Numbers 9 -A Heart to Honor God

The first half of this chapter deals with a problem that came up over the celebration of Passover. Some of the people were unclean but still wished to celebrate Passover and honor God. Moses got the following instructions from God:

⁹ This was the Lord’s reply to Moses. ¹⁰ “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel: If any of the people now or in future generations are ceremonially unclean at Passover time because of touching a dead body, or if they are on a journey and cannot be present at the ceremony, they may still celebrate the Lord’s Passover. ¹¹ They must offer the Passover sacrifice one month later, at twilight on the fourteenth day of the second month. They must eat the Passover lamb at that time with bitter salad greens and bread made without yeast. ¹² They must not leave any of the lamb until the next morning, and they must not break any of its bones. They must follow all the normal regulations concerning the Passover.

 God provides a way for these people to celebrate the Passover and remember. God also provides a warning to those who are able to celebrate the Passover at the regular time and don't.

The key to want is going on is the desire to honor God. The people who have become unclean, want to honor God but are unable to at the correct time. By providing this allowance, God declares that it is the intention in your heart that is of primary importance. God understands that things happen and at times we can not do what out heart heart desires and God is saying that if your heart desires to honor God and circumstances make that a non-option, you will not be disciplined for that. Discipline comes when you have the option to honor God but lack the desire.

It is good to know that God is not requiring perfect action, God is requiring a heart that desires the Lord. We don't have to be perfect, which is a good thing because if you are anything like me, you fail. The key is your heart. Can you offer God a devoted heart? That is what God values the most. If you have failed God in some way, see that God makes allowances for those who desire to honor God and forgive yourself for the failure. God certainly wants to be in relationship with you. God will meet you where you are at. Don't let your desire for God fade because you have not been able to honor God the way you wanted to. Let God show you mercy. love and understanding. Receive that today!