In Pursuit of the Positive

The Book of Numbers, why is it in the Torah and what is the significance? Believe it or not, Numbers is more than just a census book, a deeper understanding of the Laws and statutes or an introduction to the Blessing that  is said by priests and pastors alone and not made into a song for all to sing. Each portion has significance in the daily life and activity of a believer. 
 
As an explanation and encouragement to seek a deeper understanding I want to take a look at Chapter 4 verse 22.
 
 Take a census of the sons of Gershon, of them too, following their fathers' houses, according to their families. Numbers 4:22
 
So why this verse? It really means nothing in itself but when you seek the verses around it the meaning becomes clear. Gershon was the firstborn and Kehat was the second but in the Scripture,  Kehat was counted before Gershon. What does this mean? 
 
Gershon was given the duty of carrying the outer coverings of the tabernacle while Kehat was given the task of carrying the interior furnishings. 
 
Let’s look at it like this: There are two steps in preparing one’s home for an esteemed guest. First the rooms are scrubbed clean; then they are decorated with beautiful furnishings and works of art. The same two steps apply to how we make our lives and ourselves into a home for G‑d. First we rid our lives of what is negative and undesirable and then we do what is good and right.
 
The clan of Gershon carried the outer coverings of the Tabernacle, which protected it from undesirable elements. This corresponds to our job of avoiding harmful activities and influences. The clan of Kehat, on the other hand carried the furnishings of the Tabernacle, each of which represents a particular positive attribute and activity.
 
Just as Gershon was born before Kehat, it is necessary to first cleanse oneself of negative behavior in order to be able to properly pursue good. Nonetheless, the clan of Kehat was counted before that of Gershon, since cleansing oneself of negativity is only a preparation for the true work: pursuing good.
 
Every Book in what many call the Pentateuch gives instruction by example of a right way of living. Like the short explanation above, just because someone looks good on the outside does not mean that the inside is just as clean. When we look at a person the first thing we need to focus on is the eyes because they are the window to the soul. If the other person cannot look you in the eye but focuses elsewhere that should be a warning sign especially if there is a possible other interest. 
 
For example: There is a difference between a look of longing for a soulmate and the look of lustfulness. There is a look of jealousy and a look of satisfaction with the self. When a person can read past the cleanliness on the outside and see the intentions of the person then you are looking at the choices made by the person which are given to the soul. 
 
If people would focus on the good things in life and concern themselves with others first then the negativity is gone and all they have appears to be good intentions. Doing this can bring a person closer to God. 
 
Remember, we are human and so we make mistakes. The more we try to better ourselves and conduct ourselves in a way pleasing to God the easier life becomes. I know it always seems that the bad people have the best lives but that is not always true. Just under the router garments, dirt still remains which soils the good.
 
Brothers and Sisters, a clean heart equals a clean soul. We may have dirt on the outer garment but the inner self can be nearly spotless as we continue to strive for our relationship with God. Be of good faith and continue to study Scripture because like milk for the body, it does the soul good.
 
In God’s Arms
Rob, Servant of God  

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