Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision. In this passage, God appointed a leader from every tribe to stand with Moses, forming a diverse team united for one purpose. Each group was represented, illustrating God’s care for all people. This structure models how God provides not just leadership but inclusion, blessing every generation and background, making sure everyone has a place and a voice in His community.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
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Scriptures used in this lesson:
Numbers 1:4-5, 1 John 2:12, Numbers 1:19, Numbers 1:1, Numbers 1:46, Numbers 26:51, Numbers 13:33, Numbers 14:9, Numbers 1:47-50, Numbers 1:52-53,
The Call to Leadership in Numbers
We have been studying the opening chapters of the book of Numbers for several weeks. The focus has been on the passage where the Lord tells Moses that twelve men will help him. These men will represent the twelve tribes of Israel. God had already worked in the hearts of these men and Moses. They were to work together and lead the people.
Numbers 1:4-5
4 And with you there shall be a man of every tribe. Every one head of the house of his fathers.
5 And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you. Of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
God instructed that there should be a man from every tribe. Each tribe needed a leader to stand with me, Moses. I listed the twelve tribes and their representatives. My principle was to have one representative from each group involved in leadership. I admitted that some sections were hard to explain, and I skipped them. I felt unsure about how to discuss those points.
Feeling that I wanted to highlight that today, there is no single leader like Moses. Moses was a mediator and a real person. Now, people often do not have one person to hear from God for everyone like Moses. I do not claim to be like Moses. In some church circles, people focus solely on a direct connection with Jesus, rather than also using human leaders. I’m trying to make a point, so stay with me.
I still believe in the principle that leadership is valuable among people. Moses and Jesus were both human.
Numbers 1:4-5
4 And with you there shall be a man of every tribe. Every one head of the house of his fathers.
5 And these are the names of the men that shall stand with you. Of the tribe of Reuben; Elizur the son of Shedeur.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Every Group Has a Place
Verse four says there must be a man from every tribe. This means every group should have someone to represent them. In church life, I have often encountered problems referred to as clicks. These are not technical problems but issues with relationships. People can feel left out or ignored by certain groups.
This problem is not new. It also happened in the early church. In Corinth, some felt excluded during communion. Others broke into separate groups and misbehaved. In Acts, some Grecian women thought they were not getting the care they deserved. Exclusion like this has always been an issue in the church.
I do not think the problem will ever entirely go away. However, I believe part of the answer lies in ensuring that everyone is included, or at the very least, invited to participate. Ministry should reach everyone, and each group should have a voice. No one should feel left out or ignored. That is the main point I want to get across. Every group needs a representative.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Churches need many different groups. There should be children in the church. If there are no children, the church will eventually die. Having many children is a sign that God is present and blessing the congregation. One third of our church is children. This shows me that God promises to remain with us and bless us for generations.
There should also be a youth ministry. Young people and teenagers are essential in the life of the church. Their voices must be heard just like the voices of the children. The church is stronger when there are people from every age group.
Senior adults also belong in the church. Every group deserves representation. The principle is that leadership should include a voice from each group: children, youth, senior adults, and others. In proper church leadership—like the group that stood with Moses—there should be a representative from every tribe, every kindred, and every age category. All groups should have a means of communicating with leadership, so that their needs are acknowledged and their ministries can be supported.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
A church should comprise a diverse group of people. This includes people from various ethnic backgrounds, not just one race or color. We need black people, black leaders, and representatives from every group. If we have a healthy, biblical church, there will be people from different races, and they will help lead and shape the church.
There should also be people from all economic levels. Both the wealthy and the poor must be present and respected. In every group, there should be both mature believers and those new to the faith. Everyone has a place and deserves a voice.
It is essential that each group—not only by age, but also by background, color, and life experience—has representation in leadership. Each group must have a way to speak up and express their needs. This is a sign of a complete and healthy church.
