February 14, 2025 - Numbers 20-24

We are so much like Israel.  The Lord had done such great things for them.  He continued to walk with them and provide for them.  Yet, they complained to Moses:  “Why have you made us come up out of Egypt to bring us to this evil place?  It is no place for grain or figs or vines or pomegranates, and there is no water to drink” (20:5).  Moses was not without culpability in this episode.  In anger he struck the rock and demonstrated a lack of quiet confidence in the Lord to handle the situation.  Israel was unhappy and fussy.  Moses was angry.  As with Israel, God has been so good to us.  Rather than complaining, we should, as Paul encourages, “Rejoice in the Lord always; again I will say, rejoice” (Philippians 4:4).  Oh, how we can trust him and be joyful!

All the way my Savior leads me.

What have I to ask beside?

Can I doubt his tender mercy,

Who thru' life has been my Guide?

Heav’nly peace, divinest comfort,

Here by faith in him to dwell!

For I know, whate’er befall me,

Jesus fashions all things well.

All the way my Savior leads me,

Cheers each winding path I tread;

Gives me grace for ev’ry trial,

Feeds me with the living Bread.

Tho’ my weary steps may falter,

And my soul athirst may be,

Gushing from the Rock before me,

Lo! A spring of joy I see.   –Fanny Crosby (1875)