Are We There Yet?

March 10, 2015
Opening Hymns:
I come to the Garden Alone http://www.songandpraise.org/i-come-to-the-garden-alone-favorite-hymn.htm

Scripture Reading:
Numbers 21:4-9
21:4 From Mount Hor they set out by the way to the Red Sea, to go around the land of Edom; but the people became impatient on the way.

21:5 The people spoke against God and against Moses, "Why have you brought us up out of Egypt to die in the wilderness? For there is no food and no water, and we detest this miserable food."

21:6 Then the LORD sent poisonous serpents among the people, and they bit the people, so that many Israelites died.

21:7 The people came to Moses and said, "We have sinned by speaking against the LORD and against you; pray to the LORD to take away the serpents from us." So Moses prayed for the people.

21:8 And the LORD said to Moses, "Make a poisonous serpent, and set it on a pole; and everyone who is bitten shall look at it and live."

21:9 So Moses made a serpent of bronze, and put it upon a pole; and whenever a serpent bit someone, that person would look at the serpent of bronze and live.

Message:
Sometimes when I think about the Israelites being led out of Egypt, I picture them as kids in the back of a car, saying “are we there yet”. The way we read the story, it’s almost hard to believe that they continuously question God, disobey His commandments, and question the one whom God chose to lead them.

They have not been short on miracles either… they followed the cloud and the flame prior to the river being separated for them to pass. They are being fed manna, which almost sounds like something out of a fantasy book. Why do they doubt?! How could they once again complain to God?

It is hard to see the years go by when you read this story. Remember it takes 40 years for them to make it to the Promised Land. Manna may have been magical the first few years, but I’m sure that it could get tiresome after a while, especially if there isn’t anything else to eat. As new babies are born, and the older Israelites pass on, it could make them question whether or not they will live to see the Promised Land.

Like them, we can sometimes forget the miraculous things that have been done in our own lives. When we are faced with obstacles and tragedies, we too may become angry at God. “How could he let something like this happen?” Instead of turning from God in our sorrow, we should draw close to Him, and remember the “manna” that He has given us throughout our own lives. If we turn our eyes towards Him, we shall receive comfort and healing. A comfort and love that we can share with others who suffer… for this world is not easy, it is filled with hardship, grief, and pain, along with joy, love, and peace. It is up to us to share the good with the bad, and to trust our Lord and Savior. Who, when at last our journey has finished, will say “yes, you’re here”.

Time of Prayer
Dear Lord, guide us throughout our lives. Let us never forget Your loving presence. Be with us through each of our struggles, and let us be with others too. Comfort us when we morn, heal us when we’re sick, and strengthen us when we are weak. Teach us to be there for others, as You are there for us. Amen.


The Lord’s Prayer


Closing Hymn
504 The Old Rugged Cross http://www.hymnsite.com/lyrics/umh504.sht

May the Lord bless you and keep you: May the Lord make His face shine upon you, and be gracious unto you: May the Lord lift up his countenance upon you and give you peace." Amen.