Sometimes, we are weak in some areas. For example, we may lack elders or leaders from minority groups. We must pray about this, ask God for help, and be willing to make changes to include everyone. Every group has special needs and must feel included.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
If we leave someone out, we fail. If we do not minister to the young, the old, the rich, the poor, the black, the white, and all others, then something is missing. That is the fundamental principle: a true church reaches everyone and makes everyone feel they belong.
1 John 2:12
12 I write unto you, little children, because your sins are forgiven you for his name’s sake.
13 I am writing to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I am writing
to you, young men, because you have overcome the evil one. I have written to you, children, because
you know the Father.
14 I have written to you, fathers, because you know Him who has been from the beginning. I have
written to you, young men, because you are strong, and the word of God abides in you, and you have
overcome the evil one.
In these verses, John writes to little children, to fathers, and young men. This shows that the church is made up of people from different age groups and stages of spiritual maturity. I believe a healthy church should include all these groups.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
When we look at the church in Antioch, we see the same pattern. There were significant efforts to include people from different ethnic backgrounds as well. This teaches me that a strong church welcomes every generation and every culture.
God’s Faithfulness and Community Lessons
Numbers 1:19
19 just as the LORD had commanded Moses. So he numbered them in the wilderness of Sinai.
Numbers 1:1, 46
1 And the LORD spake unto Moses in the wilderness of Sinai, in the tabernacle of the congregation, on the first day of the second month, in the second year after they were come out of the land of Egypt, saying,
46 Even all they that were numbered were six hundred thousand and three thousand and five hundred and fifty.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Numbers 26:51
51These were the numbered of the children of Israel, six hundred thousand and a thousand seven hundred and thirty.
On page 36, I talked about how the people were counted in the wilderness of Sinai. Numbers 1:19 says Moses obeyed the Lord and numbered the people there. The total count was 603,550, but this only included the warriors. That is a considerable number of fighting men.
The count was done again in Numbers 26:51. The new total was 601,730. If you compare the two numbers, you see there are 1,820 fewer warriors in the second count. This is interesting because it shows that not everyone from the first generation made it to the end.
What I learned from this is that fewer people entered than started. But the Lord maintained and provided for them throughout their journey. It was like being the pastor of a church where there were 94 funerals and 94 births every day. God kept the people going and cared for them.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
The lesson God gave me is clear. We just need to obey and stay faithful, and we will make it in. If we rebel, we risk dying in the wilderness, just like those who did not make it to the end. I want to be among those who reach the promised land, not among those lost because of rebellion.
From what I see in the Scriptures, the Lord can put up with many things. The people of Israel rebelled, complained, and murmured often. God tolerated this for a long time. But then they refused to go to war when He called them. That was the final straw.
The last act of rebellion was different. They refused to do what God wanted for their lives. God brought them out of Egypt to bring them into the promised land, but they said no. They saw themselves as grasshoppers, small and unable to win. Even though they were God’s people, they doubted themselves. They believed they were not strong enough. In their own eyes, they were like grasshoppers. That attitude kept them from entering into God’s plan.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Numbers 13:33
33 And there we saw the giants, the sons of Anak, which come of the giants: and we were in our own sight as grasshoppers, and so we were in their sight.
Numbers 14:9
9 Only rebel not ye against the LORD, neither fear ye the people of the land; for they are bread for us: their defence is departed from them, and the LORD is with us: fear them not.
If you have an earthly mindset, you see yourself as small and weak. The people in Numbers 13:33 saw the giants in the land and believed they were like grasshoppers in their own eyes. Because they saw themselves this way, that is also how the enemy saw them. People with an “earthly generation” view think the enemy is too big to defeat and feel powerless.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
On the other hand, those with a heavenly perspective, like Caleb and Joshua, see the situation differently. In Numbers 14:9, they encouraged the people not to rebel or be afraid. They said the people of the land would be like bread for them, easy to overcome, because God was with them, and their enemies’ protection was gone.
