So the Israelites did everything the LORD commanded Moses; that is the way they encamped under their standards, and that is the way they set out, each of them with their clan and family. (Numbers 2:34 NIV)
My parents used to take me to a lake in central Kentucky for vacation during my grade school and high-school years. Dad was getting close to retirement and had considerable vacation time to use. Most of it was spent at the lake.
When we would tie up the houseboat out in a cove, we had a set routine between dad, mom and myself for getting everything in place. Mom navigated the houseboat. Dad navigated the runabout. I would run on shore and connect the rope to a sturdy tree, then feed the rope making sure there were no knots, and finally giving the other end to mom on the houseboat. Dad and I would go over to the other shore and follow the same pattern. In the end, the houseboat was tied out in the middle of the cove, suspended by 5/8" braided rope that was strong enough to "hold the Queen Mary."
We were good at this routine, even though we only had a chance to practice it once per trip. Sometimes we would move up and down the lake - giving us the opportunity to practice it more often. Every time, we would talk and joke and laugh afterward. We enjoyed working together like a well-oiled machine. There was a feeling of accomplishment that came from working together so well.
I have to think that the Israelites must have had a similar feeling. They worked together as a team. In fact, they were following God's instructions. They broke down camp, moved, and set up camp - God style. I wonder what kind of discussions they had around the camp fire that night. It had to feel good.
Maybe that's why I like working together on teams with the church today. We get the satisfaction that comes from accomplishing God-focused things while following God's instructions. We also get the joy of working together with one another. It makes for good discussions...and memories.
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