Parashat Bamidbar 2022

Numb 1:1-4:20

In Parashat Bamidbar Israel is preparing to move. God calls for a census to be taken to number the prospective army. It was known that Israel would engage in warfare as they journeyed to the Promised Land. They would also need to defend themselves against any aggressors along the way. In Numb 1:2-3 scripture reads, "Take ye the sum of all the congregation of the children of Israel, after their families, by the house of their fathers, with the number of their names, every male by their polls (one by one or head by head); From twenty years old and upward, all that are able to go forth to war in Israel: thou and Aaron shall number them by their armies..."

War is not pleasant, but someone has to do it. There were many brave people in Israel, but the largest, most significant battles were not going to be won by the strength of arms, but by their strength of character. The victories they needed were in God's hand. He had fore ordained every success and provided for every challenge. Israel's decision to cleave to the will of God and walk out his plan was another issue that constantly affected the blessings they could walk in and often resulted in judgment.

It takes a warrior to confront the issues of self. It takes bravery, courage, and even the right type of anger. Before we can confront the enemy of our souls in spiritual warfare, our hearts need to be right. Intercessors cannot segregate prayer and holiness. Before we can be successful practitioners in prayer we must be practitioners of repentance, forgiveness, and godliness. Our prayers and faith are strengthened by continual communion with God and walking out his word (Ps 1).

It takes a warrior to hold the line in a carnal world that is on a trajectory of godlessness. In our stores, our politics, and even our churches more and more ungodliness and outright spiritual deprivation can be seen. Pastors are losing their passion for prayer. Biblical worldviews are being demonized and in some cases criminalized while the pervading, godless culture calls foul on every holy thing the people of God embrace.

Only a warrior can use the spiritual tools afforded by the word of God. In 2 Cor 10:4, Paul writes "the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strongholds;" Our crying out to God in repentance, both for ourselves and our community, is warfare. Our prayers and actions promoting forgiveness and reconciliation are warfare. Holiness of mind, speech, and emotions are also internal types of warfare that challenges us daily. When these wars are being waged our faith, prayers, and dependency on God blossoms and we can say with Jerimiah "Thou art my battle axe and weapons of war: for with thee will I break in pieces the nations, and with thee will I destroy kingdoms;" (Jer 51:20)

Fight on your knees. Fight for our communities, our culture, our religious freedom, and revival among God's people. Don't be AWOL. God is calling intercessors to pray.

Shavot Sameach, Rav Calev Apostolic Messianic International-Gulf Coast