These two views are very different. With an earthly perspective, fear and doubt take over. With a heavenly perspective, there is boldness and trust in God. Each mindset leads to a different outcome and shapes how you respond to challenges.
If you have an earthy mindset, you see the devil as big and powerful. You think of yourself as small, just like a grasshopper. This comes from having a mentality shaped by hardship and fear, like those who felt doomed in the wilderness.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
But if you are joined to God as your Father and have a heavenly perspective, you see things differently. The enemy no longer looks strong. Instead, you see the enemy as bread for you—something God will give you victory over. Bread means goodness, provision, and blessings that are yours for the taking.
This is a completely different way of thinking. Most of the twelve spies did not see things this way. They made the mistake of seeing the problem as bigger than their God. Unfortunately, the majority of people often choose fear over faith.
This story teaches us not to let the majority opinion shape our vision. We need to seek God’s perspective. Only then can we rise above fear and see the enemy as already defeated, with God providing all we need. This is what it means to have a heavenly outlook.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
The Place and Purpose of the Levites
Numbers 1:47, 49, 50
47 But the Levites after the tribe of their fathers were not numbered among them.
49 Only thou shalt not number the tribe of Levi, neither take the sum of them among the children of Israel:
50 But thou shalt appoint the Levites over the tabernacle of testimony, and over all the vessels thereof, and over all things that belong to it: they shall bear the tabernacle, and all the vessels thereof; and they shall minister unto it, and shall encamp round about the tabernacle.
Now I want to focus on the Levites. The Levites, after the tribe of their fathers, were not counted with the rest of Israel. This is important, and I feel the Lord wants me to spend some extra time talking about it. In Numbers 1:47, 49, and 50, it clearly says the Levites were not numbered with the other tribes. God said not to include them in the same census.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
The reason the Levites were separated was that they had a special job. They were put in charge of the tabernacle, all its vessels, and everything that belonged to it. Their mission was to carry the tabernacle and its items and to serve in its duties. They camped around the tabernacle, taking care of all that was holy.
The Levites did not go to war with the rest of the tribes. Their calling was not to fight but to maintain the tabernacle and take care of God’s ministry to the people. Their separation showed the importance of spiritual service and made sure that the practical needs of worship and the presence of God were always looked after.
Facing Hard Seasons and Divine Direction
There was a season during late December or early January when I spent a lot of time in prayer in the sanctuary. We had just come through a period of spiritual combat, with battles taking place in different areas, like Reading Circle. The Christmas season was especially hard. People spent money on gifts instead of supporting the church, which created a significant financial strain. On top of that, a flu epidemic struck, and half of the congregation became sick, making things even more difficult.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
During that week, I felt frustrated and overwhelmed. I lost my temper, said things I regretted, and couldn’t understand where my anger was coming from. We had been making good progress as a church, but suddenly it felt like we were pushed backward.
As I prayed, I kept asking God for direction, wondering if I should change anything about the service. In that quiet moment, I sensed the Lord speaking clearly to me. He said it was not a time for fighting or moving forward. Instead, it was a time to stop, settle, and focus on approaching God again. This answer was not what I expected or wanted. I wanted to keep pushing, to fight back against the spiritual opposition.
The challenges had caught us unprepared. We had no elders designated, which left us vulnerable. When sickness came, there were no elders to call for prayer. This time, the flu hit us worse than any church I had seen before. It was the toughest season during my time in ministry.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
I shared this message with the congregation, and we began to rethink and reevaluate our approach. The main idea I want to pass on is that, right now, it is essential to focus on seeking God rather than continuing in conflict or struggle.
The Principle of Representation and Presence
I also want to introduce what I call the one-thirteenth principle. This comes from the way there were twelve tribes counted in the book of Numbers, but the Levites were not included in the same way. Their job was to handle the things of God rather than go to battle. This made me ask God how the role of the Levites fits into our lives right now, especially when the church feels like it is in constant warfare.
