When asked what the longest chapter in the bible is, many know it is Psalm 119 with one hundred and seventy six verses. In Psalm 119 we read of the importance of desiring and knowing God’s word. It is said to be sweeter than honey and worth more than gold. It is a light to our path and teaches us knowledge and good judgment. We are to ‘hide God’s Word in our hearts’ to keep us from sin.
What I didn’t know until a few days ago is that the second longest chapter in the bible is Numbers chapter 7, with eighty nine verses. Numbers 7 is a repetitious, not so interesting, account of the offerings and sacrifices the princes brought to God.
Maybe, the fact that the longest chapter has to do with God’s Laws means that God’s desire above all else, is that we crave His word, for that is where we find God Himself. He wants a relationship with Himself above all else.
And, maybe the fact that the second largest has to do with service is that the natural outcome of time spent in God’s Word results in a life poured out in service and offering to God. He wants us to “offer our bodies as a living sacrifice, holy and pleasing to Him – for this is our spiritual act of worship.” (Romans 12:1)
The fact that Numbers 7 gives a detailed and repetitious account of all the sacrifices to God, leads us to believe that God keeps a record of all we have given to him. Every act of service, no matter how small, is recorded in heaven and remembered by God.
We may fee insignificant and inferior compared to others. Yet, every meal we cook for our families, every class we teach, every encouraging word offered to others, is recorded above.
So, I’d like to encourage you today, to keep studying God’s Word. Know Him and His law. Then, continue to offer your sacrifices, whatever that may be, to Him.
“Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up,” Galatians 6:9.
As we enter into autumn, I link up with Bonnie at Faith Barista in reflecting on faith as we enter into the Autumn season. For, it is often when we become weary of studying God's Word, and our bodies and emotions become tired of serving Him and others, that we enter into the dryness that comes after the rain and growth. Let us enter into this season full of joy and energy, to serve as he directs; and to direct all the praise back to HIM.