Reflection: The census

Census: take two!

There must be an air of both sobriety and celebration.

A plague has just claimed the lives of 24,000 shameless relatives.

But we’ve learned from the mistakes of our stiff-necked parents.

Warfare lies ahead.

But we finally get to claim our inheritance and settle down.

We’re just a mob of nomads.

But God is on our side!

Like the first headcount, we need to know how many men are eligible to fight. (Though the emphases in victory will be not military dominance but the arm of the Lord.)

Unlike the first headcount, we need to focus on clans and households. Because once we claim the land it will be divided randomly according to families – each extended family acquiring a self-sufficient plot.

In truth, the headcount that really counts is: who is ready to trust and obey our trustworthy God?

Prayer:

“I listen carefully to what God the LORD is saying, for he speaks peace to his faithful people.

But let them not return to their foolish ways. Surely his salvation is near to those who fear him, so our land will be filled with his glory. Unfailing love and truth have met together. Righteousness and peace have kissed!” (see Psalm 85)