As I prayed, I felt God teaching me that there is a principle for us in the Levites’ example. It is sometimes necessary to step back from the fight and focus on our relationship with God. Looking at the first chapter of Numbers, I see the separation of the Levites as a reminder that part of the church’s calling is to care for spiritual things and to prioritize approaching God. This message felt very clear to me as I prepared, and I believe it is what God wants us to understand and live out in this season.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
In Numbers chapter 1, each tribe of Israel is counted. The numbering starts with Reuben and continues with Simeon, Gad, Judah, Issachar, Zebulun, Ephraim, Manasseh, Benjamin, Dan, Asher, and Naphtali. These make up the twelve tribes. After listing each tribe, the total count is given in verse 45 as 603,550.
However, in verse 47, it says the Levites are not included in this count. From verses 47 through 53, the Bible explains the special role of the Levites. Their job is to camp around the tabernacle and take care of it. This is to protect the rest of the Israelites from God’s wrath. The Levites are given this responsibility instead of being counted with the other tribes.
There are diagrams and charts on pages 43 and 44 that help to illustrate how the tribes were positioned and how the Levites were set apart. I plan to discuss these details further next week, so be sure to bring your notes so we can look more closely at the arrangement and meaning behind these numbers and positions.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
The Scale of Community and Provision
These are some extra thoughts I came up with, not found in your notes. On page 43, I drew 4,184 tents and counted them myself. If you were to fit all two million people of Israel into those tents, it would take 478 people per tent. That is not possible or practical. If you try to imagine that setup, you quickly realize it would not work.
What if we try a more realistic number, like 10 people per tent? For two million people, with 10 in each tent, you would need 200,000 tents. The drawing only shows about 4,000. That means to match the true scale, you would have to imagine the diagram multiplied by 48. If you laid out 48 times as many tents, you might start to grasp the actual size of the camp.
Even this picture does not include animals or other supplies. We are talking about a massive number of people living together in the wilderness. Every time I see small diagrams in books, I realize they do not show the accurate scale. The actual scene would have been much more crowded and much larger than any simple drawing could show.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
I created a visual chart to help you see the scale of the camp. In this diagram, I drew the number of warriors from each tribe. The focus is entirely on the fighting men. The small dots in the picture each represent 20 warriors. When you look at the chart, you can see the tabernacle is in the center, and all the tribes are arranged around it. The dots are small, and the overall image emphasizes just how many people there were.
This display is meant to show how vast the camp was. The actual space covered by the warriors and their families was massive—much bigger than most people imagine. To give you a comparison, I mentioned that it was similar in size to the Atlanta metropolitan area. That area stretches approximately 30 miles north to south and 30 miles east to west, holding close to two million people. The visual in the notes helps you grasp the enormous arrangement and the crowdedness around the center where the tabernacle stood.
The area where the Israelites camped would have been massive, similar in size to a large city such as Atlanta. There were about two million people, and the camp probably stretched thirty miles in each direction, filled with tents. This comparison helps us understand the accurate scale of the community.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
I wanted to point out how God provided for this enormous group every day. Each person, except on the Sabbath, received manna each morning. If each of the two million people ate three pounds of manna daily, that would mean six million pounds of manna needed to appear every day. Imagine seeing such a huge amount—white bread covering the ground like a blanket of snow, morning after morning, for forty years.
Also, I mentioned the rock that Moses struck to provide water. The word used in the text means a cliff, not just a big rock. This shows that God caused water to flow out from the side of a mountain, creating a natural waterfall. God’s provision was on a colossal scale, meeting every need for food and water for such a vast crowd in the wilderness.
God can provide for every need, no matter how great it seems. Even if you are in the wilderness or a problematic place, God can still supply what you need for each day. Sometimes, the supply might come only for today—but God’s ability to provide never runs out.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
When God provided water for the Israelites, it was not just a small stream. It was a river, enough for everyone. The Bible says that out of God’s throne flows the river of life. Even for us, the promise is that out of our hearts will flow rivers, not just trickles.
