January 23

Day 315: How God Expresses His Heart

I began reading in the Book of Numbers yesterday. The title "Numbers" is the English translation of the Greek word "Arithmoi." Math. There's quite a bit of counting and census taking in Numbers.

I read a short commentary's introduction notes to Numbers. The authors propose that perhaps a different title would have been more helpful. "In the Wilderness," taken from chapter one, verse one.

Numbers covers the period of time between Mt. Sinai (Ten Commandments) and the Jordan River (just before entering) the land God had promised the Israelites.

On the heels of Leviticus, there are even more instructions and rules given. So far (in my reading) where each tribe will camp in relation to the other tribes. Where each clan will camp in relation to the other clans within their respective tribes. How the Levites are different.

And interestingly enough, as I read this morning, who and how the Tabernacle was to be transported each time the cloud led them somewhere else.

Covering more than 40 years, the Book of Numbers highlights two predominant themes. Sinful people. And how God is so longsuffering.

"Longsuffering" (a word we don't use much anymore; try typing it without spellcheck having a fit) is defined as, "Having or showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people."

At first blush, the Book of Numbers can seem like not much more than census taking, instructions and rules (with some really wacky events that happen alongside.) But it's my contention that Numbers has its place in Scripture. To show us how God expresses His heart.

God is not longsuffering because we've somehow earned the right to demand He struggle. And to wait for us to finally figure things out. God is longsuffering, simply and profoundly because He is.

Quiet, somewhat snowy Saturday mornings are a reflective time for me. In some ways I "count" the events of the past week in review.

And I'm almost always convinced to conclude and resolve my counting with how longsuffering, how very patient my God is toward me.

It's been said to me about me that I "do not suffer fools lightly." That's an old english way of saying I am not like God at all. I am not patient. I am not longsuffering. I cannot pretend it is a complement.

But how blessed is the child whose parent is longsuffering toward them. And our ultimate Father is ultimately patient with us.

1 Corinthians 13:4 says, "Love is patient and kind." Our heavenly Father is longsuffering toward us because His love for us is so deep, so complete, so consistent.

We were created to reflect our Father, as "imago dei" (in the image of God.) We are thus told to reflect Him by being longsuffering toward others ourselves.

1 Thessalonians 5:14 says, "...admonish the idle, encourage the fainthearted, help the weak, be patient with them all."

This is not easy. In fact, it's impossible. Especially for those of us who do not suffer fools lightly.

Except...when we are fully aware of how our God has been and continues to be longsuffering toward us. Showing patience in spite of troubles, especially those caused by other people.

I am that other people. I am the one who almost constantly tests God's patience. And yet, He consistently suffers along with me, because He consistently loves me. And you.

So as I take some moments on this quiet, somewhat snowy Saturday morning to "count" and then repent, I am also encouraged to know that God will not ever throw in the towel and give up on me. Nor you.

Because that is how God expresses His heart for us.

-Mike Rydman, Lead Pastor, Radiant Church Juneau