As we travel “into the wilderness” and examine the book of Numbers, let us have a Gospel lens. If we study this passage we will see glimpses of the sovereignty of God and His divine grace! Work through this passage with context in mind; remembering the significance of the first-borns (Exodus 13) and the reputation of the Levites (Genesis 49:6-7). There is something to be said about redemption. Redemption is a biblical word that means "a purchase" or "a ransom." We know that the Israelites would fall short if they tried to redeem themselves. And many of us are all too familiar with feelings that derive from trying to earn Grace, and most of the time they leave us in a place of guilt or shame. Nevertheless, like the Israelites, only God can redeem us.
Numbers 3:40-51
40 The Lord said to Moses, “Count all the firstborn Israelite males who are a month old or more and make a list of their names. 41 Take the Levites for me in place of all the firstborn of the Israelites, and the livestock of the Levites in place of all the firstborn of the livestock of the Israelites. I am the Lord.” 42 So Moses counted all the firstborn of the Israelites, as the Lord commanded him. 43 The total number of firstborn males a month old or more, listed by name, was 22,273. 44 The Lord also said to Moses, 45 “Take the Levites in place of all the firstborn of Israel, and the livestock of the Levites in place of their livestock. The Levites are to be mine. I am the Lord. 46 To redeem the 273 firstborn Israelites who exceed the number of the Levites, 47 collect five shekels for each one, according to the sanctuary shekel, which weighs twenty gerahs. 48 Give the money for the redemption of the additional Israelites to Aaron and his sons.” 49 So Moses collected the redemption money from those who exceeded the number redeemed by the Levites. 50 From the firstborn of the Israelites he collected silver weighing 1,365 shekels, according to the sanctuary shekel. 51 Moses gave the redemption money to Aaron and his sons, as he was commanded by the word of the Lord.
[ WHAT ] is this passage saying and what is a key truth or thought that we learn?
+ Why do the first-born children need to be redeemed?
+ What does it really mean to be redeemed? What is the difference between this redemption and the redemption Christ offered?
+ What similarities are there between the substitution of the levites for the first-borns and the substitution of Christ on our behalf?
+ Despite the Levites “reputation” (Genesis 49:6-7), God, with his divine grace, would take Moses, Aaron and his sons from this tribe. How does this represent what Christ has done for us?
[ HOW ] is the Lord calling me to action/obedience?
+ Is there a sin to confess or a next step to take? How has it gone since last time?
+ The church is referred to as the church of the first-born, which is redeemed. The Church is not redeemed with silver or gold but is ransomed with the precious blood of Jesus the Son of God. Have you basked in that reality for yourself?
+ What difference does God’s forgiveness of all your sins make in your life?
+ If you have persistent feelings of guilt or shame, how does the full redemption of Jesus on your behalf counter that?
+ What habits do I have which keep me in a state of guilt?
[ WHO ] am I walking with and praying for to discover Jesus?
+ What is my next step?
+ What stops me from talking to my neighbors or co-workers about Jesus?
+ Do you desire and pray for redemption in the lives of your neighbors and coworkers?