The book of Numbers is perhaps one that we do not venture into very often as part of our personal Bible study. We may not hear many sermons based on texts from this book in our churches. It is tempting to focus on the excitement of the account of Israel’s great march to freedom from slavery in Egypt and the thrill of crossing the Jordan to enter the Promised Land, skipping over the difficult wilderness years in between.

Yet, there is learning and wisdom in the wilderness if we wish to stop and look. The book of Numbers begins with God’s people taking stock of who they are. It is a little over two years since the people left Egypt. The covenant has been established, the law has been given, the priesthood has been anointed and the glory of God has come among them. They are ready to begin final preparations for the journey to the Promised Land.

And yet, we know that the Promised Land is still decades away. Chapters 1-14 of Numbers show how God prepared them to enter the land from Kadesh Barnea, but that attempt failed because of their unbelief. Chapters 20-36 show how God again prepared them to enter into his promise, decades later.

This preparation was a spiritual one. Their first failure was not because of lack of provisions, weapons, or war plans. It was because of lack of faith. If the people were to fulfil God’s promise, they would need to pay attention to their relationship with the Lord, focusing on right worship, obedience, and trust in his faithfulness to them.

If we long to participate in the purposes of God, we must be prepared to submit patiently to his preparation, however long it takes. What is God preparing you for right now?

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NEWBOLD COMMUNITY CHURCH