Instructions in the wilderness
When is the best time to hear a message? (Numbers 15:17-21)
After several posts on conflict in the wilderness, I continue to work with the idea that the wilderness experience has important and far-reaching implications for us. The wilderness is a place of profound emotional, relational, or spiritual difficulty or loss, an in-between place full of questions and trials. And in that dark and chaotic time in our lives, God is shaping our character through experiences both within and outside of our control.
God is also giving us instructions. After the Israelites try to leave the wilderness and lose battles with the Amalekites and Canaanites, God gives them several commandments. Here is an example::
The Lord spoke to Moses, saying, “Speak to the people of Israel and say to them, When you come into the land to which I bring you and when you eat of the bread of the land, you shall present a contribution to the Lord. Of the first of your dough you shall present a loaf as a contribution; like a contribution from the threshing floor, so shall you present it. Some of the first of your dough you shall give to the Lord as a contribution throughout your generations. (Numbers 15:17-21)
The Israelites are in a very difficult place. Sentenced to 40 years in the wilderness, they are at odds with each other and with Moses. They’ve recently been defeated in battle. Now God gives them specific instructions dealing with sacrifices, sojourners, and sin. Perhaps the Israelites are in a place to really hear God’s commandments.
When I think about my own wilderness experiences, when I’ve felt angry, lost, or defeated, there comes a time when God’s word or presence comes through. I don’t think God’s voice is suddenly louder, or that He’s finally decided to start speaking. I have a hunch it’s because I was in a place to listen. As hard as the wilderness experience is, one blessing is that it can prepare you to hear a voice other than your own.
When you reflect on your wilderness experience, did you hear certain messages during that time? Will you impart any of those lessons to future generations of family members?