Rev. Wayne Huebner, pastor of Salem Lutheran Church in Affton, Missouri, joins host Rev. AJ Espinosa to study Numbers 15.

The whole nation has rebelled, and God has pronounced judgment on the older generation of Israel. To add insult to injury, they charged into battle against God’s command even after their punishment was pronounced.

Numbers 15 answers the questions that naturally arise: What would happen now? Would they still be God’s people? Would God still forgive them? God speaks to the people words of reassurance and comfort: their children will still inherit the Promised Land, and they may all still participate in Israel’s cherished rituals to receive God’s forgiveness. Even if the whole nation forgets one of God’s commands, even if a foreigner violates one of the rules, there is forgiveness for all people if they would receive it in repentance and faith. From beginning to end, as even their blue tassels testify, God is foremost concerned about His relationship with His people.