Num 1-2 No Number Bigger Than One

February 11th, Number 1-2

       Well the start of numbers does not disappoint in regards to it's name sake. God asks Moses to number the men over 20 who are able to serve in the army. The total number was 603,550. Add to that an equal number of women and all children under 20, plus all of the Levites. That's a significant population. Moses was a shepherd and now in charge of over a million people. Ever felt in over your head?
       Numerous places in the Bible God asks leaders to number people. Sometimes people get in trouble because the way they numbered, or they numbered when they weren't supposed to. Numbers get tossed around, we number things for a lot of reason. Why does someone want to number their military? 
        Armies number themselves to see if they have an advantage. More is better(we'll get to Gideon later). Less requires a well thought our strategy(like Moses raising his arms, as long as they are raised they win). I'm guessing that is not a time honored strategy taught at any of our military institutions. 
       Numbers become for us a little "g" god. Our reliance is in numerical advantage. Trust is rooted in something other than God. it's why I love Psalm 20:7 "Some trust in chariots and some in horses, but we trust in the name of the LORD our God."
       Sometimes God asks us to number some things, but it's never a replacement for trusting in Him. God is ONE and any other number could never be bigger. Years ago the US Army chose the slogan "An Army of One." In God's case, nothing could be more powerful.