2019-9-9

Psalm 39 1-13 & Numbers 36

Psalm 39: 1-13

Everyone Is But A Breath

Psalm 39 amazingly echoes with Ecclesiastes. Life is short and fragile. What should we look upon and store up during the limited span of this mortal life?  Our treasure is in heaven and our hope is in Christ. The end result of our faith is the salvation of our souls.

Numbers 36:1-13

About Inheritance
Cross reference: Colossians 3:23-24
無論做什麼，都要從心裡做，像是給主做的，不是給人做的，
Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters,
因你們知道從主那裡必得著基業為賞賜；你們所事奉的乃是主基督。
since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving.

Chapter 36 concludes the commands and regulations the Lord gave through Moses in the book of Numbers. Last, but not the least, the second part of the instructions of the inheritance of Zelophehad’s daughters were given. The first part of the instructions in Numbers 27 established the case that daughters could have a part of the father’s inheritance; the second part of the instructions found in Number 36 completed the case that after the daughters, the inheritance should still remain in the same tribe and clan.

At the end of the book of Numbers, Israelites were still on the plains of Moab, the promised land was still a ‘promise’. Why the instructions on the inheritance and the seriousness? It is all about God and it is all about faith – the certainty of His promise.

What is our perspective toward inheritance? Through faith by grace we are saved and received by His kingdom, a better country – a heavenly one. It is a serious matter and should be reminded that what we read today is a shadow of the good things that are coming.

Lord, thank you for giving us the instructions of life; thank you for giving us the way, the truth, and the life. Thank you for your faithfulness and the work of Jesus. May we all be reminded that we have been called by you from the dark, redeemed by the precious blood of Christ, given by the inheritance, and consecrated for serving you.  Help us to spend our time, resources, and energy wisely, for we are just a breath, and Your Words and Kingdom remains. In the name of Jesus we pray, amen.          —- Ivy Lin