Walking the path of the journey through the wilderness must not have been easy. But imagine if there was no order. It would be a chaotic mess and with that many peoples struggles, of every variety, would arise. We see in the first chapter (Numbers 1-3) that the Lord instructs Moses to conduct a census. Then following this census we see that a formation is structured. Taking a bird’s eye view we see that there are four groups composed of three tribes each. Three tribes flank each side of the Temple when camping. And when traveling, the Levites carry the Temple between groups 2 and 3.
Now imagine yourself as a part of this group. You specifically have a place, purpose and you belong to that group. Alfred Adler, a historical psychologist proposed the idea of needing to belong as a core drive of human nature and that many people construct their choices around this need. Maslow’s hierarchy of needs does not include this concept until tier three, however it may influence even the basic choices we each make everyday. God in His wisdom designed a template that belonging can be applied in multiple situations giving each person a place, a purpose and an area where they belong.
Looking at this template we see that it resembles a table. A place where people come together to be nourished and blessed. Shrink the image down and you have a family table, an organizations table, a political table, a place where tribes, people of all nations can meet together. With the Father being at the core center of the table – always – He provides the nourishment the blessings as we come to worship and sup with Him. You are at this table, you belong.
We each individually provide an item, a skill, a sacrifice to bring to worship – an offering. As if we were raising our hands and dancing as we go to meet together with God. He carefully choregraphed every move of the Israelites in Numbers. He is still carefully choregraphing our lives each day. His word states in Jeremiah 10:23 “Lord, I know that peoples lives are not their own, it is not for them to direct their steps.” And in Proverbs 16:9 ” A man’s heart plans his course, but the Lord determines his steps.” This is to encourage you in understanding that the Lord leads us and will guide us into His wisdom and the direction He has for us.
The direction of this world today would resemble chaos and a deconstruction of the template. The template in church’s today does not resemble the same image as it did with the Israelite’s in the wilderness. Now there is a a stage and an audience which has Greek and Roman cultural fingerprints. Looking at the birds eye view of that template only one person is sitting at the table. And that is how that seems to be how the world is attempting to transition into. One person in charge, one person leading, one world order. Also, one person at a desk, one person eating alone. This eliminates the individuals place, purpose and position within society. The individual begins to question their identity, their role, their purpose. This is so evident in our culture today. We are aware of it, but what are the practical applications for shifting it?
We start where we are, that is always the first step. Small steps make big changes. That’s why if the Lord tells you to doing something small, trust Him, it will be worth it! We started with inviting our children to dinner every time there was something to celebrate outside of traditional holidays. When we came together we left the rat race behind and we just came together to bring celebration back into our lives. This has been the best and most wonderful healing of our family. We are all busy and there is no hard feelings if someone can’t make it we just keep trying, we just keep doing it. That gathering around the table to eat and break bread together has strengthened us and given us encouragement and a place where we all belong.
At the table, there are always rules. Most of the times we don’t even recognize the rules because they are basic standards of society – like manners. But there are also relationship rules. And those are different for each family. But a few basics that are needed to begin to heal is don’t talk politics or religion. You establish the rules before hand like we always pray at every meal, we don’t curse and we have respect for each other. We see that it is scriptural to have established rules when coming together. The specific examples are in the first five books on which you can find 1 Corinthians 11 & 14 and Matthew 18 also commenting on the discipline and reverence in gatherings. Some may argue that we must talk about religion or politics. However, those are not priority as Yeshuah instructs us to love. For example, if the person in your family cannot stomach these topics because of their own struggles – you have to trust God that He is working! And you can silently say a prayer and love them as Jesus did. Starting out with love and keeping your focus on just loving your family.
Loving your family also means listening to them. If you are the parent, letting your children speak fully and without interruptions sends them a message that what they have to say is important. Practice being silent, you will be amazed at the results. And remember the golden rule – “do unto others as you would have them do unto you.” This also applies to “say unto others, what you would have them say unto you.” If what your about to say doesn’t align with Philippines 4:8 then don’t say it. We serve our children and we love them. James 3:10
Are you a leader? If so, then all these things pertain to you even more. Bringing your people together, loving them and listening more than speaking can begin the change, the reconstruction. Even the most renowned King Solomon waited to speak until after he heard all that needed to be said from the cases presented before him. There are frustrations often when working with people and challenges. We can see that also in Numbers where Moses was challenged. Following his example, taking it to the Lord in prayer, we find our solution. As we all walk through this wilderness of society and culture, lets remember to come to the Lord’s table, feast on His word, hear His voice and be nourished. Be blessed brothers and sisters, you are always in our prayers.
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