I went through the Georgia, DMV tag line recently. And I was reminded how easily people can get worked up over something they don't understand or "think they understand" and want to push their opinions on others around them. As I entered the tag office there was a man asking each person who entered the building, "Have you filled out your census report and sent it back in yet?" I had to say "No". The gentleman was very nice and replied back "You need to get it in, we're waiting for you."

A man came in behind me and was asked the same question. This man however, replied "yes" and then proceeded to tell the other gentleman why he only filled in two of the questions. "It's an invasion of privacy" "It wasn't the original intent of the census to divide the country into districts, so that the democrats can make sure that certain ethnic or economic groups will be the majority, to insure that they vote for them". He had all kinds of reasons why he disagreed with the process.

Right behind him, a black couple came in and were asked the same question.
They replied "yes" very kindly and then were subjected to the constant negative comments of the man in front of them. As he continued to talk about the different races that "are so easily influenced" as he put it; it was obvious to me that the couple was very unhappy with the man's comments. Not to mention the fact that he was holding up the line. I was embarrassed that the man kept directing his comments to me, as if we were old friends. I finally succeeded, after several tries to get the man to change the subject. And I was certainly relieved when my turn finally came to get out of the line and purchase my tags.

The experience reminded me that not everyone is interested in my opinions and I pray that I am sensitive to those around me when I am expressing them. As Christians, we are called to be kind, meek, and Christ like. It is possible to share, even a passionate belief, in a way that is not offensive to those who may not necessarily agree with our views. On the other hand it is important for us to speak up when injustice is done. Jesus did teach us that...even He could "be angry and sin not." We are to be salt and light in a dark world....don't be silent, but do be Christ like!!

Numbers 4-7 These chapters not only deal with the census, but also designate the duties of specific families within the tribe of the Levites. Remember, from our previous studies, that the Levites were the tribe from which the priest were chosen. Therefore, the duties of these families revolved around the erection, operation, and disassembly of the tabernacle, and were described in detail.

Duties of the Sons of Kohath (4:1-20)
Duties of the Sons of Gershon (4:21-28)
Duties of the Sons of Merari (4:29-33)
Census of the Levites (4:34-49)

Ceremonially Unclean Persons Isolated (5:1-4)
Confession and Restitution (5:5-10)
Concerning Unfaithful Women (5:11-31)
This is very interesting to me. According to Nelson, the test described here in verses 11 through 33 was to prevent jealousy and suspicion. These verses describe the "law of jealousy." whereby a woman suspected of marital unfaithfulness had to be brought to the priest for trial before the Lord (v.16), who alone could reveal the truth of the matter; thigh to rot...belly to swell. Some physical disorder causing sterility (vs. 21,22,27). Ultimately, it appears that God must have miraculously controlled the results whenever this test was used. Nelson also believes that verse 27 could be referring to the miscarriage of a child. Also indicating that God's divine will was performed in the lives of those whether guilty or innocent of unfaithfulness to their husbands.
Neither the water nor the dust could by itself cause "the swelling of the belly" or the "rotting of the thigh". But God certainly could.

The law of the Nazirite(6:1-21)
A Nazirite (from a verb meaning "to separate or abstain") was a layperson of either sex who was bound by a vow of consecration to God's service for a specific period of time or in some cases for life. He could drink no fruit of the vine, could not eat grapes or raisins (vs.3-4), could not cut his hair (vs. 5) and could not defile himself by going near a dead person (vs. 6-7) These outward signs served as a public testimony of his dedication to God.
The Priestly Blessing (6:22-27)

Offerings of the Leaders (7:1-89)
This process must have been very important to the Lord. He dedicated 89 verse to the description of the offerings that were given by the leaders of each of the twelve tribes. The offerings were both orderly and abundant.

This chapter brings a thought to my mind.
"Everything rises and falls on leadership." How many times have you heard that? God commanded these leaders to bring specific offerings, brought to the temple by tribes in a specific order, and they were lavish. This beautiful display of love for the Lord was a shining example for the people. The leadership was setting the bar high so that the people would follow their example of gratitude to a God who preserved, protected and continued to provide for their needs in the wilderness journey. As long as they blessed God, He would in turn bless them. We see this throughout the Old Testament scriptures.

Let's follow their example. We must let our offerings to the Lord be lavish. We must let them be an example and a testimony to the fact that the Lord has blessed us so abundantly. I don't know about you, but I certainly have been blessed beyond what I deserve. I want my offerings to be a reflection of that blessing for the world to see...