WTFMT 69 (FROM HGM ON 8 OCT 19)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-69

TEXT: "For ye rebelled against my commandment in the desert of Zin, in the strife of the congregation, to sanctify me at the water before their eyes: that is the water of Meribah in Kadesh in the wilderness of Zin." (Numbers 27:14)

 

I. MAKE A CHANGE

 

A. We are brought to the same situations, as the children of Israel, for the same tests over and over again. In this way, we have ample opportunities to correct our errors, then change our attitudes. Take advantage of these testing. Charles Haun said, "Count your testing name them one by one and your will see what God has done." Repent, make your renewed dedication, and avoid permanent failure.

B. The Wilderness of Zin is the most critical and serious of all the wildernesses in the Bible. Rebellion persists right up to the last minute of opportunity; that's serious.

C. There was no submission to God in the situations and conditions in which persisted. The attitude of knowing more than God persisted. "And why have ye brought up the congregation of the LORD into this wilderness, that we and our cattle should die there?" (Numbers 20:4) Why? Why? Why? Moses, don't you know any better than that? Rebellion against spiritual authority, rebellion directed toward each other, rebellion at God. Thus they bring an indictment against God at Kadesh, the place for their renewed dedication.

D. Are we much smarter than these people? Have you ever heard or said words something like these? Why am I in this situation? Why am I without the blessing of God? What did I do wrong to be brought to such a desolate place? What's going to happen? I don't understand any of this. I'm going to fail here, I just know it. All indictments against God.

E. These statements and the like are a manifestation of a heart in disagreement with God's divine arrangement. At this point there is only one element into which this heart can enter, and that is failure. Prevailing impatience, murmuring, and rebellion mean failure. There can be no further progress in God until these matters are out of the way. "Wherefore laying aside all malice, and all guile, and hypocrisies, and envies, and all evil speakings, As newborn babes, desire the sincere milk of the word, that ye may grow thereby:" (1 Peter 2:1-2)

F. To follow the correct course is not a matter which is so mystical, so high above us that we cannot come to it. It's a simple matter of obedience. It all boils down to a heart desiring to be submitted to God and all His appointed situations. It is not something which is so far above our understanding that it is difficult to comprehend and obtain.

G. It is not even doing that which God wants done. It is doing that we know God wants done. It is a matter of reading the Bible over and over to become familiar with God's priorities in relation to His will.

H. The problem with most intelligent people is that they always must stop to analyze everything. There is no matter they call allow to rest in simplicity. "Behold, the LORD thy God hath set the land before thee: go up and possess it, as the LORD God of thy fathers hath said unto thee; fear not, neither be discouraged." (Deuteronomy 1:21) It is difficult for some to obey without analyzing. As a result, paralysis of analysis sets in. Instead of a simple obedience to the word, their feet are stuck in the analytical quagmire. I. They are attempting to understand, rather than obeying. We must first see what it is; we must tear it apart and examine it. Instead of moving on in obedience, they piddle around in some curious investigation. Thus a substitute for obedience and dedication stops them cold.

 

II. PARTING THOUGHTS

A. So when we come to our Wilderness of Zin, and we will time and time again, the very first thing we must do BEFORE we start looking around is to make sure our dedication is up to date. If need be, again come to our Father in complete surrender so that we can follow Him in obedience.

B. Doing so will assure our success in going up to possess that which He has set before us. He has set before us the great unknown. Do you have the courage and faith to move toward it? But look head to the right the Wilderness of Moab is waiting.