Numbers 20:14-18
‘Moses sent messengers from Kadesh to the king of Edom, saying: “This is what your brother Israel says: You know about all the hardships that have come on us. Our ancestors went down into Egypt, and we lived there many years. The Egyptians mistreated us and our ancestors, but when we cried out to theLord, he heard our cry and sent an angel and brought us out of Egypt. “Now we are here at Kadesh, a town on the edge of your territory. Please let us pass through your country. We will not go through any field or vineyard, or drink water from any well. We will travel along the King’s Highway and not turn to the right or to the left until we have passed through your territory.”
But Edom answered: “You may not pass through here; if you try, we will march out and attack you with the sword.”’
Moses is being very diplomatic. He knows his actions could be seen as threatening. So he sends messengers to make very clear that they mean no harm. He gets turned down the first time, so he sends them again. He’s rejected once more and is greeted with soldiers.
At times we will play by the rules and do the right thing and will still be treated poorly. This not only stings, but usually creates an inconvenience. Moses is traveling with several million people. He doesn’t know that the way into the promised land will be blocked for another forty years.
The sovereignty of God and His providence must be trusted in at these times. We are to trust that He promises guidance and provision. This is tough, because it appears that God isn’t in this. We like convenience, open doors and free flowing circumstances. Moses hit a brick wall. This situation is particularly threatening. I think of Psalm 23, “Even though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, Thou art with me.” We can take comfort that He is still in control.
Moses is very disappointed. He’s coming off a personal failure. It would be nice if this would have worked. He could have been done with them and been able to focus on himself. Discouragement can easily set in at these times. Our joy is dangerously low. We need to resist the gravitational pull towards sadness. We need to trust Him. Temptation can be strong. We are weak and sad. Our resistances are low. This is a good time to confide is our support group. Their strength and joy can sustain us. This isn’t showing little faith. God wants us to gain strength through our brothers. This is part of the reason He wants us in church, in small groups and in relationships. To gain strengthen from our friends.
Lord, encourage us in these low times. Help us to gain encouragement from our friends. Help us to avoid the dangerous perimeters when our resistances are low.