It Counts
Read This Week: Numbers 26
After the plague, the Lord said to Moses and Eleazar, son of Aaron, the priest, “Take a census of the whole Israelite community by families—all those twenty years old or more who are able to serve in the army of Israel.” So on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho, Moses and Eleazar the priest spoke with them and said, “Take a census of the men twenty years old or more.” – Numbers 26:1-4 NIV
Numbers 26 is one of those chapters that can feel like a long list of names and numbers or just another census, another accounting of the tribes of Israel. It’s easy to skim it and move to the next, but if we slow down, there’s something deeply practical and even comforting in the structure of this chapter: it’s about continuity, accountability, and preparing for what comes next.
The census takes place after a generation has passed in the wilderness. The people counted here are not the same ones who left Egypt; this is a new generation standing on the edge of God’s promise. That alone speaks volumes about real life. Seasons change, people change, and sometimes entire chapters of our lives close before new ones begin. In light of this, the passage reminds us that endings are not failures with God; they are transitions. The wilderness years weren’t wasted; they were spiritually formative. This challenges us to rethink periods that feel slow, unproductive, or even frustrating. They may actually be the Lord’s way of preparing us for responsibilities we’re not yet ready to carry.
There’s also a strong theme of personal and collective responsibility here. Each tribe is counted, each family named. No one is lost in the crowd. In a world where it’s easy to feel like just another face or number, this chapter pushes back against that idea. It suggests that every person matters, every role counts, and every contribution is seen. Practically speaking, this can reshape how we approach our daily routines. Whether it’s work that feels unnoticed, caregiving that goes unthanked, or small acts of integrity that no one else sees—these things still matter. They are part of a bigger picture, even when we don’t immediately see the outcome.
Preparation is another key theme. The census organizes Israel to divide the land and to start a new phase in the journey. The Scriptures encourage us to take stock, plan, pray, seek the Holy Spirit, and prepare for what’s ahead by staying in the Word, building good habits, managing our resources, nurturing relationships, or developing our character.
Finally, we see a quiet acknowledgment of loss. Some names from earlier chapters are missing—entire lines have ended. Yet God’s divine plan doesn’t dwell there or end; it moves forward. This reflects a healthy, even spiritual rhythm of life. Loss is real and should be acknowledged, but it doesn’t have to be the end of our story or define the future. This chapter holds both realities at once: grief for what’s gone and hope for what’s ahead. In daily life, this balance is essential. We carry our past with the proper perspective, but we’re not meant to be stuck in it or overwhelmed by it.
Numbers 26 is less about numbers and more about a heavenly perspective. It invites us to see our lives as part of the larger metanarrative of God, one that includes transitions, responsibilities, preparation, and an eternal purpose. It reminds us that even in seasons that feel like waiting or wandering, something meaningful is taking shape. And perhaps most importantly, it reassures us that we are not invisible in the process. Jesus sees us, and he cares. Our place, our efforts, and our story all matter. It counts.
SUNDAY PODCAST
This Week with God: Numbers 26
The Message: https://reachchurch.org/wp-content/uploads/2026/05/20260503message.wav
Worship Songs:
Same God
Speak O Lord
How do you respond to change? Is it easy for you, or does it bring anxiety, maybe even fear of the unknown? Do you lean into it, or do you find yourself wanting to hold onto what is familiar, comfortable, and known?
The truth is, change can be hard. But I have found that when God is in it, when God is leading it, and when God is directing it, change is not something to fear. It is something to follow.
To move with God is to level up your life. It is to take the next step, go to the next place, and step into the next thing He has for you. I like to call these moments GodOps—special operations with God. These are times when you are on mission, on assignment, and on an adventure with Him.
But here is the challenge: it is easy to get stuck. We can get stuck in old ways, old habits, and even in things that used to work. If we are not careful, we can stay where we are while God is already moving forward.
The kingdom of heaven is not standing still. It is moving. And if we do not move with Him, we miss the growth, the opportunity, and what He is trying to do in our lives.
