The Isrealites
Growing up, my usual countenance towards the Israelites or the story of the Israelites is condemnation. They kept complaining about water and food on different instances even though God had provided these things in the past, they didn't trust God and lacked faith at the crossing of the Red Sea, they didn't trust God that they would enter the promised land and how dare they go make a golden image just because Moses was absent for a few days (40days) talking to God 😅.
I condemned them for all they did, for always disobeying, complaining, and grumbling, I condemned them for being so faint-hearted and not obeying God. I always asked myself questions like how could they be ungrateful despite everything God did for them🙄. Like, did they forget all the plagues God inflicted upon the Egyptians on their behalf? did they forget how God fought Pharaoh and his army on their behalf, did they forget how God made the pillar of clouds by day and the pillar of fire by night for their guidance and protection? did they forget that they walked in the middle of the Red Sea with the sea as their walls on their right and left? "They had such a flex so how can they be that forgetful?", I would always say.
However, recently, whenever I read about them, I wonder if I am not exactly like what I am condemning. Now, before I castigate or condemn the Israelites I look at my life first because sometimes, I am also in complete disbelief about how I act, worry, and become paranoid in adverse situations. What about you?
Lemme rewind - The Israelites spent about 430 years in slavery, serving the Egyptians. At this point, most of them have probably forgotten the promises God made to their fathers Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Then Moses came and they left Egypt. They were probably still very shocked, confused, scared, and traumatized from all of the events that had happened, they didn't know where they were going or which direction to take but they knew they were following Moses (who was probably very confused, angry and frustrated on some days as well), they had been going through this continuous cycle of being in suffering and then getting saved all over and at some point, they traveled days (3 days) in the desert without food or water. Honestly, I would say they really did go through a lot and I probably would have complained also if I were there.
This post however is not to praise the Israelites but to communicate what I have learned from them and their stories. Just like the Israelites, do you and I not complain and grumble to God whenever things do not work out how I want them to? Don't we not reek of ingratitude to God on some days despite all that He has done and is doing for us? But do not be like the Israelites - always complaining, grumbling, rebellious and disobedient. Instead;
1. Remember that life can be like that wilderness (the one the Israelites were in) and things can seem and be very difficult at times. But that's okay because this is not our final bus stop; this is not our destination and God is still in the business of making a way in the wilderness and rivers in the desert (Isiah 43:19).
In life, you pass one test or one hurdle and you think you are good but before you know it, the next one comes. You never 'truly arrive' in life; focus on the destination even as you journey in life.
2. Constantly cast your eyes and hands towards God. I remember reading about the battle of the Israelites and the Amalekites in the wilderness. How can the Israelites defeat them? did they have any fighting skills? no, but once Moses' hands and eyes were cast towards heaven, they succeeded in battle. On the hard and difficult days, where are your eyes cast towards? Who do you look to for help? Keep your eyes on Him unmoved (Hebrews 12:2 and Psalms 16:8).
3. Avoid calling on God only when you need him to fight your battle or when you are in trouble. I once read that if you only call on God when you are in trouble, then you are in trouble. Call on Him daily. Let talking to God about everything and anything be a lifestyle.
4. Never forget the past goodness of God. If God did it before, He will do it again. (Psalms 103:1-5) Bless the Lord oh my soul and forget not all his benefit. Never forget what He had done! Not forgetting can fuel your faith for what is to come.
5. Avoid murmuring or complaining, instead, praise! If you feel like complaining, talk to God instead! (Philippians 2:14-16).
6. Life is already hard as it is; don't do life without God. I cannot imagine how frustrated Moses would have been if God wasn't speaking to him on a steady. Even though God was speaking to him, the Israelites were still frustrating him; what if God wasn't?
Our lives are completely meaningless without God; do life with God.
7. They were promised the Promised Land but it didn’t appear magically. God could have taken them via the easier route but He needed them to build character and be ready. Maybe there are promises or words that God has spoken to you but they haven't come to pass yet, spend this time building character for those promises. Sometimes the strength of a person's character is best revealed amid adversity (Pro. 24:10). Your waiting should not be in vain. Use your waiting season wisely. Don't be like the Israelites who turned to golden calves in the face of delay, wait on Him faithfully. It may seem late but God is never late; He is always on time. In your waiting, start making room for that promise or answered prayers cause it's on the way. He makes all things beautiful in His time and all things work together for good for them that love the Lord (Eccl. 3:11, Rom. 8:28, Psalm 27:14).
After going through the story of the Israelites again, one thing I am super grateful for is the gift of Jesus Christ. Seeing how the Israelites could not talk to God made me so appreciate the privilege we have to call Him our Father and have a relationship with Him and my hope, desire, and prayer is that we make good use of this access and privilege that we have.
#shallom
#Godsdelight
#lightbearer
Beautiful insight
ReplyDeleteMore grace.
Amen. Thank you for reading through!
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