I shared an example while talking with a friend. We talked about how the rock that followed the Israelites brought water. A rock by itself cannot provide all the water needed—especially not enough for two million people plus their animals, and also for bathing and cooking. The reality is, it was like a river coming from the rock, an abundant and supernatural supply from God.
The lesson here is clear. Whatever the need, God can handle it. He is not limited by what we see or by natural means. Even if it seems impossible, God is well able, and His supply is as plentiful as any river.
Many of us need a constant flow of God’s provision in our lives. Sometimes, we feel desperate for a daily supply from Him—spiritually and practically. God can provide just as He did for the Israelites, giving them everything they needed for forty years in the wilderness.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
His provision never failed. Every day, He gave them what they required to survive. Looking back, it is incredible how faithfully God met their needs. Sometimes I think it might have been simpler to let the people go into the promised land right away, but God chose a different path. Despite hardships and mistakes, His supply was steady and dependable. It is genuinely awesome to consider His faithfulness.
Representation, Worship, and True Seeking
Let’s return to the one-thirteenth principle. In the camp of Israel, twelve tribes were counted, and their fighting men were listed. These twelve tribes were arranged in a specific pattern around the tabernacle. Even though twelve tribes were numbered, there are thirteen tribes if you count Levi, Manasseh, and Ephraim. Levi was set apart from the others, and Manasseh and Ephraim, both sons of Joseph, were included in the overall structure. Most of the attention and daily life revolved around these twelve regular tribes and their roles.
Each tribe’s name has a special meaning, and these meanings reflect different parts of our walk with God. Judah stands for praise, and we spend a lot of time giving praise to God. Naphtali means wrestling, which reminds us of life’s struggles. Issachar means rewards, and we often seek the blessings and rewards God promises. Reuben means vision, and much of our energy goes into seeking vision or purpose.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Simeon stands for hearing, symbolizing our desire to hear from God. Gad means fortune, as we look for God’s provision. Ephraim’s meaning is fruitfulness, representing growth and results. Manasseh is forgiveness, Benjamin is sonship, Dan represents judging, Asher is joy, and Zebulun stands for possessing. These qualities and pursuits fill much of our time and efforts in faith and in church life.
Most of our time and energy is spent on the activities that surround faith, ministry, and daily life. However, we rarely stop to focus on the act of approaching God or truly attaching ourselves to Him. This is the heart of what the tribe of Levi represented. The name Levi means “attaching to,” and their unique role was to draw near and stay connected to God. The main principle here is that we should reflect on how much time we truly dedicate to being close to God, not just doing things for Him.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
There is another idea tied to this about the number 13. In many places, buildings do not have a 13th floor, and elevators skip this number. The reason for this comes from the scriptures, where the number 13 often symbolizes bad things or rebellion. For example, in Genesis 14:4, after serving a king for twelve years, the 13th year was marked by rebellion. In Genesis 17:25, Ishmael was circumcised at age thirteen, and he later became a symbol of rebellion. In the Bible, 13 is often linked with actions or people that go against God’s plan. This connection is reflected in how we view the number today, associating it with misfortune or something to be avoided.
I am not saying that the tribe of Levi is rebellious simply because it is the thirteenth tribe. However, there is something in each of us—something I call “the Levi in you and me”—that resists truly seeking God. I notice that it is easy to motivate people in church for many activities. For example, we can raise a lot of money for a mission trip. We can organize parades, dress up in costumes, hand out candy, sing, and witness in public. People volunteer for many kinds of service.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
However, it is much harder to get people to attend prayer times. Out of one hundred people, maybe only eight or ten will be truly devoted to seeking God in prayer. That is about one-thirteenth, just like the proportion of the Levites among the tribes. Most of us will gladly participate in activities like giving, worship, and even big projects, but very few dedicate themselves to the deeper act of attaching to God through prayer. This difference highlights our own inner reluctance, or “rebellion,” when it comes to real spiritual commitment.
