The revchristruelsen’s Podcast

As Moses Lifted Up the Serpent in the Wilderness

Text for discussion: Numbers 21.

Numbers 21 with the fiery serpents biting many Israelites, and Moses setting up a bronze serpent on a pole which they could look at and live is a Bible narrative emblazoned on our minds.  It is to this narrative that Jesus alludes when He speaks of His own crucifixion which was yet to come.  In this chapter we learn about the spiritual warfare taking place in that age, and in our very own age.  

The Hymn: When I Survey the Wondrous Cross (public domain)

The engraving: from the Bible panorama, or The Holy Scriptures in picture and story, 1891.  Artist: Foster, William A. (from old catalog) digitized and contributed by The Library of Congress.  Public domain.  

Are We There Yet?

Text for discussion: Numbers 20.  

If you grew up with brothers and sisters, it is likely you remember the words you heard as you traveled with your parents, “Are we there yet?”  When you have siblings you travel through life together, even for better or for worse. 

By Numbers 20, it seems Israel is nearing the end of its journey in the wilderness.  

 

The text for today deals with the end of the road together for Moses and his siblings-a fork in the road, and a traveling on alone.  We have a brother who has traveled all the difficult roads before us that we might have life and salvation, Jesus Christ.  

The hymn: Jesus Savior, Pilot Me. (Public domain hymn) 

The painting: Moses Strikes Water from the Stone by Krzysztof Lubieniecki.  1714.  (public domain).  

Dirty

Text for discussion: Numbers 19.  

We know what it is like to come in from working outside (or playing), to be drenched in sweat and dirty, the day's work permeating our clothes.  To be dirty is to be unclean, but the uncleanness discussed in this chapter is the uncleanness of death.  Uncleanness is associated with sin, and the unclean required purification.  What was required?  

The hymn: On My Heart Imprint Your Image (public domain)

The painting: The art: The Jewish tabernacle and priesthood, 1874, by George Needham, from an old catalog.  Public domain.   

What are we to make of the tithe?

Text for discussion: Numbers 18.  

The Levites in Israel had no inheritance, no land that was allotted for them in the Promised Land.  God was to be their inheritance.  The gifts of the rest of Israel provide for them.  In our modern context, offerings provide for the needs and workers of the parish.  What is the meaning of our giving today, and what does God give us? 

 

The painting: Moses and Aaron Speak to the People (painted by James Tissot c. 1896-1902, public domain). 

The hymn: Lord of Glory, You Have Bought Us (public domain).  

Can I See Your ID?

Text for discussion: Numbers 17.  

How do you identify the true leaders of the Israelites?  How do you determine who has the authorization of God?  Moses sets up a little test.  

 Photo: Almond Blossom Time by Clay Gilliland, Feb 2014.  (free use granted with proper credit).  

The hymn: My Soul Now Praise Your Maker (public domain).  

High Noon in the Wilderness

Text for discussion: Numbers 16.  

Korah's rebellion is a disaster for Korah and for the children of Israel, but from God comes grace, redemption, and atonement.  

The art: The Destruction of Korah, Dathan, and Abiram.  Public domain.  from the 1890 Holman Bible.

The hymn: Be Still My Soul.  Public domain.  

Out of Bounds and Off the Rails

Text for discussion: Numbers 15.  

Surviving in the midst of the wilderness brings a struggle between life and death.  

A man is found breaking the Sabbath; the punishment is severe.  

In an age and context far removed, what lessons do we draw from this troubling situation?  

The hymn:  My Faith Looks Up to Thee (public domain).  

The art: The Jewish tabernacle and priesthood, 1874, by George Needham, from an old catalog.  Public domain.  

 

Disaster in the Land of Milk and Honey

Numbers 14.  

It is time for Israel to go up and possess the land that has been promised to them, but fearfulness wins out, and their grave offense leads to defeat.  

The illustration: Map of Canaan in Patriarchal Times, (ca. 1880) Public domain. 

The hymn: Eternal Father Strong to Save.  

Advice for the Dark Times, Revisited

Text for discussion: Mark 5:1-20

 

A man who had been living in the tombs encounters Jesus.  The demon-possessed man falls down before Jesus, and in a frightening turn of events, 2,000 pigs rush down a steep bank and into the sea.  Jesus heals those who live in darkness.  Jesus is always the answer for the dark times of our lives.  

The painting: The Swine Driven into the Sea by James Tissot.  Public domain.  

Hymn: A Mighty Fortress.  Public domain.  

(first dropped on March 1, 2024)

Unusual Reports

Numbers 13.  

Spies were sent into the Promised Land and declared that they saw some unusual things. 

The hymn: O Love How Deep 

The Painting: The Sistine Madonna by Raphael, 1513.  (Public domain).