Don't Get Too Comfortable Here!

“Next week, I am heading south for a vacation. In two months time, I am planning to start my Harvard off-campus non-credit course on Water Fowl Ornithology. I’m into ducks and geese. A bit of a hobby, I guess. But I am running out of spare time. There is such a need in our city for good leadership, I am going to take a run at the mayor’s position in the upcoming civic election. My term on the “Christians for Social Development” Board will last five years with an opportunity to serve a second term. I am just run off my feet. Our architect has been working on plans for our new home for over a year now. We will be turning the sod in three months time. After I get home from my business trip to Paris, I hope to organize a neighborhood meeting to start developing a long range plan for a green space bird habitat....."

To be sure, the executive lady above was not one of the Israelites journeying through the wilderness in Moses’ day. After Moses led the children of Israel out of the bondage of Egypt, they journeyed through the land for forty years. Millions of them in one huge camp with their families and all their belongings. At the center of the Camp was their place of worship – The Tabernacle. God was leading them through the wilderness. He sent a cloud down over the Tabernacle during the daytime and a fire above it during the nights. And here’s how it worked:


“Moses this is ridiculous! How can I make any concrete plans? I am one of those people who like to have all the bases covered. I need predictability and stability. I plan ahead. This cloud thing – well, I can’t settle down at all. What’s the use?!! I never know when I set up my tent and drive down the pegs whether I’m here just over night, or for a week or for a year. Do you expect me to get up every morning and look towards the Tabernacle to see if the cloud is down or up and organize my day accordingly? This is nuts!”

I think Moses would say: “Yes, that’s the way the Lord wants it. We are dependant upon Him for guidance. We are on a journey. We are not wilderness residents. We are just campers passing through, as the Lord directs our steps. Don’t pound your tent pegs in too far because Jake, you might be pulling them up tomorrow and moving on.”

Does God still expect us to live that way? Paul said: “We walk by faith; not by sight.” 2 Corinthians 5:7. James condemns those who make plans for the future without the Lord’s guidance. (James 4:13-17) Peter referred to Christians not as residents but travelers and pilgrims. Paul cautioned Timothy against getting entangled in the affairs of this life.

“Lord, today I look to Thee for direction. I don’t know what today or tomorrow has in store for me. Lead me Lord; I will follow. Help me to be completely wrapped up in the things that are of interest to Thee and to be un-tangled from the affairs of this life. Unravel the strings that are holding me back from serving Thee more. Lord, I surrender my own will, my own plans and my own management of my life to Thee.”