People are willing to travel across town, participate in public events like parades, or even dance and mime in the streets for a cause. However, it is much more challenging to encourage them to come together for worship and genuine prayer.
There is something inside us that resists or pushes back when it is time to seek God in a serious way. Many people can be honest and admit that this struggle is real. I feel it myself and often have to discipline my own body and mind to pray as I should. Even for someone in ministry, seeking God with full commitment requires effort.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Giving money or joining activities feels easier for most people. But truly dedicating ourselves to seeking and worshiping God is harder. It is a struggle many face and is at the core of what I wanted to share in my teaching.
I decided to do some math to illustrate the idea. If we have twelve waking hours each day, that means 720 minutes. One-thirteenth of 720 is about fifty-five minutes. So I wondered: how many of us spend an hour each day entirely focused on God, attaching ourselves to Him, and setting aside every other concern? Jesus asked His disciples, “Could you not watch and pray one hour?” Our spirit may be willing, but our flesh resists. This is the principle of “the flesh as number thirteen”—naturally rebellious and wanting to avoid that deep attachment.
I also reflected that the Levites had an important role. They were responsible for carrying the tabernacle; in practice, that means we should always carry God’s presence with us wherever we go. The Levites did not go to war like the other tribes. Their battle was simply to stay close to God and tend to spiritual things.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
This led me to ask God if it’s possible that, by seeking Him sincerely, victories could come without struggle. The story of Jehoshaphat came to mind: the people fasted, prayed, and sought the Lord, and then the prophet said, “The battle is not yours, but the Lord’s.” I’ve noticed that people who seek God correctly and earnestly often do not fight as many battles. They seem to live in peace more consistently.
I realized that, even though I try to live close to God, I don’t always spend a full “Levite hour” each day. But there’s a real lesson here: the Levites didn’t go to war. They stayed by the tabernacle, carrying it and making it possible for others to worship. In the same way, when we keep God’s presence central in our hearts and lives, we find ourselves fighting fewer battles. The closer we get to God, the more He fights for us.
Standards, Perspective, and Obedience
Numbers 1:52-53
52 ” The sons of Israel shall camp, each man by his own camp, and each man by his own standard,
according to their armies.
53 But the Levites shall pitch round about the tabernacle of testimony, that there be no wrath upon the congregation of the children of Israel: and the Levites shall keep the charge of the tabernacle of testimony.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
The Bible says that every man should have his own standard. This idea is highlighted in Numbers 1:52, where each person in Israel was to set up camp by their own flag or standard. Everyone had a particular place, and each tribe identified itself with its own symbol and group.
Today, we can relate this to how churches or faith communities identify themselves. For example, the Church at Lafayette flies its own standard right on Main Street. Other churches, like First Baptist or Methodist, have their own signs and identities. Each group displays its own banner or standard, showing where they belong.
The main point is that every community and person has something that represents their identity and values. These standards can unite people, but they also set groups apart from each other. The principle remains vital for understanding our identity and how we gather together in faith.
On your drawing of the camp, you can see that different tribes are positioned on each side of the tabernacle. Judah, Zebulun, and Issachar are in the front. Reuben, Simeon, and Gad are on the south side. Ephraim, Manasseh, and Benjamin are on the west. Dan, Asher, and Naphtali are on the north.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
If you are in the camp of Asher, your view of the tabernacle and the rest of the camp is always from that direction. Every time you look at the things of God, you see them from the perspective of your own position. No matter what time it is, your outlook remains shaped by where you are located.
If you move to the camp of Simeon, your view changes. Now you look at everything from Asher’s perspective. The same is true if you are in Zebulun or Manasseh—each camp provides a different angle. Everyone’s perspective is unique because of their unique position. The main reason for these differences is your perspective and the standards you live by. Your position in the community shapes how you see spiritual things.
