Numbers 14 – Numbers 15

As I live, and as all the earth shall be filled with the glory of the LORD – none of the people who have seen my glory and the signs that I did in Egypt and in the wilderness, and yet have tested me these ten times and have not obeyed my voice, shall see the land that I swore to give to their ancestors.
(Numbers 14:21-23a)

With that, everything changes. the rescue mission from Egypt, now takes a swift turn to forty years of wandering in the desert. All because they lacked faith enough to believe that God would lead, guide, and safely direct them into the land of milk and honey. It was all there, in plain sight for all to see. But, the faith and trust of the Israelites, it just wasn’t strong enough.

Perhaps with wrath . . . perhaps with lament . . . God speaks . . .
“None of you shall see the land that I swore to give to your ancestors.”

Now a new journey begins. Forty years of wandering. Forty years of being tested. Forty years of waiting for a place to call home.

Peace,
Pastor Bailey

Our next reading: Numbers 16 – 17