A Useless and Outdated Census
This is one of my favorite verses in all of Scripture, because it perfectly describes the gift that Scripture is:
“All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness, that the man of God may be complete, equipped for every good work” (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
And another verse just like it: “For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart” (Hebrews 4:12).
These verses were the motivation behind my newly published (and now second) daily devotional, Everyday Gospel. Ten years after writing New Morning Mercies, I wanted to provide you with another book that encouraged you with the gospel, every day.
The difference with Everyday Gospel is that my 365 devotions follow a Bible reading plan. Each meditation is written out of a specific passage of Scripture and takes you from Genesis through Revelation in a year.
But here’s where things get interesting—or perplexing. A Genesis-through-Revelation reading plan will inevitably bring you to the first chapter of Numbers: “A Census of Israel’s Warriors.”
As the title of this biblical book implies, the children of Israel are being numbered, listed, designated, and ordered by tribes.
And…what’s the point?
What does this have to do with anything I’m facing or need in my life? Unless I’m into historical data, how is this profitable for teaching? How do these numbers train me in righteousness?
No one listed here is living. The census data isn’t active anymore. How in the world does the book of Numbers pierce my soul and spirit or discern the thoughts and intentions of my heart?
On the surface, Numbers seems unnecessary. Can’t we just skip this part of the Bible reading plan and get to the “good stuff”, like Joshua, with popular and helpful verses like, “Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be frightened, and do not be dismayed, for the Lord your God is with you wherever you go” (1:9).
But the apostle Paul says that every book—in fact, every word!—is in your Bible for your spiritual maturation and readiness. So, before you rush over particular passages of Scripture that seem pointless, ask yourself: “How does my loving heavenly Father, who loves me with an everlasting love, want me to be helped by what seems so distant and unhelpful?”
Why is Numbers in the Bible? First, it reminds us of the intimate and specific care God has for his people. He numbers each one of them. God’s care is so active and complete that he constantly knows the exact number of those he has taken as his own possession.
God loves us so much that he never quits counting us, and he never loses track of one of his children. If a loving father counts his children as they get in the car after a day at the amusement park, how much more does our perfect heavenly Father number each and every one of his own? God’s divine attention is constantly on his children.
Second, we learn that God is not only numbering and ordering his children but is prospering them as well. This group of former slaves is now a growing nation.
Why is this important to you and me? Because the hope of the universe is in the prospering of the children of Israel. Out of them will come the Savior, Jesus, who will provide forgiveness, reconciliation to God, and final renewal of all that sin has broken.
P.S. – with Christmas coming up, what could be a better gift to a loved one than a devotional that encourages them to spend daily time in God’s Word? Consider ordering copies of Everyday Gospel at PaulTripp.com/EverydayGospel.
A Prayer for Today: Lord God, help me to understand that every word of Scripture is beneficial and useful to me. I am prone, Father, to want to skip over pieces of the Bible that I feel don’t really line up with where I’m at or what I’m going through, and I need you to help me see how all Scripture is profitable for teaching, reproof, correction, and training in righteousness. Help me to see what the point is in every single one of your words. In Jesus’ name, amen.
God bless,
Paul Tripp
Discussion Prompt for Children:
• Are certain books of the Bible or certain Bible stories more exciting to you than others? Which ones? Do you think the more “uninteresting” parts of the Bible are important too? Why or why not?
• Why do you think God included what he did in the Bible and how can we respond in light of what he’s decided to be in his Word?
Reflection Questions
1. What parts of Scripture are you tempted to skip over because it might be uninteresting or even boring to you? Why do you think God decided to include in his Word the parts that you find unappealing?
2. What do you think Paul means when he says that every part of your Bible is profitable? Was he being hyperbolic or literal? Do you think that if you can’t figure out what the point of some pieces of Scripture are that there may be no point at all? Why or why not?
3. Why are the confusing or “boring” parts of the Bible potential opportunities for you to get to know God better? How can those parts of Scripture help you go deeper into your relationship with him and mature you in ways that you currently aren’t mature?
4. Why is all Scripture (every word) important to you personally? How can that intellectual recognition of importance spill over into how you live your everyday life?