bonnie, Jody, Lance, and all the grandkids. Now I can tell them about our family’s background.
We have lost sight of this practice. Gathering family history—learning about our heritage—is essential and spiritual. It brings families together, connects us to our roots, and builds a sense of belonging. Just as the Bible records many “it came to pass” moments, our lives are filled with events that connect us. This matters—it is good, and we need to know about it.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
Individual and Community Encounters with God
Acts 22:6-10
6 And it came to pass, that, as I made my journey, and was come nigh unto Damascus about noon, suddenly there shone from heaven a great light round about me.
7 And I fell unto the ground, and heard a voice saying unto me, Saul, Saul, why persecutest thou me?
8 And I answered, Who art thou, Lord? And he said unto me, I am Jesus of Nazareth, whom thou persecutest.
9 And they that were with me saw indeed the light, and were afraid; but they heard not the voice of him that spake to me.
10 And I said, What shall I do, Lord? And the Lord said unto me, Arise, and go into Damascus; and there it shall be told thee of all things which are appointed for thee to do.
Paul shared how, on his way to Damascus, he had a powerful encounter with God. Suddenly, a great light shone around him. Each of us has our own “it came to pass” moments when Jesus interrupts our journey. These moments are essential, and we should record and share them with the next generation, just as Paul did.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
I remember when I came to Lafayette and ministered at that little church for about a year. We had several good months. Then, there was a time to move on. Ecclesiastes 3 spoke to me about the right season, and it came to pass that we moved here. These experiences are not just personal, but also happen to us as a community when God leads us from one place to another.
I want you to realize how important it is to gather and preserve as much information as you can. One day, the chance to ask questions and hear stories will be gone. None of us are getting younger, and time flies by. God has already marked off sections of our journey, and each “it came to pass” matters.
It’s not easy to think about, but it’s true—we will help bury one another. That’s why we should not waste the opportunity to collect stories and memories from our loved ones. Talk to your family members while you still can, and record their stories. The chance passes quickly, and it is important to know what “it came to pass” in their lives.
Did you enjoy that little lesson? I hope it provoked you to think.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
Numbers 7:1
1 And it came to pass on the day that Moses had fully set up the tabernacle, and had anointed it, and sanctified it, and all the instruments thereof, both the altar and all the vessels thereof, and had anointed them, and sanctified them;
Obedience, Buildings, and Their Spiritual Significance
On page 142, we read about the day Moses fully set up the tabernacle. I found it interesting that the Hebrew word for “fully” is “claw,” which means the end, to cease, or to complete. The tabernacle was already in use back in Exodus 40, but now in Numbers 7, it was finally complete. This shows they started using it before everything was finished, just like we sometimes do. They were eager to do what God had called them to do, even before everything was perfect.
When we moved to our current church building, we wanted to jump in and get started. It wasn’t fully completed, but we didn’t wait. I see the Israelites acted the same way. They were anxious to move forward with God and get started on whatever new thing He wanted to do. They didn’t wait for everything to be perfect—they just wanted to obey and get moving.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
After the tabernacle was fully set up, Moses anointed and sanctified the structure. We know we are God’s temple, but here, the focus is on a physical building. I want to point out that structures are essential to God. Some people, like Steve, matured in home church settings and prefer informal ministry, but others connect deeply with a church building. Where you matured spiritually can affect how you see the value of a church structure.
Today, many downplay the importance of a physical building in spiritual life. The temple itself has two parts—the Chiron, or natural aspect, like brick and mortar, and the naos, the spiritual center. Over the years, I’ve met people who see the physical building as deeply tied to church life, while others believe the building doesn’t matter. I want to express that we should have respect for the building. Both parts—the spiritual and the physical—play an important role in our faith journey.
Personal Testimony: The Significance of Sacred Spaces
When I was saved and called into ministry, it happened in a building where I spent much of my youth. I worked hard there as a leader in the Methodist Youth Fellowship (NYF), helping to build a strong youth group. I was responsible for the group and ministered to its members. That building holds special meaning for me: it’s where I felt God’s call, where I met my wife, and where we got married. Every time I drive by, it feels anointed and sanctified, even though others might not see it that way.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
People may not value these buildings, but to me, they are deeply significant. It looks the same today as it did when I got married, and I believe its spiritual importance will never change. Later, God called me deeper, and in another building, I experienced a decisive moment like Paul’s encounter with light. It changed me forever. In that place, I taught Sunday school, learned to preach, and discovered how to pray for others, speak in tongues, prophesy, and minister in new ways. Every time I drive by that building, I feel its remarkable, sanctified presence.
I believe everyone has places where God has touched their lives, even if we don’t often think about it. Buildings can be anointed and sanctified, though they cannot save us—only God can do that. However, God does use structures in meaningful ways, both in our lives and in scripture. I see no reason to disrespect these places, since they play an important spiritual role.