The way I see the things of God often depends on my background and the group I identify with. If I am under the First Baptist standard, I will see things through that perspective. If I belong to the Church at Lafayette or the First Methodist, my viewpoint will be shaped by their values and teachings. The Assemblies of God has its own distinct outlook. Where I am positioned and the community I am part of will shape how I view and understand spiritual matters.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Next week, I plan to explore this idea further. We will see that it is not just about where you are placed around the tabernacle, but also about the influence of your family and upbringing. Much of the way I think, not only about faith but also about leaders, finances, marriage, or raising children, is shaped by my parents. My early family experiences have a powerful effect on how I interpret life and faith.
We will explore this influence in more detail next time. For now, I want to end with this important reminder: the people of Israel did exactly what God commanded through Moses. The chapter closes with a note that they followed everything the Lord told them to do, just as Moses instructed. Obedience to God’s commands is emphasized as the final message here.
Lessons from Leadership, Familiarity, and True Connection
At this moment in their journey, the people of Israel had only known Moses for a few years. When he first arrived, he performed miracles, led them out of Egypt, and quickly became their leader. By now, they had spent about two years in the wilderness, making it three or four years since Moses appeared and took on the role of delivering them. Right now, the people are willing to follow everything Moses says because they recognize his authority and anointing.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
However, things do not always stay this way. As time passes, people change, and their willingness to follow a leader can fade. Even though Moses would become more experienced, better understand the people’s needs, and improve his leadership over time, the people’s attitudes would not necessarily improve. They might grow more critical or resistant rather than more supportive as Moses continued to lead.
I can relate to this situation from my own experience. When I first came to town, people were excited and spoke well of me. The church grew quickly, and there was a sense of fresh energy. I was new in ministry, just learning and relying on what my pastor had taught me. At the start, there was excitement and success, but over time, perceptions change, and leadership becomes more challenging regardless of the leader’s actual growth or maturity.
I know I am a much better minister now than I was in the past. Despite this growth, some people still wish for the old days or act dissatisfied, as if wanting to return to Egypt. Sometimes, people even make small demands or complain, like asking for more water when they feel spiritually dry.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
I remember an incident when a man came to a Wednesday night meeting, and at the end, he enthusiastically praised God, declaring that the kingdom of God had come to Lafayette. But a year or two later, the same person dramatically changed his mind, now claiming the devil had come to town instead.
Over the years, I have had people thank me and say that they learned more under my teaching in one year than they had in all their earlier Christian life. I’ve heard stories of people whose whole families changed as a result of being part of the ministry. Many expressed deep gratitude for the church and for what God was doing.
But it is striking that many of these enthusiastic people are no longer around. Even though I know I am now a much better and more effective minister, that does not always mean people stay or continue to appreciate the work. This made me realize that, just as with Moses in the Bible, people can change in their attitudes over time, regardless of the growth of their leadership.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Reflecting on this, I remembered a book called The Sin of Familiarity. The idea is that as we become comfortable and familiar with each other, our perception of one another changes and affects our relationships. This understanding helped me make sense of why people sometimes grow dissatisfied or critical, even when there is genuine growth and improvement in the ministry.
Even Jesus could not perform great miracles in His own hometown. This happened because people there were too familiar with Him. They saw Him as Joseph and Mary’s son, the carpenter’s child, and the brother to His siblings. Their unbelief limited what He could do. Because of this, Jesus only healed a few people and taught.
A similar pattern is seen with Moses. Miriam, Aaron, and Korah were all very familiar with Moses. These were the people who gave him the most trouble. The closer people are to us, the more they see our weaknesses and mistakes.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
There is an analogy here with a wall. From a distance, a wall looks perfect. But when you come closer, you notice any flaws—smeared paint, poorly done joints, unfilled nail holes, and dents. In the same way, as we let others get close to us, our faults and imperfections become visible. The people who are dearest to us often are the ones who hurt us the most. This is because they are close enough to see all our flaws and frailties.
