Leading, Lifting, Looking

Daily Reading: Numbers 10

Scripture Focus: Then the standard of the camp of the people of Dan, acting as the rear guard of all the camps, set out by their companies. (Numbers 10.25a)

Devotional Thought: "I got your back..." That's something good to hear. There are times when we are required to get out front and take risks. The needs are great and there's nobody else able (or willing) to take ownership and leadership of a situation. When those times come, it's good to know that there is somebody who is running defense for you.

When the children of Israel travelled in the wilderness, God had a specific order in which they were to move out. Can you imagine trying to get 2 million people moving in the same direction at the same time? They had to be organized. They had to have leaders. But, they also needed to have a rear guard as well. That was the function of the last three tribes, under the banner of Dan, as the Israelites moved from place to place.

Organization is important in any task. It is no different in the work of the kingdom. There are people who do the

• human leading - like Moses and Joshua who would tarry in the tent of meeting to know God and to communicate his will. Leaders are absolutely essential if we are to get anywhere.

• heavy lifting - like the priests and Levites who would carry the tabernacle and furnishings. We cannot do without those willing to do the heavy spiritual lifting of prayer, study, correction...

• holy looking - like the camp of Dan who would be wary of the dangers and stragglers. What good is it to get to our destination only to discover that we have lost our loved ones along the way?

Leading... Lifting... Looking... Are you doing your part in the work of Christ's kingdom?

Prayer: Father, thank you for giving to the Church your servants to lead, to lift, and to look. Help me to discover my place and to fulfill it faithfully. Amen.

Psalm of the Day: 19 Open to me the gates of righteousness, that I may enter through them and give thanks to the LORD. 20 This is the gate of the LORD; the righteous shall enter through it. 21 I thank you that you have answered me and have become my salvation. 22 The stone that the builders rejected has become the cornerstone. 23 This is the LORD's doing; it is marvelous in our eyes. 24 This is the day that the LORD has made; let us rejoice and be glad in it. (Psalms 118:19-24)