Scriptural Respect and Spiritual Usefulness
Jesus knew the temple would be destroyed and warned his followers that it would happen soon. Despite predicting its downfall, he never showed disrespect toward the temple. Paul also spent time in the temple. Even when he faced harsh treatment and reacted strongly, he apologized after realizing he had insulted the high priest. Paul was known for teaching that physical structures were not essential, but he still respected the temple. The scriptures do not show disrespect for holy buildings.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
In some Charismatic circles, there seems to be a loss of respect for such structures. Looking back, when the Lord guided us through challenging times, he was restoring this sense of respect. Many important moments in my ministry happened inside buildings. People meet, get saved, and experience the Holy Spirit in buildings. Lives are changed there. Buildings are significant to God, as he uses them for his purposes, though they themselves cannot save anyone.
Structures can be anointed and sanctified for God’s use. When I see a building set apart for worship or ministry, I better understand the meaning of sanctification. A building that once served another purpose can be transformed and dedicated to God’s work. This act of setting it apart makes it sanctified and anointed for a higher purpose.
The Anointing and Purpose of Vessels
If I am sanctified, like a building set apart for God, then my life changes. I was once deep in sin, but now God has moved me into his kingdom and set me apart for his use. Just as a building becomes a place for worship after being dedicated to God, my life is now meant to minister to others. I am no longer what I once was. Now, I am set apart for God’s work. That is what sanctification means.4
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
The building itself is not what saves us. It cannot save anyone, but God anoints and sanctifies buildings for our sake. He did this with the tabernacle for the people. The real reason any building is made special is to serve the people who gather there.
Scripture also talks about vessels being anointed and sanctified. In the Old Testament, after setting up the building, Moses anointed the vessels inside. In the New Testament, vessels are used to describe people.
2 Corinthians 4:7
7 But we have this treasure in earthen vessels, that the excellency of the power may be of God, and not of us.
For example, 2 Corinthians 4:7 says we have treasure in “earthen vessels,” that is, in human form. God’s power is in his vessels—that’s us.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
Matthew 25:4
4 But the wise took oil in their vessels with their lamps.
Matthew 25:4 refers to taking oil in our vessels, emphasizing the need to keep our spiritual “oil” replenished.
2 Timothy 2:20
20 But in a great house there are not only vessels of gold and of silver, but also of wood and of earth; and some to honour, and some to dishonour.
2 Timothy 2:20 explains that in a great house, there are many kinds of vessels—some made of gold, some of silver, some of wood, some for honor, and some for dishonor. This shows that God uses people, his vessels, for different purposes.
Everyday Ministry and Authentic Christianity
You are a vessel for God—sanctified, anointed, and set apart for his purposes. Even though we, like the tabernacle, may not feel fully finished or perfect, God still uses us. We might not have everything in place spiritually, but God does not wait until we are fully “set up” before using us to help others.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
God wants to use each of us to minister to people. This isn’t just about reaching the lost; many believers are hurting and need encouragement, too. Everywhere you look, people are struggling—in their families, finances, and personal lives.
Recently, while on vacation, I found myself talking to hurting people far from home. Even in those unexpected places, I was able to minister to them. Often, the conversation would lead to my sharing that I am a pastor, and this opened doors for deeper discussion. Many shared their struggles and said they wished they could attend my church. What people truly desire is something real—a faith that is honest, genuine, and helpful. They are tired of pretense and want something authentic.
I remember people saying they wish they could attend our church because it feels real. So many people are hurting, and everyone needs Jesus. Someday, God will move in their lives, and it will come to pass.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
The Lord wants you to know you are vessels of honor. Our church is special in that most of you know how to pray for anyone about anything. You understand the scriptures and can pray God’s will. You can comfort, encourage, and minister to people, and you can pray for their healing and for their families. Most of you are ready to minister, and I believe our church is further along than many others in this way.
I want to close with a reminder: you have so much to give. You minister to me and to each other. It is wonderful to see people come for prayer, knowing that this community truly prays and cares. In the past, people hesitated to ask for prayer, but now there is trust. If you need help, you want others to pray for you because you know they can reach God. You are truly anointed and sanctified vessels of God. Even if you don’t feel perfect or “fully set up,” God is still using you. This truth encourages me, and I hope it inspires you, too.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
Closing Thoughts and Blessing
We thank God, even though He is not finished with us yet. We are still working out our salvation with reverence and awe. Even so, we know we belong to Him and are here to do His will. We want to minister to others and are grateful for our calling and the places God has brought us through. We thank Him for all the moments when things have come to pass in our lives.
God has used buildings and people within them to minister to us. These buildings are sanctified and anointed, but most of all, we are grateful for the people God has gathered. He has blessed and equipped us so much.
We ask God to remind everyone that they are vessels set apart for His purpose in His house. Each person is full of His presence and ready to be used by Him. We thank Jesus for making us real and genuine, without pretense. We are grateful to be part of a church community that values authenticity.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
As we finish, we pray that each one of us will find opportunities this week to minister to someone who is hurting—whether they’re found in our church, another church, or anywhere, lost or saved. We ask God to use every person as an anointed vessel. All vessels were used in the tabernacle, and we pray for God to use us in the same way. We thank Him for His teachings and ask for His blessing and peace on each of us. In Jesus’ name, amen.
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
Book Of Numbers 7:1 – How to Embrace Life’s Seasons
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