By Rich Cathers
 

When the saints go marching in, oh Lord I want to be in that number, when the saints go marching in …

The old song was drawn from the book of Numbers.  Numbers is the historical record of the time when after having been delivered from Egypt (Exodus), the Israelites wandered for forty years before they entered into the Promised Land (Joshua).  The book starts with a census or “numbering” of the Israelites, and ends with another census, and hence the name “Numbers”.

But if you pay attention to the details of the two numberings, you’ll notice that not every one was counted.  In fact, probably over two thirds of the people weren’t counted.  The only ones counted were “all that were able to go forth to war” (Num. 1:20-46).

For the nation of Israel, their survival was not only tied to their trust in the Lord, but their ability to fight.   They were constantly surrounded by enemies, and heading into territory occupied by hostile armies.  They had to learn warfare.

It’s not much different for us.  We too are headed for a Promised Land.  We too need to learn warfare to survive. Paul writes, “Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Eph 6:11-12).  We are to overcome the world (1John 5:4), and in fact, through Him, we are more than conquerors (Rom.8:37).  The Heavenly Recruiter is calling, and He wants you!  Let us learn to fight the good fight (1Tim. 6:12).  Oh Lord I want to be in that number!