An Organized Church

There are extremes in the organization of Christian churches. Some want to give the Holy Spirit freedom to “flow” but God is organized.

“God isn’t a God of disorder but of peace. Like in all the churches of God’s people” (1 Corinthians 14:33 CEB)

What did God model as an example of His character in ancient Israel? Israel’s camping arrangements in the wilderness were not haphazard, but well organized, indicating that God is methodical. And if that’s God’s way, perhaps we in the church can learn from the spirit of His instructions here in Numbers.

The Hebrew title of this book is “In the Wilderness” coming from the first words.

“The Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness…” (Numbers 1:1 ESV)

It is also a good picture of our earthly pilgrimage in this world’s wilderness of sin. We may notice God’s command for patriarchal leadership, like a large family, with males at the head. Do we trust that God knows what’s best?

“Take a census of the entire Israelite community by their clans and their households, recording the name of every male, 20 years old and above, who is eligible for military service in Israel. These you and Aaron will enlist in their military units. Take with you one man from each tribe who is the head of his household.” (Numbers 1:2-4 CEB)

How does this relate to organizing a church? Those who have ever sung the old hymn “Onward Christian Soldiers” may understand. We are in spiritual warfare.

Next come the camping arrangements, three tribes on the east, three on the south, Levites in the middle, three on the west, and three on the north. This is similar to the design of the Holy City, New Jerusalem, indicating that God has not changed His fundamental character, even under a new covenant.

“The city had a massive high wall, with 12 gates. Twelve angels were at the gates; the names of the 12 tribes of Israel’s sons were inscribed on the gates. There were three gates on the east, three gates on the north, three gates on the south, and three gates on the west.” (Revelation 21:12-13 HCSB)

A Levite male served for 20 years in priestly service and then retired.

“From thirty years old and upward even until fifty years old, all that enter into the host, to do the work in the tabernacle of the congregation.” (Numbers 4:3 KJV, cf. 23, 30, 35, 39, 43, 47)

They began by serving a five year apprenticeship at age 25.

“This is what applies to the Levites: from twenty-five years old and upward they shall enter to perform service in the work of the tent of meeting.” (Numbers 8:24 NASB)

However, male and female volunteers could also separate themselves to a time in God’s service as a Nazirite.

“... When either a man or woman consecrates an offering to take the vow of a Nazirite, to separate himself to the Lord, he shall separate himself from wine and similar drink; he shall drink neither vinegar made from wine nor vinegar made from similar drink; neither shall he drink any grape juice, nor eat fresh grapes or raisins.” (Numbers 6:2-3 NKJV)

Passover was considered to be so important that a traveling or unclean person could take it in the second month. Could this be one principle of many behind why some view every Sunday as a little Easter/Passover?

“When any of you or your descendants are unclean because of a dead body or are away on a journey, they are still to celebrate the Lord’s Passover, but they are to do it on the fourteenth day of the second month at twilight.” (Numbers 9:10-11 NIV)

The second census like the first might seem to be solely for military purposes, but it was also so that the land could be fairly distributed among the tribes and families.

“To these the land shall be divided as an inheritance, according to the number of names.” (Numbers 26:53 NIV)

God had designed Israel to be a patriarchal society. Jesus continued this pattern with the twelve apostles, and the church continued it with seven male proto-deacons and male elders in local churches. This pattern is continued by the ancient churches and Protestant churches that are faithful to scripture.

Inheritance in the land was also mostly given to males. Most women would marry and share in their husband’s farm. There were exceptions made for fairness. One exception was Zelophehad’s five daughters. He died with no sons. His daughters sought Moses’ advice. God replied to Moses’ question.

“The daughters of Zelophehad speak what is right; you shall surely give them a possession of inheritance among their father’s brothers, and cause the inheritance of their father to pass to them.” (Numbers 27:7 NKJV)

Modern Christians can be quick to judge by worldly standards, because we still act just like ancient Israelites and criticize God. Let’s learn to trust God, that His way is for our blessing? Whose instructions were they?