Consider again the progression of the themes of the five books of Moses. Genesis deals with creation; Exodus with redemption; Leviticus with holiness; Numbers with wilderness wanderings; Deuteronomy with obedience to and the love of God. The order is important. Exodus pictures salvation and Leviticus pictures sanctification. What is the purpose of Numbers? It portrays the importance that various trials have in the growth of the believer. No Christian matures until he or she goes through serious trials and remains faithful to the Lord (Romans 5:3-5; 1 Peter 1:6-7). Unfortunately, Numbers is mostly an illustration of what to avoid doing.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Joseph’s story takes up the remainder of the book of Genesis and, as such, is one of the more detailed lives in the Bible. The story is of one who does right and yet seems to be hurt all the more for it. Yet, in the end, God exalts His beloved one and he stands as second in all the land of Egypt and is the instrument for the deliverance of the people of God. The practical message of his life is to do right and God will take care of the rest. But, for now and for several chapters to come, the outlook looks gloomy. We will have to wait to see the blessings of his righteous life.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Jacob is still the deceiver. However, God is still blessing him and is certainly teaching him. In this lesson, he learns what it is to be deceived himself. We should consider our actions in like manner. Would we be willing to receive from others what we give to them?<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Moses had been in the mount for nearly forty days and nights, and the people began to get anxious. They had refused a one-on-one fellowship with the Lord, but are now longing for a god to worship. Aaron, Moses’ brother and right hand man, is recruited to aid in the construction and worship of a golden calf. The end result significantly matches the worship of modern churches, and attention should be given to the righteous Moses, the man of God, and the Lord Himself.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
Israel comes to a way station in the wilderness and must fight some new battles. Her first battle is with the elements: there is no water. This shows us that the natural problems of life can be a great trial for us and can tempt us to murmur against God. The second battle is with a visible enemy: Amalek. Amalek grieves Israel through much of the Old Testament. We battle Amalek in the form of the flesh.<br />
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
<h4>Numbered List</h4>
