July 23, 2018

In the Wilderness

“Now the Lord spoke to Moses in the wilderness of Sinai…”  Num. 1:1

The Book of Numbers is called B’midbar in Hebrew, meaning, “In the Wilderness.”  It is taken from this first verse in the book, where the Lord speaks to Moses, as Israel is in the wilderness.  If we take a moment to re-trace events, about three months had gone by since Israel left Egypt, the place of bondage, and arrived at Sinai.  Another nine months or so were needed for the construction of the Tabernacle of Moses.    While this building project is happening, the Israelites were camped in the wilderness – not the land that God had promised! 

Have you been in a spiritual wilderness – feeling adrift, lost, and without a compass?  Have you ever felt your devotional life to be dry, dull, and dormant?  You may have wondered why you were in such a place for so long a time.  Being camped out somewhere for nine months is different than a quick overnight!

God promised to rescue His chosen people Israel and He did.  God promised His people a land that flowed with milk and honey, and He brought them to Canaan.  It was the way, or the route that He took, to bring Israel to Canaan (coupled with Israel’s disobedience).  God brought His people out of bondage through the wilderness to the Promised Land.

It is in the wilderness where the Lord will speak to us – or perhaps it is better expressed, we will hear Him as He speaks to us.  When we have stopped our grumbling and complaining, our blaming, and our questioning – then we can hear the voice of the Lord as He speaks to us.  We will get to the place of utter dependence and reliance on God when we are mired in the desert places.  It may take some time, but God is faithful.  He will wait for us. 

Friend, be encouraged the next time you find yourself in the wilderness.  The Lord may have brought you there to speak to you about what awaits you next on your journey to the Promised Land.