On Monday, one of the Bible passages I read was from Numbers:
Moses said to Hobab son of Reuel the Midianite, Moses’ father-in-law, “We are setting out for the place of which the Lord said, ‘I will give it to you’; come with us, and we will treat you well; for the Lord has promised good to Israel.”
But he said to him, “I will not go, but I will go back to my own land and to my kindred.”
[Moses] said, “Do not leave us, for you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will serve as eyes for us. Moreover, if you go with us, whatever good the Lord does for us, the same we will do for you.” So they set out from the mount of the Lord three days’ journey with the ark of the covenant of the Lord going before them three days’ journey, to seek out a resting place for them, the cloud of the Lord being over them by day when they set out from the camp. Numbers 10:29-34A lot of times, I just skim the Old Testament passages for the day, but this one jumped out at me because there was something unusual about the story. Earlier Numbers describes how God would lead his people to the promised land using a cloud by day and a pillar of fire at night. How much more obvious could God's guidance be? Very few of us are led through each day of our lives by such signs and wonders. Yet even with such a superhuman navigator, Moses still asked Hobab to accompany them because "you know where we should camp in the wilderness, and you will serve as eyes for us."
Was Moses exhibiting a lack of faith with this request? No, I think he was being brilliant. Even when God guides us directly, he has ordered things so that we must rely on each other. Each of us has different gifts and different life experiences. When we're venturing into new areas as part of our life's journey, it's a good idea to find someone who's already been through that territory. Chances are that they will have already found some of the resources and survival tips we'll need.
Even when doing something more mundane than choosing your life partner, it's a good idea to test out important decisions. We all need the special skills and knowledge that other people have to offer—especially during those times when we don't have the Almighty acting as our divine GPS system.
9 comments:
Ruth- these two posts are amazing.
I love the lens which you view your life through and then how you share it with us here.
And what you say about Moses and his response in Numbers, well that is great.
Thank you!
Ruth, as I was reading this passage you posted, my mind was picturing the scene and thinking that Moses really meant "No, Dad, don't leave, we need you!"
What better thing is there than to feel needed and wanted by someone you love, especially when you are travelling God's path together?
Awesome points you make; well done, my friend!
XOXO
You're right, Ruth, this is a perfect follow up on your previous posts. How susceptible we are to assigning in our lives what the pillars of fire and clouds are!
Absolutely! And when you don't know what to do, do nothing. Wait upon the Lord.
Sometimes the way seems quite clear, but sometimes the path is uncertain. That's when it's good to have praying family and friends around us.
Oh yes...that is so true....
What great insight into this scripture passage. I never notices that before you pointed it out. This is so true!
I kept thinking, "what does the picture at the top of the post have to do with the post?" Then it finally dawned on me; it's as close to a "pillar of cloud" as you could capture.
Great post, by the way.
Yep, that was the thinking behind the photo.
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