7.5.26 – His Bride and New Beginnings, Part 1

As we finished our Torah study on Shabbat, I went back and looked at the five primary focuses, each reflecting a distinct call from the Bridegroom of Heaven to His bride. In the opening verses, the narrative centered on the special covenant relationship Yahweh established with Phineas, son of Elazar, whose act of zeal stopped a plague and brought atonement for a great national sin. I called this the Great Call to Zeal for God's House (Num. 25).

The focus then shifted to preparing the camp of the Redeemed for an imminent and bloody war with Midian—Time for God's Bride to Take Up Arms (Matt. 11:11–12; Num. 26).

Next, we see a building hunger among the camp to claim their inheritance in the land of the Patriarchs, illustrated by the daughters of Tzelofechad (Num. 27).

Now the narrative shifts again, this time to the impending transition in earthly leadership from the rod of Moses to the sword of Joshua. Here is where we Let Go of the Past and Finally Embrace the Bridegroom's Plan for the Future (Num. 27).

Chapters close. Seasons change. Eras pass. Regimes rise and fall. Creation constantly renews itself. Just as we grow comfortable with the way things are, they cease to be that way. The only thing we can count on enduring forever is the Covenant.

Around the time we mentally and emotionally settle into a season of life, the outer bands of the clouds Yahweh sends to usher in the next season appear on our horizon (Num. 28–30).

Are you feeling the winds of transition beginning to blow?

The Camp of the Redeemed is by no means exempt from these winds. Last week's Torah portion makes it clear that their atmospheric pressure will soon impact our camp dramatically.

There is no point in fighting it or denying it. We might as well accept it, embrace it, and prepare for it. Moses is 120 years old and has been told he will not lead the Camp into the Promised Land. A dramatic change in leadership and direction is imminent.

This is life—and this is good.

Yahweh wants us all to be ready to step out of the old and into the new He has for us, without excessive trauma or drama.

Let me encourage you to read the entire Torah portion, Pinchas (Num. 25–30).

Enjoy your freedom (July 5)!

Shalom,
Alan

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