Thoughts on the readings for April 8th (Numbers 26; Proverbs 18; Philippians 1, 2)

Numbers 26 tells of the census that was taken of the new generation - those who were above 20 years of age, when 38 years earlier God had destined their fathers to die in the desert because of their failure to believe God could give them the Land He had promised to Abraham.This generation would be stedfast in the ways of the LORD. It would be that way for at least one and a half generations - see Joshua 24:31. Some of the more numerous tribes declined in number during their wasting away in the wilderness. There is almost a direct relationship between the rebellions started by certain tribes and their significant reduction in population prior to the entry into the Promised Land. These numbers were used together with a distribution by lot to determine the size of the land each tribe would inherit. There was no census for the Levites as Yahweh was their portion. The other salutary lesson from this chapter is the inheritance that would be given to faithful Caleb and Joshua, who wholly followed Yahweh with their heart; at the time that the bull of the nation were consigned to perishing in the wilderness because they yielded to their evil hearts of unbelief; and failed to trust in "the Living God". Proverbs 18 is about friendship its benefits and its obligations. Verses 1-8 outlines wise thinking and the words which the wise speak - words which bring blessings to those who heed what was said. By contrast verses 6-7 tell us that a fool's mouth is an invitation to strife and his words continually bring trouble upon his head. Gossip is the way of the fool and those associated with him will experience total disaster. Verses 9-19 speaks about the need for diligence in order to be successful. These are contrasted with the true protection, which never fails, the name of Yahweh is a fortress (v10). Those who trust in the LORD are imperishable. They are indestructible. The life of the faithful is in the hand of their Maker. They need have no fear of men, because of their reverence for the Almighty - Matthew 10:16-33. Read aloud slowly. Contemplate this message for how you will live your life before your Sovereign and as a witness to your community. The wise men speaks of pride preceding a fall (v12). We are told to listen before speaking (v13). Generosity paves the way for acceptance (v16). Don't win an argument via persistence - be prepared to agree through a lot, ie it doesn't matter if you never win. If you simply win through aggression, or because you won't stop arguing you have lost a friend and a great deal more (v18). Verse 19 tells us that if your insistence creates a rift then it can only be healed via great efforts and immense sufferings. Verses 20-24 tell us, yet once again to be diligent in order to live adequately. What a great lesson verse 21 teaches - your tongue can save another person, or destroy them. A Godly companion in life is an aid and blessing in our walk towards the kingdom of God (v22). Be a close friend rather than a ruinous babbler (v24). According to Acts 28 Paul spent two years under house arrest in Rome (AD62-64). During this time Philippians, and Philemon were written. Acts 16 provided the background to the gospel arriving in Philippi. Philippians is called Paul's letter of joy and its theme is, "Rejoice in the Lord always, and again I say rejoice." In chapter 1 of the letter the Apostle described his constant thanksgiving for the love of the believers in that city - colony which was heavily Roman in every way. He told them of the advance of the gospel in Rome and that even members of the Praetorian guard had become faithful believers. Unfortunately, not all 'brethren' were happy - there was a group of false believers (known as Judaisers) whose motives for preaching were to see Paul persecuted. Paul, indeed would have been happy to die for the faith, nonetheless he felt that continued living would be for the benefit of the believers. In chapter 2 we have wonderful exhortations of Christ's mindset, as always being to honour and exalt his Father and for the benefit of others. Let that, said Paul, be the attitude of every believer. As God's Son our Lord had a status higher than anyone; yet he suffered as a servant the death of the cross. Now he is exalted at the Father's right hand with the name of Yahweh Himself (Isaiah 45). Believers bare the responsibility of shining as lights among this twisted world. He showed that Timothy and Epaphroditus both demonstrated Christ-like love for the believers in Philippi. Their own lives were put behind the course and purpose of the gospel. Penned by Warwick Rosser and his team, produced by Christadelphianvideo.org See more Thoughts from the Christadelphian Dialy Bible Reading Planner (By R.Roberts) here... https://christadelphianvideo.org/thoughts-on-the-readings-for-april-8th-numbers-26-proverbs-18-philippians-1-2/?feed_id=89206&_unique_id=67f5171d27e11