A NEW GENERATION. Numbers 26 Time passing often leads to a decline in spiritual interest, causing God's people to become less engaged in the life of faith. In the new generation in Israel, those aged twenty and older seemed to have preserved the laws and spiritual character that God intended for the nation, even though they failed in the events of chapter 25. Keeping interest in God's things from one generation to the next is difficult. The first generation of believers understands what they have been saved from and what they have been saved for. Their appreciation for the One who saved them, the Lord Jesus Christ, remains the main motivation in their lives.
The second generation is usually only vaguely aware of what life was like before the light of God's truth changed their parents to live by faith. They are used to the Christian life and know the benefits of grace because the first-generation believers speak of it often and are usually quite profuse in giving God thanks for what He has done for them.
The census of the new generation of Israelites showed that some tribes experienced growth while others saw a decline. The tribe of Reuben had the greatest decrease. This may be because Zimri was a Reubenite, and most of the 24,000 who died were from that tribe. No explanation is provided for that, which suggests there was neither an increase nor a decrease in spiritual vitality.
We can't gauge the spiritual growth of God's people by numbers alone. Sometimes, growth happens due to societal demographics. The same applies when numbers decline. The remarkable aspect of this census is that God was able to keep an entire nation safe and move them from one land to another, even though every adult died except for Caleb and Joshua. Not only did God lead them through a barren, hostile wilderness, but He also preserved the spiritual direction of the nation. Clearly, this was solely the work of God.
Israel's growth had halted and actually declined, but its identity remained intact, and its reputation among surrounding nations was still preserved. There has been, and likely still is, a range of sizes and levels of commitment among the gathered companies of God's people. What makes an assembly of Christians gathered in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ alone a significant entity is the Person to whom we are gathered.
Every assembly has a unique personality that largely reflects those who were there at the start. As the years go by and leadership shifts, there are some differences due to the new generation. Still, it is remarkable that the Lord continues to uphold the fundamental character of the assembly.
Unbelief prevented an entire generation from entering the land of Canaan, which God had promised Abraham. But their deaths didn't stop God's promises from being fulfilled. Although a whole generation may be missing from God's people, it's inspiring to see a new generation rise up after them, ready and willing to move forward for God despite the failures of their parents or the previous generation.
In Hebrews chapter three, we are told to "take heed" to the consequences of unbelief in those people. The same thing could happen to us as it did to them. God was grieved for forty years, but He had not changed. The deceitfulness of sin hardened God's people but has in no way changed God's determination to bless His people.
The number of people in a tribe determined the size of land they were allocated. The location of the tribe was decided by lot when Israel moved into Canaan. Some places where the Lord works in the Gospel are very fruitful, and there is "land to be possessed" as a biblical testimony is established and the people of God become known in that area. It may be through assembly activities in Gospel outreach in that area that there will be additional evangelizing responsibilities for that group of God's people. Other testimonies to the name of the Lord Jesus Christ need to be established. This process may continue for a generation or two - or even longer.
In another part of the country, only a few will face scorn and opposition because they gather in the name of the Lord Jesus Christ without any other ties, and are separated from those around them. They follow the teachings of God's word and, as an independent group of His people, carry out His revealed commands. The size of the group doesn't determine whether it is right or wrong; that is decided by the Lord alone. The "lot" established the location where any specific group was placed by God. The number of people in the group determined the size of the land they were to conquer and settle.
The key to success in the Christian life is determined when the word of God is mixed with faith. Spiritual success and power depend on how much of the word of God is combined with faith. Faith grasps what God has given. The lot in Israel was decided by God. Where God places us today is up to Him. My response should be to act in faith regardless of the size of the place. Faith allows us to see things from God's perspective. Through faith, we are permitted to see eternal, invisible things that are spiritual, not just temporary.
The value of an assembly's worship when it gathers together isn't in its size, sounds, or participation. It's when we, by faith, grasp onto eternal things that our worship becomes genuine and meaningful. This, in turn, influences our service and keeps us walking in the light and freedom we have in Christ. None of this relies on how many people are part of the congregation of God's people.
Faith propels God's people forward with joy and strength, not depression, gloom, or weakness, aiming to bring glory to God. It gives us the hope of sharing in His glory, rather than fearing judgment. It is crucial for the new generation to practice living by faith, which keeps us trusting in the living God and not in ourselves. Through faith, we can enjoy many of the blessings we will experience in the future right now. Fellowship with God and His people is a genuine experience that we will share forever. Faith allows us to live fully in God's truth in the present, rather than in the emptiness of the world, the disappointments of the flesh, or the defeat of the devil.
God may fulfill His plans for His people through quiet, everyday moments. When He chooses to act through miraculous means, we celebrate with relief once a crisis is over. Whether in a dramatic way or through a gradual process like "line upon line, precept upon precept; here a little, there a little," whenever a new generation learns to live by faith, God's people are blessed, and His name, His honor, and His character are glorified.
The numbers grow as they are recorded, and all men twenty years old and older are now accounted for. With each man’s name added, it's clear that this nation is preparing for war. The days of wandering in the wilderness are over. The time to move forward is almost here, but before we can claim the promise for ourselves, we need to put on God's armor. From twenty years old and up, it is your responsibility to take your place in serving the Lord for God’s people. You are a man now; there is work to do. There are sacrifices to make for the privilege of living in the place God has promised you.
It is never right to expect others to bear the burdens so you can enjoy all the blessings God has for His people. For the benefits received, there are costs we must share, and we must use the strengths God gave us to do the work He has set before us. Throughout the nation of Israel, the number of strong men was high: six hundred and one thousand, seven hundred and thirty. The same applies to us if we value the truth and do not sell it. Each of us must rise and fulfill our duty gladly and with a passionate spirit.
Expecting only a few to pay the ultimate price for my freedom is not right. It is each person's duty to lay down his life for the souls around us so that, through the preaching of the Gospel and the ongoing work of the Lord, we might see some saved from the wrath to come. May we rise to the occasion, stand up, and be counted. May the message we are called to share, along with the unity of saints and all we have been blessed with, stir our hearts to save others from hell.