“NO LONGER BOUND,” is the opposite of Israel’s “Wilderness wandering” experiences which are found in the Book of Numbers. Accordingly it should have been a time of service and walk. Yet out of the congregation only Caleb and Joshua trusted God. In chapter 14:8 both of them told the congregation “If the LORD delight in us, then He will bring us into this land, and give it us: a land which flows with milk and honey.” What promises God has given you and me? But due to unbelief, we failed to receive or the promise was delayed? Also during this reading identify Israel’s “Wilderness wandering” experiences.
God had already set up all the twelve tribes with “Renowned men, the princes and heads of thousands in the congregation for war. Now ready to secure Canaan, the promised land for Abraham’s seed. Chapter 13:17-25 & 33 indicates (Just to note God already knew, but He wanted Israel to see the goodness of His promise and to return with an attitude of belief.) the “Spies were sent to survey the land whether it be good or bad, lean or fat; the people strong or weak, few or many and did they dwell in tents or strongholds. The spies returned forty days later and reported “The land is filled with milk and honey but, they saw giants, the sons of Anak. “They compared themselves to be like grasshoppers to the giants.
Israel seems to have had a “Panic attack” or lost their minds. They failed to believe and trust God to do them no harm; in addition to all He had done which included His ten wraths upon and deliverance from the Egyptians; parting the Red Sea; and His watch and provisions in the wilderness. So we see in Chapter 14:1-3 “And all the congregation lifted up their voice, cried and wept all night, murmured against Moses and Aaron. You know how we do, “Talk under our breath like folks don’t hear nor know what we said.” They failed to honor and realize the All-Knowing God will fight their battles for them. Instead the whole congregation (except for the 4 that believed) felt God should have let them died in Egypt or the wilderness. Then they said to one another verse 4 “Let us make a captain, and let us return into Egypt.” Moses and Aaron’s responded by falling on their faces before all the assembly of the congregation. The people wanted to stone Caleb and Joshua. Read the entire Chapter about God’s wrath and promise to the people because of their “Stiff-necks.”
There are many ways Israel’s “Wilderness wandering” experiences relates to our lives? First I must admit “Glad I was not living during Israel’s time.” Now we have family ties, ancestors from generation to generations like Israel. We relocate to different places and cities to achieve greater life opportunities for self and family. We are living off the prayers of ancestors for safety, protection and godly livelihoods. Many are blessed with an inheritance of land like Israel and the need of rescue from dangerous situations that we had little or no control over. “Wilderness wandering” situations of making poor and/or difficult decisions, hard-headedness, in need of support or to be an listening ear for others due to their life issues. “Wilderness wandering” due to broken hearts and life disappointments; while young trying to find our way; then caught up in those things that brings us joy, instead of those things that pleases God. Can you identify with any of the “Wilderness wandering experiences? If so what are they? Then how are you handling or previously handled?
God’s pre-knowledge of His presence in our “Wilderness wandering” experiences were foreknown to Him prior to conception in our mother’s womb. God knew and still knows everything about us, nothing hidden. His desire for us are “All are saved and none lost.” Therefore our lives as children were primarily guided by our godly mothers, fathers and/or grandparents that introduced most of us to Jesus at an early age. We regularly attended church, Sunday School, Baptist Training Union, Vacation Bible School, youth meetings, sung in the choir, was on the usher board, learned and recited Easter and Christmas speeches.
Despite our roots in the church at a young age I learned about Jesus, but did not know Him. Reaching high school to young adulthood many times I desired the ways of the world with little to no interest in hearing the LORD’S voice nor seeking His ways. What is or was your stance or desire to be in the presence of the LORD?
Therefore not really knowing and feeling Jesus in my heart until around 40. This was an intentional thirst to know and establish a love connection with Christ. I also needed His help. What about you? What was your turning point of commitment or recommitment--thirsts after God’s righteousness? To love, honor and reverence the LORD like Moses and Aaron displayed that includes falling on our faces before the LORD, then exalting His Holy name through worship and praise. He speaks to us through ways like His audio voice, prayer and reading His Word. Yet due to God’s unmerited love, favor and longsuffering for us we are to wholeheartedly surrender our body, soul and spirit to Him. Therefore we are NO LONGER BOUND to sin nor unrighteous lifestyles due to our gift of Salvation and the Light of Christ-His Holy Spirit that lives in us! Please share your comments and NO LONGER BOUND to your family and friends. Continue blessings and love you!
