I’m reading through Numbers and Mark (LifeJournal Bible reading plan), and this jumped out at me today.
- Moses led Israel out of Egypt into the wilderness at God’s command, right after they crossed through the Red Sea. The Spirit of God led Jesus out into the wilderness immediately following his baptism.
- Israel was in the desert for 40 years; Jesus spent 40 days out there.
- The Israelites were hungry, so God gave them manna (what is it? Yes, that’s what it means) and quail (though that didn’t turn out so well for some of them.) Jesus was without food for 40 days, then the angels came and ministered to him.
- Israel’s devotion to God was tested repeatedly, as was the devotion of Jesus.
- Israel didn’t fare well in testing; Jesus passed with flying colors.
- Israel couldn’t wait to get out of the desert. Jesus often returned to lonely places (wilderness) to pray (Luke 5:16)
I think I need wilderness in my life. I want to be shaped by God, to have my character developed. Most of my life has been spent in relative comfort, and I’m pretty sure that’s not a good thing. Adversity reveals our true nature and is used by God for many good purposes. I’m not a glutton for punishment, but I’m realizing that I need wilderness in my life to teach my to rely on God, to get away from distractions so that I can hear his voice, to face some of my demons/temptations, to remind me that I am his…
I don’t know if it has to be actual wilderness (can I be in the wilderness while in the familiar confines of 16801?) but I know that all of us would benefit from spending a little time away, enduring hardship, waiting on the Lord to speak. I believe that we all have our own El Guapo to face…
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