What can we learn about community from Moses' invitation to Hobab? The Context of the Invitation Numbers 10:29 – “Now Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, ‘We are setting out for the place of which the LORD said, “I will give it to you.” Come with us, and we will treat you well, for the LORD has promised good things to Israel.’ ” • Israel is moving from Sinai toward the Promised Land. • Hobab is not an Israelite by birth, yet he’s invited to share in Israel’s journey and blessings. • Moses recognizes Hobab’s practical gifting (v. 31 – “you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you can be our eyes”). Principles of Biblical Community Revealed • Open-armed invitation – God’s people welcome others to journey with them (cf. Isaiah 56:6-7; Romans 15:7). – Community is widened, not gated. • Shared blessing, not scarce blessing – “We will treat you well… the LORD has promised good things.” – Echoes Genesis 12:3: those who align with God’s covenant people share in covenant blessing. • Mutual benefit – Hobab’s wilderness expertise serves Israel; Israel’s covenant promises bless Hobab. – 1 Corinthians 12:4-7—different gifts for the common good. • Witness to outsiders – Hobab sees firsthand God’s faithfulness, mirroring Rahab (Joshua 2) and Ruth (Ruth 1:16-17). – Community life becomes evangelistic simply by living out God’s promises. • Dependence on God, yet appreciation of human help – Cloud and fire lead Israel (Numbers 9:15-23), but Moses still values Hobab’s eyes. – Healthy community balances the supernatural and the practical (Nehemiah 4:9). • Covenant identity shapes community culture – Israel’s offer of “good” is grounded in God’s declared goodness. – Ephesians 2:19—“you are fellow citizens with the saints and members of God’s household.” Personal Application Today • Invite outsiders into faith journeys: neighbors, co-workers, relatives. • View skills in the body as God-given tools; celebrate differences. • Share blessings tangibly—hospitality, encouragement, resources (Acts 2:44-45). • Let community life display God’s promises; live consistently so observers taste His goodness (1 Peter 2:12). • Rely on the Lord’s guidance while valuing practical counsel from gifted people He sends. Key Takeaways to Remember • God’s community is intentionally inclusive. • Blessings multiply when shared, never diminish. • Every member’s gift matters for the journey. • Faithful community living is a loud testimony to God’s faithfulness. |
    |