Numbers 26:63 These are the ones counted by Moses and Eleazer the priest when they counted the Israelites on the plains of Moab by the Jordan across from Jericho.
The Israelites have been wandering in the wilderness for 38 years. There has been during that time almost zero growth. That boggles my mind—38 years of stagnation, waiting for the faithless generation to die out.
Numbers 26:64 Not one of them was among those counted by Moses and Aaron the priest when they counted the Israelites in the Desert of Sinai.
As I was praying, the phrase “Wash your hands and say your prayers because Jesus and germs are everywhere” came to mind, an apt expression for these troubling times. Just like the Israelites wandering in the dessert, we have no idea how long the threat of COVID-19 might last. Just like the Israelites, we have the opportunity to shine God’s light while we wait, or we could stagnate in the wilderness, languishing in our faith. Just like the Israelites, God loves us, chose us, is with us, but leaves it to us to act in faith.
Numbers 26:65a For the LORD had told those Israelites they would surely die in the wilderness….
Lord, Thank You for this day, for this scripture, for this opportunity to shine Your light in troubling times. Help us to approach each day as an opportunity to shine for You, to help our fellow man, to shine light into the world. Draw us closer. Amen.
Numbers 26:65b …and not one of them was left except Caleb son of Jephunneh and Joshua son of Nun.
Have a blessed day.
My faith, my life, my teaching–it's all a work in progress.