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Numbers chapter 33. We see a quick overview of Israel's journey in just 56 verses. I'm not sure how many years that included but it's over 40 years. The journey was not without trials and tribulations and times of testing one's faith. They had some success but a lot of failures. The journey is a testimony of their life with God: good and bad. They are now ready to cross the Jordan River and begin to possess the land within the Promised Land. They are to make sure they remove all evil from their presence or else it will be a hindrance between them and their relationship with God. If not removed, then God will punish them.
What is our testimony for the Lord? What is my walk look like for the past 52 years since I first surrendered my life to Jesus? What are my trials? What are my joys? What are my successes and my failures? Have I been faithful to my God? God has asked me to remove all evil from my presence or it will be a stumbling block between me and God. It will overcome me and destroy my testimony for the Lord! What do I need to remove so my testimony speaks faithfulness to God?
Lord please help me to be faithful with my life choices and decisions. May you be a continual bright light that shines in and through my life. Amen
Chapter 33 reviews the journey that Israel has taken so far. This chapter makes me think about how God always does what is best in all situations in all locations in all eternity. We read about this in Malachi 3:6. “For I the Lord do not change; therefore you, O children of Jacob, are not consumed.” Hebrews 13:8 states that” Jesus Christ is the same yesterday and today and forever.” He is faithful in the past, present and future.
I think it’s good to stop and reflect sometimes, but I know that I have to be careful to not campout in the past so much that I’m missing the present. I have a tendency to want to hold on to memories and the way that things were. We can thank God for what He has done, but He wants to work in our lives today as well. The same holds true for the future. We can know for certain that God has good plans for the future and it is wise to prepare for it, but if we only just focus on the future without living or enjoying what God has for us today, then I think that we would really be missing out.
I know there are times when it’s good to look back in the past and see where I’ve come from. A lot of times when going through situations it’s hard for me to see how God is working and I wonder how we’re going to make it. But later on when I look back at those times, I can clearly see how God provided for us. Thinking about it now, I’m afraid I’m a lot like the Israelites, forgetting what God already did and questioning Him. It’s those times that I need to remember what God’s already brought me through and He’ll do it again.