That is why it is so important to understand that God will give you a fresh start. But to move forward with Him, we often have to let some things go. We have to release what is behind us and stop holding onto what He is not taking with us. Some things hold us back, weigh us down, and keep us from stepping into what is next.
God has good plans for you. Perfect plans. Plans that move you forward, not keep you stuck.
So we learn to let go of the old, step into the new, and move forward with God. Because this is where life changes. This is where growth happens. And this is where we win. We win with God, because God always wins.
1. Embrace the Change God Brings
God’s changes are intentional. When He leads change in your life, He is not moving you backward. He is moving you forward. Growth often requires movement, and movement often requires change. When God is in the change, you do not have to fear it. You can follow Him through it.
2. Let Go of What God Is Not Carrying
You cannot step into the future while holding tightly to everything from the past. Some things must end so new things can begin. There are habits, mindsets, seasons, and patterns that God may not be taking with you into the next place. Letting go is not always loss. Sometimes it is obedience.
3. Your Fresh Start Is From God
God gives new beginnings. Through Jesus, we receive a clean slate, a fresh start, and a new opportunity to grow with Him. A fresh start is not just about starting over; it is about moving forward with God into the life He is calling you to live.
Live Like a Levite — Set Apart for God
He is our inheritance forever and ever.
Walking With God
Numbers 26:62 (AMP)
“Those numbered of the Levites were 23,000… for they were not numbered among the Israelites, because no inheritance was given to them among the Israelites.”
“In Numbers 26, the Levites were counted too… but they were different.
They didn’t receive land like everyone else—because the Lord was their inheritance.
And I feel that so deeply… that’s what God is inviting us into…
a life where He is our everything…
where we walk with Him right where we are.”
We get to be with Him, with Jesus forever and ever ✨
This chapter comes after everything the people have walked through… and now a new generation is standing before God.
And I love this moment so much…
Father God, He is leading them forward into what He has for them.
He says, “Count them.”
I see God’s Heart — You Still Matter because I love you ❤️
As I sit with this, I don’t see numbers…
I see people.
I see hearts.
I see God looking at each life with purpose and love.
And I hear Him saying:
“You are part of My plan.”
For those who want to walk with Me!
He is counting them—personally. He is counting us too!
And I feel this so strongly for someone reading this…
Maybe you’ve been wondering:
Do I matter? Is my life making a difference? What is my purpose?
And from God’s heart, through mine, I want to say to you:
He sees you.
He knows you.
You are counted in.
It’s Not About the Place… It’s About Who We Turn To
Most people already have a place to live… here
but the heart should always be looking for something deeper. Desiring more of being with Father God
Walking with Him through everything.
In the Old Testament, the promised land was a real, Physical Place that
God gave to Israel. It was part of his covenant with them as a nation.
But in the New Testament, through Jesus, the focus changes. We’re not being led to a piece of land we’re being brought into a relationship with God and into his kingdom.
Now, instead of going to a physical promised land, we live with God‘s presence in us he’s omnipresent
Our promise is eternal life, walking with him daily, and ultimately being with him forever and ever, and we get to be a part of bringing people into the family of God, so one day they can be with us in heaven forever and ever..
And I hear God gently inviting us:
“Come to Me…
I am what your heart is looking for.”
Live Like a Levite
The Levites didn’t receive land like the others.
The Lord was their inheritance.
He is our inheritance.
Their lives were centered on Him—
not on a place, but on His presence.
And that’s what I feel God is always inviting us into…
Walking With Father God every day!
Right Where You Are
It becomes so personal…
Talking to Him.
“God… what is Your heart right here right now?”
Right where you are… He is there.
So have a heart that’s open always to be like Jesus
Jesus said:
“I only do what I see the Father doing.”
That’s a life of connection…
a life of walking closely with Him.
What It Looks Like to Walk With Him
It’s simple… and it’s beautiful:
Pause.
Listen.
Love.
Follow His leading.
Stay aware—He is with you.
A Simple Moment
I picture someone going through their day…
And then they pause.
They turn their heart toward God.
