Day 43

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Beginning the Journey with a Pillar of Cloud

Scripture

February 12—Numbers 9-12: Carping and Complaining and Longing for Egypt

Observation

Finally, the day has arrived for the nation to “pull up stakes” and set out for Canaan. As silver trumpets herald the trip’s commencement the huge camp prepares to march. The long-awaited journey has begun! But all too soon gratitude turns to grouchiness: the people complain about their daily diet of manna and express jealousy over Moses leadership. In the midst of miraculous provision, there is persistent complaining until at last the weary Israelites arrive at Kadesh-barnea, on the very border of Canaan.

Application

How many things can you think of that were truly “good” about the “good old days”? When you experience adversity—even though you’re obeying God—you may catch yourself looking back on the “good old days” with a moment for the past. Memory is a selective thing. Current difficulty often seems to bring to mind only the best of yesterday.

The Israelites had hardly broken camp when they began to complain about God’s daily provision of manna. To hear them tell it, you’d think they had left paradise in Egypt (11:5)! But their foresight was even worst than their hindsight, for they forgot God’s promise of future blessing. God never intended his children to spend the rest of their lives in the desert eating manna.

Have difficult times caused you to look longingly on the way life used to be? To help you keep your eyes focused on God’s purpose for you, write these verses on a three by five index card and carry it throughout the day. “I am bringing all energies to bear on this one thing. Forgetting the past and looking forward to what lies ahead. I strain to reach the end of the race and receive the prize for which God is calling us up to heaven because of what Christ Jesus did for us” (Philippians 3:13-14). Keep looking up, and you’ll never want to look back!

Prayer

Lord, we don’t want our eyes fixed on the past and risk a severe collision with the future—miss our opportunity for eternity with you. We want to be watching and waiting for your return. Help us to keep our mind stayed on you! In your holy name, amen!

Look up heavenward not back!




© Odessa Mathis about my Father's business! 2019

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