“The Lord said to Moses: Take the Levites from among all the Israelites and make them ceremonially clean.” ~ Numbers 8:5-6 NIV- 5
Hearing God
in the Wilderness
The book of Numbers describes the wilderness experiences of Israel. An 11-day journey materializes into a 40-year learning experience. As mature Christians often say to ourselves and those around us, “if only I had known 10, 20, 30 years ago…” As mature Christians, we often reflect on the decisions that have caused us to be out of fellowship with God. Because wilderness experiences are a part of life, we find ourselves wandering away from God, thereby exposing ourselves to trauma and drama. Thank God for Romans 8:35-39, for even in the wilderness God is with us.
The book of Numbers teaches us the value of a wilderness experience. It also teaches believers that we may go through the wilderness experience, but we do not have to remain in a state of rebellion! The Lord offers opportunities for reconciliation, and the wilderness experience, though not pleasant, serves to mature believers in faith. It is during these times that spiritual ears are made more sensitive to the voice of the Lord. Concurrently, it is a time where reflection on the events that led to and ensued on the wilderness road may be reexamined and will often lead to repentance.
The wilderness, always a unique lived experience every time it occurs, is not a time of spiritual stagnation. Each occurrence presents windows of opportunity to serve others. These opportunities are like fragrant flowers spread along a rocky path. The beautiful flowers and sweet smells encourage the believer's spirit. Kind deeds add joy to the heart of those who are helped and please God. God, of course, calls us to be kind, loving, and doers of the Word. Knowing these things about the wilderness does not negate the reality that wilderness lessons are often difficult to navigate, but there is good news. Praise the Lord for the good news! Again, the good news is that we do not have to stay in the wilderness!
The book of Numbers describes former slaves who had taken on the customs of the slave masters with activities such as idolatry, lying tongues, false witnesses and unclean hearts. They left righteousness by trying to follow two masters. The Word of God is clear. You cannot serve two masters. Despite rebellion, stubbornness and a lack of respect for godly leadership, God did not abandon Israel. In Numbers 8:5, God speaks to Moses. God demonstrates that He values repentance and obedience and tells Moses to call out the Levites from among the children of Israel and to cleanse them so that they could serve in the tabernacle.
God is still calling people to active service. It does not matter if you are in the wilderness, coming out of the wilderness or getting ready to go into the wilderness. Listen with your spiritual ear. You can still hear from God. God speaks to us in Isaiah 57:15, “I dwell in the high and holy place, with him who has a contrite and humble spirit...” You represent Christ. Your work does not cease, in or out of the wilderness. Remember these points:
1. There is no worthiness in us to serve God. But because of the sacrifice of Calvary, atonement has been made, and we are reconciled to God. The blood of young bullocks had to be repeated. The Blood of Calvary is sufficient for all times!
2. Your call reflects your uniqueness. We were all given different abilities and talents. We are to be actively engaged and not just standing around looking holy. We must take on the mindset that there is no unworthy work or service in the Lord. Service is a two-fold call: praise and service.
3. There is no loss when you give to God. The Levites were to act under the priests as attendants. They were to assist them in their duties in the service of the sanctuary. In Numbers 8:19, God gives them back to Aaron.
4. God laid out a plan to prosper the Israelites. He has a plan for you, and He desires to see you stand in righteousness, speak in righteousness and serve with the heart of Christ.
St. James AME Church is located at 360 Dorothy St. in Charleston. Worship service is held on the first and third Sunday of each month at 11 a.m. You may also join us on Zoom at pastorv.com.
