Order: Our God Is A God Of Order

Bread

The Lion Loosed

At the LORD’s command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. When the cloud remained over the tabernacle a long time, the Israelites obeyed the LORD’s order and did not set out. Sometimes the cloud was over the tabernacle only a few days; at the LORD’s command they would encamp, and then at his command they would set out. Sometimes the cloud stayed only from evening till morning, and when it lifted in the morning, they set out. Whether by day or by night, whenever the cloud lifted, they set out. Whether the cloud stayed over the tabernacle for two days or a month or a year, the Israelites would remain in camp and not set out; but when it lifted, they would set out. At the LORD’s command they encamped, and at the LORD’s command they set out. They obeyed the LORD’s order, in accordance with his command through Moses. Numbers 9:18-23 (NIV)

Butter

The Lesson Learned

Good job Israelites! It is always in our best interest to follow “the LORD’s order’s”, Amen?  He has a plan and it is in our best interest to walk in it – not flee or abort mission. And at that time, the Israelites knew it. The Red Sea parting was fresh in their minds. We should give a heads to their obedience in this instance. Our God is a God of order and there is purpose and timing in everything He allows.  Everything. Even, and probably especially, the hard of life. Don’t we so often want to abort mission when things are not of our choosing yet we are all about His will when things are going swimmingly well! We seldom take time to consider when the rains are falling that His goodness will always outshine His trials and there is purpose in both for His children.

God’s plan is good and pleasing and perfect for every heir of mercy. Just as music has order and is composed of all sorts of notes and in differing keys so too God’s plans for our lives. God tells us through the pen of Jeremiah that He knows the plans He has for us – plans to prosper and not harm, plans for hope and a future. There is nothing chance or happenstance in a life – everything allowed is pregnant with purpose – though often breathtakingly hard.

Heart Savor

The Lion Roars

This is what the LORD says: “When seventy years are completed for Babylon, I will come to you and fulfill my gracious promise to bring you back to this place. For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call upon me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you. You will seek me and find me when you seek me with all your heart. I will be found by you,” declares the LORD, “and will bring you back from captivity.” Jeremiah 29:10-14 (NIV)

  • We are never to be lacking in zeal but keep our spiritual fervor serving the Lord.
  • We are to be zealous for the Lord’s great Name – through His power for His glory.
  • Create in me a pure heart and a steadfast spirit Oh Lord.