Lessons from the journey

In Numbers 33, we see Moses recount the journey of the Israelites from Egypt to the place where they are camped now. As you read Numbers 33, you will notice that God doesn’t mention those things that Israel did right or wrong. He re-iterates the names of each of the stops along the way.

The first place mentioned is called Ramses, which means “Ra created it.” When they left the city of Ramses, they went to a town called Sukkot. They left Ramses with a “high hand,” not in fear and trembling. God took them from the “place Ra built” to Sukkot. The basic meaning of the word sukkot is a thicket, a covering that is a fence and has some protection. The children of Israel then pulled up their stakes and moved forward to the following location: that. The children of Israel took their farming tools with them. If and when God calls us to move, we will take our skills and tools with us.

Then, the children of Israel took a journey, and they camped before Miguel. The Red Sea is in front of them, and the Egyptian army is behind them. Then, they crossed the Red Sea and journeyed for three more days before arriving at Marah. After a day's journey, they arrived at a place with deadly water. God wanted them to understand that He was the one who would heal them. God is going to heal us spiritually. The Lord told the disciples that they were clean by His words (John 15:3).

The next encampment was called Elim, a place of palm trees. It was a wadi with lots of water, the opposite of Marah. The people then camped in the wilderness of Sin. Sin means dirt, clay, or mud. Sinai can mean thorns. The wilderness is the place where God speaks to us. It’s a place where we are alone with God. The next place is called Dolkah, a place of knocking or beating. Then they went to lush, the meaning of which could come from knead. Then God took them to a place without water, where the children of Israel had to go to war, and Moses had to raise his arms in prayer to help them prevail. The next camp was Kibroth-Hattavah, which could be called the “grave of desire.” God gave them what they said they wanted. The complainers died while the quail meat was stuck in between their teeth. After they buried the dead, they were temporarily sorry for their longing for Egypt. God was merciful and brought them to a place of safety. Hazeroth was a place of protection within the wilderness.

God is telling us something with all the places He took the children of Israel. He wasn’t doing all this to torment them but to teach them something. It was recorded permanently to teach us something, too. We are supposed to learn from history.

All of us are on a spiritual journey. We want to ensure we are going the right way on the right road. God gives us instructions in His Word. If we follow the road signs contained there, they will lead us to the destination we all hope to reach one day — Heaven. His directions are perfect. Our responsibility is to seek His instructions and then journey as He directs.

Application Questions:

1. When did you last pause to reflect on all the Lord has done for you?

2. Have you ever taken the time to write out the story of how you came to know Jesus?

Quote:

Nothing whatever, whether great or small, can happen to a believer without God's ordering and permission. There is no such thing as "chance," "luck," or "accident" in the Christian's journey through this world. All is arranged and appointed by God. And all things are "working together" for the believer's good.” – J.C.Ryle

Prayer:

Lord, help me know your directions for my life as I journey in faith. Amen.