Numbers 15:1-21
IN THE last chapter the unbelief and rebellious ways of the people led them down to their defeat and, shame. The next chapter tells of worse rebellion and more solemn judgment. But how precious is this chapter which comes between the sad records of Israel’s sin and ruin. Here we learn how God is above all the foolishness and unbelief of His people. Their wretchedness does not alter Him in the slightest degree like the sun in the heavens, which shines on, shedding its light and warmth on all around; nothing can stop its shining. The rain, the clouds and storms may keep us from seeing its pleasant light and from feeling its rays, but it shines all the while, as bright and powerful as ever. God wants us to know that He does not change and that His word is the same.
Though the people had despised and lost the pleasant land for themselves, here He speaks of the time when He Himself would give it to them and they would enjoy it with Him. They would be in the greatest favor and would bring their burnt and free will offerings to make a sweet savor unto the Lord. In their daily life when eating the bread of the land they were to bring a heave-offering to the Lord. This was to be eaten by the priest’s family at home, but here the whole congregation were to eat of it. They will be a kingdom of priests.
In their public worship they were to offer wine as a drink offering, and this tells us of the joy and rejoicing that will fill the millennial earth when Christ reigns as Messiah and King over all. Thus wine has a special place in these offerings for it “cheereth God and man” (Judg. 9:13) and is reserved for the time of future blessing when the curse shall be removed, when all creation shall be delivered from the bondage of Satan, and when sorrow and sadness shall have passed away.
They were to offer a meat offering along with the above, with a hin of oil. The meat offering speaks of communion and the oil of the Holy Spirit. Even earthly joy will be sanctified by the Spirit and acceptable to God in that day when Christ as Son of man shall have taken away out of His kingdom all things that offend.
But if restored Israel’s and earth’s rejoicing will be so great in that day how much fuller and sweeter will be the joy of the redeemed company when called on high to share Christ’s heavenly glory. Then He will drink with His own the new wine in the Father’s kingdom. It is Christ Himself who will be our rejoicing in that day. He who in grace beyond all telling brings us to share it all with Him as the fruit of His sufferings and toil.
ML-10/28/1973