They ask Him.
They listen.
And something begins to shift inside.
Peace comes.
Fullness grows.
Life begins to feel different.
Your Life Becomes the Tabernacle
You’re not just visiting God…
You’re walking with Him.
In your home… in your day… in your moments…
In your heart ❤️
He is right there with you.
BOOM
When you’re walking with God… everything changes.
Your heart fills with real joy—
because you’re with Him.
You’re not searching to be fulfilled…
you’re being filled as you walk with Him.
You grow because you’re listening.
He leads you.
He gives you assignments.
He sets up divine appointments.
You find yourself saying the right words.
People are being touched by Jesus through you!
This is living set apart.
fully alive with God in it.
You’re no longer just going through your day…
You’re walking in the Spirit.
And your life, right where you are…
It becomes a place where God is moving—
filling your heart and leading you step by step.
Prayer you can pray
Father God,
Thank You that You see each one of us… personally.
You know our names, our lives, our hearts—and You have counted us in.
Thank You that You are leading us forward into what You have for us.
Right where we are, You are with us… and You are guiding every step.
Lord, please draw our hearts closer to You.
Help us to turn to You in every moment… to pause, to listen, and to follow Your voice.
Please be my portion… be everything I need.
Teach me what it means to live set apart—not by where we are, but by walking with You.
Fill my heart with Your peace, Your joy, and Your presence.
Open my eyes to see what You are doing, and give me the courage to walk in it with You.
Lead me into divine appointments.
Use my words, my actions, and my life to love others the way You do. Speaking the truth to help them grow in Your ways. I hope their hearts will be open to hear You and want to have a changed heart!
Father, we don’t want to just go through our day…
we want to walk with You in it.
And as we do, let our lives become a place where You are moving—
alive, present, and changing me from the inside out.
Thank Father God for Your love and thank you Jesus for being a good example and thank you Father God for Your Holy Spirt to help us and guide us!
I love you all ❤️
Numbers Chapter 26 Verse 64-65
64. But among these there was not a man of those numbered by Moses and Aaron, the priest when they numbered the Israelites in the wilderness of Sinai.
65. For the Lord had said of them, They shall surely die in the wilderness. There was not left a man of them except Caleb, son of Jephunneh and Joshua, son of Nun.
~Here To Carry You Home~
God Is Saying To Me:
My blessings endure the test of time. I promise to take you to new seasons, fresh starts and through the path of divine order in all things despite your disobedience. However, you must do your part!
Haiku Poem
Wandered in the desert
His mercy carries me home
Faithful through it all.
What This Means To Me:
Throughout my life I have had seasons of disobedience, afraid to talk to God and tell Him how I felt and what my worries were about. I knew there was a God but I did not understand the intimate relationship between Father God and His children. I didn’t feel worthy of His love so I ran, ran so hard away in the opposite direction that I felt like that my entire life was lived in the desert or the wilderness. God continually pulled at my heartstrings. I continually ran knowing that there was a God but didn’t know how to bridge the gap between life and reality. There came a day though that I was so defeated that it was just me and God. I didn’t feel the tugs on the heart strings any longer. My heart, my mind and my peace were the most confused they had ever been. My world was silent, just me and Father God. Empty and numb, I fell on my face and surrendered my all to Jesus! I will never forget that day because it led me out of the wilderness and back home with my church, family and friends. I’m so grateful today to be able to sit quietly, quietly in a different way, with God in my heart, His words in my mouth, His wisdom in my mind and His obedience in my life! Life is good. I have a sense of purpose and God never left me. That’s the most important lesson that I have learned. Is that no matter how great the disobedience, Jesus was ready and willing to come into my heart and give me the Holy Spirit to lead my life, forever and ever. Living a life of service to God today is the greatest way to live fruitfully and in peace. I’m so grateful to have His love, purpose and clarity today that I’ve never experienced before becoming God’s child for eternity! Thank you Lord, that those that have gone before me may have not known You, but I have an opportunity to show others how to make it to the promise land! ❤️❤️