Stand Still

O. T. #314  "Stand Still"
June 2, 2014
Numbers 9-Part 1
And Moses said unto them, Stand still, and I will hear what the LORD will command concerning you.  Numbers 9:8

LET IT GLOW

How often do we stand still and hear what the Lord has to say for us? For others? Am I still long enough to hear the Lord speak to me? Do I pray for others with heavy burdens?

It was only written down that it happened twice in forty years. It was the first of seven great religious festivals, first observed in Leviticus 23:5. Can you guess what it was?
If you are reading chapter 9, you know I am talking about the Passover.

This feast was first introduced by God and observed by Israel during their final days in Egypt (Ex. 12). Israel may have kept it on other occasions, but we are not told about it. The next observance of this feast took place on the western bank of the Jordan (Joshua 5:10) in the land of Canaan. (Falwell)

I wonder how many children only go to church on Easter morning during the year. Have we neglected to share the deliverance God has made for our soul? Our deliverance is from the penalty of sin. Does our family see Him working in our life throughout the year?
Do they see us opening up the Bible and reading it more than once a year? What about our grandchildren?

LET IT GROW

Look at our key verse. Moses was faced with a problem at this time. He needed counsel from God so he could give others counsel. What did he do?
Moses told them to stand still and he would hear what the LORD commanded the people to do.

Do people share their problems with us and we don't have an answer for them. How can we help them? Go to God for instructions for them. He holds the solution.

What was the problem Moses confronted? Some Israelites had touched a dead body and were ceremonially unclean to participate in the Passover. What were they to do?
When Moses asked, God answered:
Tell the Israelites when any of you and your descendants are unclean because of a dead body or are away on a journey, they may still celebrate the LORD's Passover. (verse 9, NIV)

They were given specific instructions:

• A month later they could observe the Passover.
• They were to eat all of the lamb with unleavened bread and bitter herbs, not leaving any leftovers.
• They must not break any of the lamb's bones.

Another situation was about the one who was ceremonially clan and not on a journey, but did not celebrate the Passover. He was to be cut off from his people because he did not present the LORD"s offering at the appointed time. He was to bear the consequences of his sin.

Do we bear the consequences of our sin, even if we have asked forgiveness? Yes.

Galatians 6:5 says, For every man shall bear his own burden.

Each one shall carry his own responsibility, shoulder his own pack, bear his own private load.
The Greek word phortion is used to designate a pack carried by a soldier.

Do we intercede for others like Moses did?

LET IT GO

Allow the Lord to use me wherever.

Study His Word so I can follow it.

Pray for others.