Numbers 31:1-11

Twelve thousand men went into battle, from each of the
tribes of Israel. The opponents were the Midianites, a
people who knew nothing nor cared anything about God.

By anyone's standards, it would be a risky venture, and
lives were certain to be lost. But Israel had God on
their side, and they completely defeated the Midianites
(Numbers 31:1-11).

Next came the part everyone dreaded: Counting the
fatalities from the battle. The report brought to Moses
is given in verse 49: "... Your servants have taken a
count of the men of war who are under our command, and
not a man of us is missing" (NKJV).

Not one soldier was lost in battle that day, though the
Midianites were completely routed. Again, it pointed to
the presence of God among them. They had surely been
blessed.

The officers who brought this amazing report to Moses
brought something else that day:

"Therefore we have brought an offering for
the Lord, what every man found of ornaments
of gold: .. to make atonement for ourselves
before the Lord" (Numbers 31:50).

They were impressed with God's care for them in
dangerous circumstances, and they wanted to do
something to show their appreciation.

Sometimes we realize how greatly God has blessed us. It
may follow an accident in which no one was seriously
injured, or the recovery of a loved one from illness,
or a job opportunity that somehow came along at the
right time.

People of faith don't regard such times as
"coincidences;" they see God's hand in it all. They
know they've been blessed.

And then what? What do we do when we see how richly God
has blessed us? Does life continue on as usual, or do
we take time to show God our gratitude?

Luke wrote about ten lepers who begged Jesus to cleanse
them of their awful disease. As they were going to show
themselves to the priest as Jesus had directed them,
they suddenly realized they were now clean! It had to
be the work of God, and they were undoubtedly
overwhelmed with joy.

One of them, however, stopped what he was doing to go
back to thank Jesus. Jesus then commented: "... Were
there not ten cleansed? But where are the nine? Were
there not any found who returned to give glory to God
except this foreigner?" (Luke 17:17,18).

When we take time to count our blessings, we will see
God's hand in our lives. Once we have seen how richly
he has blessed us, will we turn back to him and thank
him? Is there any gift we can give to show how thankful
we are for his abundant grace?

by Tim Hall