Right now, everything is going smoothly for Moses. But soon, Miriam, Aaron, and Korah will begin to cause problems. Korah and his group were Levites, just like Moses. It’s important to realize that Moses himself was from the tribe of Levi.
When people get close to me, I might not meet their expectations. In fact, no one can live up to every expectation others have. This is a key lesson. We must learn to tolerate each other’s imperfections. You have to accept me for my calling, and I have to accept you for yours, even if we have flaws or make mistakes.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Moses was chosen to lead the people out of Egypt and through the wilderness. In the same way, I believe I am called to do something in your life, and you are called to do something in mine. This mutual acceptance and cooperation are necessary if we want to reach our promise and fulfill God’s purpose. If we rebel against each other, we will end up failing, just as the Israelites risked dying in the wilderness. These are important principles we should hold onto if we want to move forward together.
The Call to Refocus and Draw Near to God
Tonight, the message is clear. The Lord is calling us to draw near to Him. This is the season to focus on our relationship with God, to set aside distractions, and to spend time in His presence. More important than anything else right now is the call to “camp around the tabernacle,” to carry God’s presence, and to seek Him directly.
Other things can wait. We need to make it a priority to attach ourselves to God and to approach Him with dedication. These are vital principles for our spiritual growth. It is good teaching and holds deep meaning for anyone willing to listen and apply it.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Next week, I will be focusing on the topic of the encampment and how it shapes our perspective. This subject is significant because the way we think and act is often influenced by our parents. Our family background shapes our outlook on life.
I will explain that changing our perspective may require us to “change fathers.” For example, if my father is Reuben, I will see things as Reuben did. If my father is Simeon, I will adopt Simeon’s way of thinking. But if I choose to connect myself to a higher source, I can gain a broader and more complete perspective.
The key question is what kind of perspective we want. We can choose to have a narrow, one-sided view, or we can seek a heavenly perspective that is fuller and more balanced. These are the ideas I plan to talk about in detail next week.
I want us all to pause and agree that God will powerfully enter our lives. I desire that we truly attach ourselves to Him, to “Levi” Him. This is not just about setting a rule to pray for a set number of minutes each day. It is about wanting a genuine relationship with God.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
I shared a story about Smith Wigglesworth. He was known for getting up very early to pray. People wanted to copy his routine, hoping for the same results. But when they tried, they often just ended up falling asleep. The difference is that Wigglesworth prayed because he had a close relationship with God. The others were following a recipe or formula, hoping it would bring results.
The key point is that faith and prayer must come from who we are, not from fixed routines. We are meant to truly connect with God, not just follow patterns. What I really want is for the Lord to make this real in my life. I want to be so close to Him that I hear Him say, “The battle is not yours; it is Mine.” This is the kind of attachment and trust I long for.
Let us pray and ask God to make the Levi principle real in our lives. I recognize how easy it is to become too busy with the cares of life, ministry, and daily responsibilities. Sometimes, I get so involved in all these other things that I forget what matters most—my connection with God. I feel a deep need for balance and for the spiritual focus that the Levi principle represents. More than anything, I want God to make this a true part of who I am, not just a religious habit. My prayer is that I will desire to be close to Him and to attach myself to Him sincerely.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
I invite others to join in this prayer. We ask God together: Father, make the desire to draw near to you a real part of our hearts. Help us to seek you, not out of duty or routine, but out of genuine longing to be united with you. Let this principle shape how we live each day.
As we finish, I also pray for God’s blessing on everyone here. I thank God for the people who are dedicated and hardworking. I pray for those facing challenges in their finances, health, families, or relationships. Lord, bless them and fill them with joy and strength. Be with us as we gather again to worship and praise you as a community. May we all experience your presence and learn to “Levi” you—to truly attach ourselves to you each day. Amen. God bless you.
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
Numbers Chapter 1: How to see God’s Massive Provision
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