The Settlers of Catan
It’s all a bit fiddly at the end but the game is definitely worth it
Reference: v. 12 They are to take all the articles used for ministering in the sanctuary, wrap them in a blue cloth, cover that with the durable leather and put them on a carrying frame. (TNIV Bible)
Explore: Some friends of ours have just introduced us to a new board game called The Settlers of Catan. It’s a game of strategy and resources as you work towards building a cluster of settlements. Our friends have brought their board game over to play a number of times. While they have the original game they have also bought an extension to the game. This means more people can play and the game gets a little more involved. Our friends are heaps of fun and the game is terrific but we always have to be very careful when putting the game back in it’s box. The playing board is made up of many different pieces and each player has a bag of pieces for themselves, all in various colours. Due to this game holding the extended pack as well it all fits into the original box but only if it is all placed together in a particular order. It’s all a bit fiddly at the end but the game is definitely worth it and it means the parts are not damaged.
Application: When I read through the fourth chapter of Numbers it all sounds very fiddly. A particular group of people is assigned pack up duty of the holy elements of the temple and they are given fairly strict instructions of how to go about it. The thing about God is that He doesn’t ask us to do things without having a reason or a direct purpose. Its one group’s responsibility to pack up these important elements so that they know exactly how it’s done and are able to pass it on to the next generation. Each element is packed in such a way to allow protection to the elements, as well as the people. Everything has its place and is not forgotten or damaged. I find that I have regular routine things that I need to do if I am to grow in my faith. I will be honest to say that reading the Bible and praying is not always the most fun-filled part of my day. However I know that it is an essential routine for me to have in order to understand God better. Just like placing the pieces of the game back in the box and the Israelites packing up the holy elements, reading the Bible and praying is definitely worth it in the end and means that I don’t get damaged.
Prayer: Lord, sometimes we feel that our routine gets boring and mundane. Help us to see the importance of being diligent in our worship of You. Amen.
What are ways you can add important elements to your day?
This article was written by Linda Bailey
Linda started theological studies in 1999 in Australia. After working for ten years in various church ministries, she now works as the breakfast producer at 89.9 LightFM - the Christian radio station in Melbourne, Australia. She writes blogs every day about passages she is currently reading in the Bible. Follow her on Google Plus +Linda Bailey or Facebook by clicking the like button on the right of this page.