Numbers 10:33 A RESTING PLACE In my mind's eye I can see the order of God's people even as they are on the move across the wilderness to the place God promised them. That order provides for their safety and has been made for living in peace. Any contingency that arose had already been addressed as far as what they would do or could do for the benefit of God's people and the furtherance of their objective of reaching the promised land. We do not have to walk in spiritual blindness to discern what to do in God's service. The life of faith has already made plain to us what God's intention is and how we can be at rest in the pressures and tensions of life that come on us or are around seeking to claim our interest and attention.
The people of God can rest where they are, knowing that God has not given indication to move ahead until the cloud rises to reveal to us God's desire for us to move forward and do something different. Israelites saw a literal cloud rise and move before them because they didn't have the written word of God like can hold in our hand. For the issues of life before us and the events that only God knows, we have biblical principles and doctrines to guide us as the Holy Spirit applies them to the situations in which we find ourselves.
Something unusual took place that was outside the pattern God had previously given. Instead of the ark moving in the middle of the moving tribes, on this occasion the ark went before them. What was the reason for the ark being out in front to search out a resting place for them? Moses' brother-in-law must have been with them for some time while the Tabernacle was being built. Now it was time to move on and Hobab decided to go no further. For some unknown reason Moses seemed to think he needed the wilderness skills of Hobab to guide them instead of faith in God alone. God, in grace, moved out in front with the ark as a visible testimony of God's guidance. There was no scolding accusation by God - only a visible reminder of who is in control and who knows the way best. We often need to be reminded that God is sufficient for all things. His grace is sufficient. His strength is made very evident in our limitations. When we are willing to admit to our weakness, we are giving affirmation to our awareness of God's strength. It is not God's intention for us to be weak and ineffective or passively wait for "whatever will be will be." When obstacles come, we need to realize we can depend on God in those times to either remove the obstacles or guide us through or around them.
The ways God reveals Himself surpasses anything man can do. The silver trumpets had their purpose. The cloud had its purpose and the ark had its purpose as well. An awareness of God in every aspect of life gives the strength that is needed and He will guide us to the resting place. Absolute guidance by God and dependence on Him personally are lessons to be learned in our walk with Him. "Without faith it is impossible to please Him." To rely on the flesh of ourselves or any other person is an act of doubt in God's sufficiency and wisdom. In grace, God on that occasion took them three days journey to a place in the wilderness where they were removed from the influence of man's fleshly wisdom. Hobab may have been a good man, but whenever the flesh is relied upon, it is an act of God's grace to remove us from that influence.
"There is a rest for the people of God." There is a place in the wilderness where we are sheltered and protected, kept and fed by God. The wilderness can provide nothing for us. It is a blessing when God chooses to shut us up to trust Him alone. The cloud and the fire were there for their blessing. God had provided for them "a table in the wilderness" but the children of Israel, or more probably, those who had joined themselves to them of the mixed multitude were not satisfied. Moses learned the lesson that he had to keep his eyes and heart focused on the Lord for every need. May we today learn that same lesson and we will find that God has searched out a resting place for His people.
How much can we depend on the natural skills Of those who have experienced much of life? They have learned from others or by trial and error What not to do, and what is wrong and right. But when it comes to guidance in spiritual things The wisdom of men is not sufficient. There is only One who knows all from beginning to end - God alone is eternally omniscient.
We may look from time to time for guidance To those who who've gone this way before. However, they are limited in what they know, Though comparatively they have experienced much more. When the way is unknown and we hesitate, Take time to consult carefully with the Lord. He used fire and cloud, and the ark in the past - Now His guidance comes by prayer and His Word.
Our God knows the way to the resting place Where God's people find rest and restoration.
If we wait for His leading, then follow in faith - We will get to the right destination. Enemies before and behind are held back, When the Lord seeks a resting place for His own. It may not at first seem the place we would've chosen - That's why we wait for His will and place to be made known.
"Gracious Father, for the ways you have guided and the resting places you have found for me during the course of this journey to the promised land, I give Thee my grateful thanks. I acknowledge Thee as the Source of every blessing whether it be provision for the body, a place of safety and/or a place of spiritual growth. Thanks, Father, for all of these acts of grace that have brought so much blessing, In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen."