Scripture Union Daily Guide 16th January 2025 (Thursday) Devotional Message
TOPIC: Census for service
OPENING PRAYER: Dear Lord, grant me understanding and illumination as I ponder on your word in Jesus name.
TODAY’S SCRIPTURE: Numbers 4:1-20
QUESTIONS FOR REFLECTION
► Q 1: What does the passage teach about God the Father, or God the Son or God the Holy Spirit?
► Q7: What truth is God revealing to me in this passage?
Scripture Union Daily Guide 16th January 2025 – OUTLINE
Each census that the Lord commanded Moses to carry out was for a particular purpose. Compare the purpose of this census with that of Numbers 3. All Levites, old and young, are dedicated to the Lord. They are offered to Him in place of the first-born sons who belong to the Lord. They are to wholly serve in the Tent of Meeting and “take care of the most holy things” (Numbers 4:3-4).
While the first census was therefore to number the entire Levite tribe, this census relates to the working force, those who can serve in the tabernacle. These are men who are strong and able-bodied who can park and carry the holy items. The Lord, hence, limited this census to all who are 30 to 50-years old. What can we learn from this concerning when we should give ourselves in God’s service? The Lord demands and deserves the best part of our life here on earth, especially, the prime of our life.
The task assigned to the Kohathites carries a great responsibility. It is as important and as delicate as the ministry of the priests. Notice how God clearly spells out their Job Description. They dare not mishandle any item of worship. Every part is holy, and their handlers cannot afford to make any mistake. We will see later in the year the consequence of failing to strictly obey these instructions (2 Samuel 6). There is no time to say, “I am sorry”. The judgment is instant. How seriously do you take the ministry God has assigned you? No work in God’s house is unimportant.
* Any new insight or reinforcement of what you already know?
Offer a prayer of faith in line with: 1 Samuel 2:9
CLOSING PRAYER: Help me, dear Lord, to know my responsibility and fulfil it with all diligence. * Read chapters 1-3
One Bible Reading Guide:
Genesis 26-27, Psalm 11.
PRAYER BULLETIN – Thursday Jan 16, 2025
PRAYER FOCUS
NIGERIA
For Zion’s sake, I will not hold my peace, and for Jerusalem’s sake, I will not rest,… Isaiah 62:1
THANK GOD FOR:
* Nigeria as a nation, for His love and mercy over us • Sustaining us, despite our numerous challenges and pains • The comfort and encouragement we have in His word that all will be well
PRAY FOR:
* That God will not remove His mercy from us • That the refining fire of revival will destroy injustice, unrighteousness and polices that promote corruption, bloodshed tribalism/hatred and disharmony in Nigeria.
Scripture Union is an international, interdenominational, evangelical Christian organization. It was founded in 1867, and works in partnership with individuals and churches across the world. The organization’s stated aim is to use the Bible to inspire children, young people and adults to know God. (Scripture Union Daily Guide 16th January 2025)