Numbers 2:1-2 (ESV) "The LORD spoke to Moses and Aaron, saying, 'The people of Israel shall camp each by his own standard, with the banners of their fathers' houses. They shall camp facing the tent of meeting on every side. '"
—The tabernacle was where the glory of the Lord resided in the cloud
—God was in the midst of His people...
—He tabernacled among them in the very heart of their camp.
—His glory was central and His Presence led them.
—Each tribe had their own place but were united under His command.
Reminded me of being one body in Christ...
For as we have many members in one body, but all the members do not have the same function, 5 so we, being many, are one body in Christ, and individually members of one another.—Romans 12:4-5
also…I can’t emphasize enough that God was in the very heart…the very center…of the camp. Beloved…this is where God needs to be always in each one of our own hearts and lives.
God is in the midst of her; she shall not be moved;—Psalm 46:5
Those who served (levites) were nearest
The other tribes at a distance
The Israelite’s camp around the tabernacle formed a cross
This reminded me again of being “in Christ” and in Him I am an overcomer. I can do nothing good without Him, but in Him I can do all things because He strengthens me.
I never need to distance myself from Him. I can live in His Presence.
26 And He has made from one blood every nation of men to dwell on all the face of the earth, and has determined their preappointed times and the boundaries of their dwellings, 27 so that they should seek the Lord, in the hope that they might grope for Him and find Him, though He is not far from each one of us; 28 for in Him we live and move and have our being, as also some of your own poets have said, 'For we are also His offspring.'—Acts 17:26-28
I can go forward on my journey toward my heavenly home because He is with me. He brings light to my darkness and order to my confusion. He guides my steps and His banner over me is love. When my own flesh, fear and fragility overcome my heart, to my Jesus I can go. He is my very present help in trouble.
Let us therefore come boldly to the throne of grace, that we may obtain mercy and find grace to help in time of need.—Hebrews 4:16
He will not be afraid of evil tidings;
His heart is steadfast, trusting in the LORD.
His heart is established;
He will not be afraid,
Until he sees his desire upon his enemies.—Psalm 112:7-8
