Numbers 21:4. “And they journeyed from mount Hor by the way of the Red sea, to compass the land of Edom: and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way.”
BECAUSE OF THE WAY. It is the same place; it is the same people – The first generation was defeated here. The second generation, calls for God help - The enemy is defeated and finally – victory.
Hard fast behind this on the journey toward home – Discontent with manna that tasted like honey and full of life – Now they “loath this light bread” and miracle water; The second-generation fades and many die.
The road is made clear but it is not easy going. There is opposition ahead and the tension grows. Now there are armies coming against us, and we wonder – And the second generation rises to the challenge.
They turn to the north and God is with them. One city after another is taken and advances are made. The ancient brother-enemy is bypassed and left to languish The second generation moves forward – orderly and in rank.
We may not have experienced the 400 years in Egypt. We may not clearly remember by experience, the crossing of the Red Sea. We may not remember the Mt. Sinai visit from God. But the second generation has a work to do.
The way may seem difficult as we press forward to meet the foe. The work may seem hard and unproductive in many places. The walk may be tense and hard when we are misunderstood. “But the toils of the road will seem nothing when we get to the end of the way.”
“I know discouragement is wrong Father, for those of us who have experienced Your works in so many powerful and meaningful ways. Yet we sometimes are looking in the wrong places and get sidetracked. Help me to maintain a sense of vision and purpose that can be passed on to those of the next generation. In the name of the Lord Jesus Christ, Amen.”