S) "46 For the ransom of the 273 of the firstborn of the sons of Israel who are in excess beyond the Levites,"
Numbers 3:46 (NASB)
O) There is no small amount of counting in the book of Numbers. While reading through the book, chapter by chapter, it can be tempting to assume that these numbers are estimates. Many of them seem conveniently even, or round in their totals. So, when I came to v.43, the number of the firstborn males among all the people, from one month old and up, I was a little surprised to read such an exact, seemingly random number (22,273). This stands in contrast to the number of the Levites, which was 22,000 (seemingly a rounded estimate of some kind). So, when I read the above verse, it served to confirm that these numbers are indeed exact. Furthering that point, God told Moses he was to ransom these 273 with five shekels per person, at 1,365 (see v.50).
A) Over and over, I am impressed by the specificity of our God. He is exact in His nature and instruction. Details matter to Him. This is important and relatable, because details matter to me. The details of my life might seem mundane or trivial to some, and it's easy to assume that the God of the universe who has so much to do and so many responsibilities, might also be unconcerned with the details of my life. But, details matter to Him. He knows the numbers of every hair on my head, He wants each and every life redeemed. He does not want any matter to be ignored or slip through the cracks. My details matter to Him, and that is a great comfort. At the same time, the details of the lives of other people, should also matter to me. I cannot be selfish about which details matter. This is the compassion of the LORD, the compassion I should have.
P) Father, thank You so much for being a detailed, personal God to me. I am so encouraged and comforted with the knowledge, that You can about my details. I want to serve others with that same kind of attention. I know I can't solve their problems, not like You can, but I want to come alongside them, bearing their burdens with them. Open my eyes to see and my ears to hear, not just about Your will and plans, but also to see and hear others the way You hear and see them. Soften my heart to encourage and comfort those in need, and to serve them the way You would serve them directly. Use me to glorify Your name and accomplish Your will. In Jesus' name I pray. Amen.
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