By Shirley Rosemarie Evans and Christopher Dryden
This is the route the Israelites followed as they marched out of Egypt under the leadership of Moses and Aaron. 2 At the Lord’s direction, Moses kept a written record of their progress. These are the stages of their march, identified by the different places where they stopped along the way.
Numbers 33:1-2 (NLT)
So, we have arrived at the journey’s end. Forty long years and finally the destination is in sight.
Thank God for the records kept by Moses. Clearly it is significant to God that we keep records as demonstrated by His instruction to Moses that their deliverance from Egypt be recorded and reported throughout the generations. “When your children ask you, ‘what does this ceremony mean to you?’ then you will say ‘It is the sacrifice of the Lord’s Passover, when He passed over the houses of the Israelites in Egypt, when He struck Egypt and delivered our households.’” (Exodus 11:26, 27). This attention to faithfully taking notes is shown with the writing of the commandments on the tablets of stone, and in Moses’ diligence in recording the details of the wilderness journey.
This series highlights a repeat cycle of the rebellion of God’s people and its results. This reveals the character of the children of Israel in their story and our behaviour at times in our story. At a moment’s notice we can be the people of Rephidim where our lack of faith in God’s provision causes us to rebel – complaining against God. In a moment we forget all that God has done for us – His power to set us free – as we come against Him.
We note that sin and rebellion always have consequences. We recall the Golden Calf incident where 3000 people died for a night spent in revelry of idolatry. It might not be a Golden Calf, but our faithlessness is highlighted in everyday challenges – reaction to a negative report from the doctor; the bills are due and we struggle with tithing or settling that overdue account, etc; we pray but doubt that God will answer, or perhaps doubt that He will give the answer we want, so we take matters into our own hands. In those moments, just like the children of Israel, our longing is for Egypt – everything our former life represents.
Meanwhile, God is displayed as the supernatural Provider. He caused manna to fall from the sky that fed them for forty years and caused quails to fall when people complained about a lack of meat. They had clothes that never grew old. Indeed, looking at the failings of the people and the providing nature of God there are glimpses as to why God would need to provide the Lamb to take away the sins of the world. Do we find satisfaction in what God has supernaturally provided especially in His Son – Jesus, the Bread from heaven?
What shines through the Exodus story is the steadfast faithfulness of our God. He took them out of Egypt and through the Red Sea with a mighty hand. Throughout the wilderness experience He continues to show that same hand. He delivered them from their enemies such as the extraordinary story of how, whilst Joshua led the fight against the Amalekites in the valley, Moses was on top of a hill with Aaron and Hur keeping his hands up to ensure victory. God told Moses to keep a record of this victory too.
Are we like the children of Israel keeping a record of our journey? Have you charted your stops and starts from the time when you recognised Jesus taking you out of slavery to sin? Do you see any patterns to your moments of rebellion? Do you recall the faithfulness of God and are you moved to repent? Let us not take these episodes lightly but rather take note. This will sustain you in the days of spiritual thirst when your natural inclination is to complain. Pause to reflect on God’s continual faithfulness and you will be confident that you do indeed serve a God who can be trusted.
Do not allow your complaints to cause you to miss the supernatural moments – God’s continuing provision. The times when He makes the bitter waters sweet, and when He delivers you from certain defeat. Pause to reflect and note God’s miraculous provision. Let us remember that our God is always faithful. Jesus promised to never leave or forsake us in the journey, and He will be with us every step of the way and will lead us into His eternal Kingdom if we but trust Him.
Ask – Why do you think it was important to God that records of the Exodus were kept and passed on to the generations?
Seek – What have we learnt in our own journey with God to date? What does it say about us? What does it say about God?
Knock – Make a note and store it somewhere special. The note should be a record of your journey of faith so far. Use it as a memorial to the faithfulness of God and His commitment to be with you in the journey.
(Upper Photo by Wesley Tingey on Unsplash)
(Inner Photo by Illiya Vjestica on Unsplash)
