So we are starting the final book of the Pentateuch! If you’re like me, that’s quite an accomplishment. I usually flake out midway through Leviticus. I’m so proud of you (and me!) for persevering.
Moses recounts what God had done for the children of Israel in their 40 years of wandering: “He has watched your every step through this great
wilderness…the Lord your God has been with you, and you have lacked nothing.”
I’m so blessed to realize that God, though He didn’t have
to, loved them and loves us so much that He accompanies us wherever we go. Even
into the wilderness of our rebellion and through the desert consequences of our sin.
Though it was never His original plan, God still travels with His people. Leading and guiding them through the barren results of thinking they knew better than Him. Have you ever been there? I have.
Imagine forty years of circling the same patch of desert, a mammoth groove created by millions of feet. But then in His mercy, God puts an end to that season.
Get moving. Wow, those words resonated in my spirit today. No more circling the wilderness, people! It’s time to move forward into the Promised Land, the Lord says.
I can’t help but think that verse is for someone
reading this post today. You’ve been wandering in a wilderness, circling the
same barren landscape for years. Perhaps you wander in a desert not of your making. After all, the
offspring of the rebellious Israelites also paid dearly for their parents’ mistakes.
No matter the source of your wilderness, please know… you
have not travelled its lonely road alone. Though you may wonder if the consequences of rebellion will ever
end…though you may wonder if you’ve been disqualified for God’s best, I believe the Lord
would say to you today: “Get moving.”
It’s time to forget what lies behind you. It’s time to pack
up what remains and move on. For God has more for you than you are currently
experiencing. And He wants to display
His goodness, His mercy and His glory in you. Your heavenly Father wants to show Himself to the
world by restoring to you all the promises and purposes that were forfeited by
rebellion.
That’s the kind of God we serve! What a wonderful Father. What
a merciful Savior.