Numbers 33

Numbers is a book about a journey through the wilderness, a journey that was almost over. In this chapter God recounted that journey stage by stage.

It all began with the triumph of the Passover executed by God in the sight of Israel's enemies. God poured out His judgments against oppressive people and their false divinities. Like the first day of faith in the life of one who has been redeemed by Christ, the old was now past, and the new had come.

This was only the beginning of a journey for the people of Israel. They were not immediately transported to the promised land. They had to face hunger and thirst, and they found the Lord's provision through trial. Now they had memories of their sin and of the Lord's testing and His goodness toward them, memories associated with places like Elim and Rephidim.

Some did not make it through the entire journey. Aaron the priest died on Mount Hor. Of course there were so many who died...

They encountered other peoples in their journeys. Other nations heard about them and were afraid. Now they were camped out at the plains of Moab as the day drew near to receive the promise that the Lord had spoken to their fathers.

At this time the Lord spoke to Moses about the future. The conquest was ahead of the people. They were to drive out all the inhabitants of the promised land. They were to execute God's judgment against them and their idols. They were to settle in that new land. They were to possess the good gift of the Lord. Life was not over. It was finally beginning.

This was not a time to shrink back. If they did not drive out the people from the land this would mean much trouble for many generations. Not only that, they would face trouble from God, for they would become like the people that God was judging, and they would face the anger of the Lord against them, and would themselves be driven from the land.

We have a promised land that is now across the Jordan of the end of our earthly days. Like the plains of Moab, our final years are for us the last stop before we come to a much better land. Those who draw near that river may savor memories of earlier travels. They consider the day of their deliverance from sin that came to them through the death of Jesus, the Son of God. They remember times of testing and trial. They have not always obeyed. They have faced the loving discipline of the Lord, and they have grown in the grace and knowledge of Jesus Christ.

Now they would like to finish well. They, together with all of the church, are told to set their minds on things that are above where Christ is.

In one way their moment of finishing well is very much like the Israelites of old as they camped near the Jordan awaiting the Word of the Lord. They should know that though their journey through this wilderness is almost over, the glorious life is very near to them. They can look back, but they should especially look forward, since there is so much more ahead of them than what lays behind them.

In another way, they are in a very different situation than the Israelites. They will not enter a picture of heaven, but heaven itself, They do not have the danger of disobedience ahead of them leading to the horrible risk of the Lord thrusting them out of the land. Their position in heaven is completely secure by the work of Jesus Christ. They will soon be perfected in holiness. They will live in the glory of Christ forever.

One day they will come back with Christ at His return, when heaven comes to earth. They will have no doubt and no sin forever. The Lord will be their all in all, and their lives will be full for all eternity. They have the assurance of a true hope.