Readings for today: Numbers 21-24
Many years ago, I was sitting with indigenous denominational leaders in southern Ethiopia, talking about church planting. It was our first trip to the region and they shared with us how difficult it had been for them over the years. They faced all kinds of persecution. They had access to very few resources. In many ways, they felt forgotten. The image they used was of the wadi’s that Israel journeyed through on their way to the Promised Land. Dry riverbeds with little to no water. Certainly not enough to sustain a growing population. In the same way, they felt like their lack of access to any kinds of resources was hamstringing their ability to grow the Kingdom in their part of the country. When we signed our partnership agreement, they rejoiced. They literally started singing the opening lines of the song from Numbers 21:17-18, “Spring up, O well, sing to it! The well which the princes dug, which the leaders of the people opened with their scepters and their staffs.” And they talked about God fulfilling His promise to fill the dry riverbeds all around them and that’s exactly what happened. Hundreds of churches were planted. Thousands of people came to saving faith. It was an amazing movement of God.
The people of Israel wandered in the wilderness for forty years. And though God provided for them all along the way, it wasn’t an easy journey. If you trace their route, you can easily see it goes through some incredibly challenging terrain. They were essentially traveling through the desert. There was little to no food or water. Furthermore, this was new territory for them. They didn’t know all the different oases or watering holes along the way. They didn’t know when and where to stop to conserve their strength. They were literally walking by faith and not by sight. Trusting God to lead them every step of the way. Take a look at the pictures I’ve included to get a sense of what they experienced. Is it any wonder they grumbled and complained? Is it any wonder they questioned why they ever left Egypt? Is it any wonder they struggled to maintain their faith in the face of all their hardship and suffering?
We too are on a wandering journey through this life and through this world. We often face challenging times and difficult seasons. Periods in our lives where basic provisions may be scarce. It causes us to wonder where is God in the midst of it all? Is He still with us? Is He still leading and guiding us? This is where we have to walk by faith as well. Trust Jesus to provide the Living Water that never runs dry. Living Water that spring up like a well deep within our souls. If we drink from this water, we will never thirst again.
Readings for tomorrow: Numbers 25-28
