For the rest of this week, we will concentrate on these two scriptures (Exodus 17:1-7; Numbers 20:1-13) and I appeal to you to take time to go through them diligently.

Like the children of Israel, our pilgrimage journey to the Promised Land, the presence of God in Heaven, necessarily passes through desert places or wilderness.

At the Lord’s command, the whole community of Israel left the wilderness of Sin and moved from place to place. Eventually they camped at Rephidim, but there was no water there for the people to drink. So once more the people complained against Moses. “Give us water to drink!” they demanded. “Quiet!” Moses replied. “Why are you complaining against me? And why are you testing the Lord?” But tormented by thirst, they continued to argue with Moses. “Why did you bring us out of Egypt? Are you trying to kill us, our children, and our livestock with thirst? Then Moses cried out to the Lord, “What should I do with these people? They are ready to stone me!” Exodus 17:1-4 (NLT)

In the first month of the year, the whole community of Israel arrived in the wilderness of Zin and camped at Kadesh. While they were there, Miriam died and was buried. There was no water for the people to drink at that place, so they rebelled against Moses and Aaron. The people blamed Moses and said, “If only we had died in the Lord’s presence with our brothers! Why have you brought the congregation of the Lord’s people into this wilderness to die, along with all our livestock? Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place? This land has no grain, no figs, no grapes, no pomegranates, and no water to drink!” Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the Lord appeared to them. Numbers 20:1-6 (NLT)

Lessons that we must learn from the conduct of the Israelites here:

1. Is the name of the Lord just on our lips and we are unaware that He is also present with us in every situation to which He leads?
2. Are we aware that God cares for each of us at all? Why is it the negative outcome that prevails in our thinking and confessions?

There must be a conscious recognition and acceptance of the truth of Deuteronomy 31:6-8, Psalm 37:23-25 and Hebrews 13:5 — God is always present with you.

Remembering that the wilderness comes with different meanings, a place to escape, to be tested (Matthew 4:1-11), to recharge (Mark 6:31), learn, teach (Matthew 15:29-39) or even to find yourself (Deuteronomy 8:2-4), look for each of these in the circumstances you find yourself. And should the circumstance fall upon you suddenly, remember Proverbs 3:21-26, noting the condition preceding the promise. If there is any adjustment you need to make, make it now and do not incur the wrath of the Lord! Selah.


Pastor Afolabi Oladele