Rev. E. Anderson
This is but a sermon starter to get you thinking and studying in relation to the text and theme. Trust it will be provocative and promotive.
WILDERNESS EXPERIENCE
Numbers 33 One of the vital periods in the history of God’s people was the journey through the wilderness. It was a stage that had to be negotiated on their way to the Promised Land and in it they had to discover a number of important things.
1/. THE NEED TO APPRECIATE THE IMMEDIATE PRESENCE OF GOD
Besides see the glorious demonstration of God’s presence on Sinai’s mount there was the visible manifestation on a permanent basis in the pillar of cloud and fire. It was to be an inspiration to the whole nation throughout the long journey. One of the problems was this people got used to it and failed to recognize its value and worth. Moses certainly realized its significance and worth – Exodus 33: 15.
2/. THE NEED TO ACCEPT THE DIVINE LEADERSHIP GOD HAD CREATED AND ESTABLISHED
The man who headed the leadership of the nation had been divinely called and equipped and had been enabled to an outstanding job for God and the people. The reason why they could journey through the wilderness was due to his bold, courageous and inspired command. It was imperative that they continue to look to him for direction in God.
3/. THE NEED TO ASCERTAIN OF THE LESSONS THE LORD WAS SEEKING TO EDUCATE THEM IN
This phase was important for their schooling and God had some tremendous instruction to impart before they moved on. This period was to be a time of loving and proving God and to know the essential of faith if they were to become a people of supreme worth.
4/. THE NEED TO ACKNOWLEDGE THE POWER OF GOD IN TIMES OF REAL CRISIS
There would be situations of enormous crisis but they were to know no matter how big they were, their God was to every one. He could handle any emergency and they were to become persuaded that He would not fail to solve any difficulty.
5/. THE NEED TO ADHERE TO THE ULTIMATE PURPOSE OF REACHING THE GOAL OF THE PROMISED LAND
The thing that always had to be in their mind and occupy their thoughts was the fact that the wilderness was only a temporary exercise. They must keep their eye on the real prospect: the possession of a choice land.
CONCLUSION
God may bring us to our wilderness but He means to take us through but in it we must see to it that it is not a waste of time.
