God Speaks
Rules for Quarantine, Restitution, Suspicion of Unfaithfulness and Special Vows
Verse of the Day: “The LORD bless and keep you; the LORD make His face shine on you and be gracious to you; the LORD turn His face toward you and give you peace.” (Numbers 6:24-26 NIV 2011)
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We Respond
Reflection: Consider the following questions regarding Numbers 5-6:
1. What does this chapter tell me about God?
2. What does this chapter tell me about the human beings He created?
Here is one possible answer to each of these questions. Ask the Holy Spirit if there are any others for you personally to ponder.
Numbers 5
1. God knows and watches out for His people whether in regard to infectious diseases, any kind of wrongdoing to other people, or marital unfaithfulness and/or jealousy.
2. People are prone to participate in activities that result in a need for quarantine or repentance or cause jealousy.
Numbers 6
1. God desires to bless His people, and He has given specific instructions as to what people should do or not do when they make a special vow to Him.
2. People often need physical reminders that God takes vows very seriously, but if they will obey the LORD, He will bless them.
Prayer:
3. How might I pray regarding Numbers 5-6?
Dear LORD God, because You love people, You set up procedures that facilitate forgiveness and assuage jealousy. May I avoid wronging anyone, but if I do, may I admit my guilt to myself, to You, and to the offended party. Then, help me to make restitution and restore any damaged relations as quickly as possible. LORD, pastors, priests, and other spiritual leaders have the difficult tasks of representing people before You and representing You before people. Help me and other followers of the faith (specifically of Jesus) to give them their due and follow their godly lead. If I am married, please keep me from saying or doing things that would make my spouse suspicious or jealous. Instead, may I be diligent in serving my spouse and seeking their good. If I am single, may I show my utmost respect for the bonds of marriage as You intended. LORD God, You take death (the loss of life) so seriously that You gave instructions as to what to do if a death occurred during the special period of a vow. Holy Spirit, please help me (and other Christ followers) to take life and death much more seriously. May we value and celebrate life and look forward to Your ultimate banishment of death. Holy Spirit, please help me to make few vows and to be faithful to carry out the ones I do make. I join Aaron and his sons in speaking the following blessing over those You, LORD God, have called me to love: “May the LORD bless you and protect you. May the LORD smile on you and be gracious to you. May the LORD show you His favor and give you His peace.”* As You proceed to answer this prayer and blessing, we will all bring You glory, LORD. AMEN
*(Numbers 6:24–26 NLT)
Action: (Ask God, the Holy Spirit, if He wants you to work on one of the suggestions below or something else more personal that He points out.)
4. What action does the LORD want me to take in response to Numbers 5-6? With the help of God’s Holy Spirit:
- I will self-quarantine when I have been exposed to a disease or condition that would harm others.
- I will watch my words and actions so I will remain pure to my wedding (or other) vows.
- I will not falsely accuse someone of wronging me. Instead, I will go to them privately (and in the presence of God) in order to settle the matter. If necessary, I will appeal to someone in authority.
- I will pray Numbers 6: 24-26 (AKA the Aaronic blessing) over my family, friends, strangers, and enemies on a regular basis.
Share: I plan to share what I’ve learned with __________.