WTFMT 70 (TAKEN FROM HGM ON 19 NOV 19)

WILDERNESS TRUTHS FOR MODERN TIMES-70

TEXT: "And when we passed by from our brethren the children of Esau, which dwelt in Seir, through the way of the plain from Elath, and from Eziongaber, we turned and passed by the way of the wilderness of Moab." (Deuteronomy 2:8)

 

I. AVOID IT

 

   A. The only reference to the Wilderness of Moab as such is Deuteronomy 2:8. This is one of two wildernesses which should be not be part of the Christian's life. However, at times if does touch the Christian's experience.       B. When the word "moab" first occurs in the Bible it is in an incestuous situation. "Ab" is the word for "father" and "mo" is the preposition meaning "from" and attached to "ab." Thus the translation of "moab" is "from father." When the elder daughter of Lot gave birth to her child which she had conceived by her own father she named him, Moab. (Genesis 19:36-37)

  C. No part of Moab, wilderness or whatever, was to be part of Israel's possession. "And the LORD said unto me, Distress not the Moabites, neither contend with them in battle: for I will not give thee of their land for a possession; because I have given Ar unto the children of Lot for a possession." (Deuteronomy 2:9) As the children of Israel were to have nothing to do with this territory so is the Christian to avoid it in its spiritual sense which in its first setting is incest.

   D. The second reference in which "Moab" occurs is, "And Husham died, and Hadad the son of Bedad, who smote Midian in the field of Moab, reigned in his stead: and the name of his city was Avith." (Genesis 36:35)

   E. This is a setting of defeat. Midian is smitten in the field of Moab. Defeat is not to become a possession of the believer victory is, but so many believers seem to be living in defeat in the field of Moab. They live in the world's field or the field of personal circumstances. They do not live in God. If your life is hid with Christ in God you will discover that there is no defeat in God.

  F. Fear and distress causes defeat in Moab. "And Moab was sore afraid of the people, because they were many: and Moab was distressed because of the children of Israel." (Numbers 22:3) This is more than suggestions it presents a type of fear and dread which should not be part of the Christian's life, this is not the believer's possession. King David pens, "I will fear no evil."

  G. A believer's life in God should reflect his faith in God's power and care. Some believers live a fearful life. This is unbelief. Furthermore, there is no vision in the soul. God's loving care cannot be seen; instead, enemies and adverse situations are seen. They are the focal point of some Christians. Come out of Moab and be healed! Come out of Moab for your peace and strength! The aspects if Moab should not be found in a believer's life.

 

II.  PARTING THOUGHTS

 

     A. How can one come out of Moab? The very fact a Christian is in Moab indicates a lack of complete and unconditional surrender to God. One's own will and desires are followed and catered to. Thus, to come out of Moab requires a reversal of these detrimental trends.

   B. How does one suddenly reverse patterns following for years? He doesn't. The solution is to continually and habitually bring oneself in helplessness and dependency before God. The solution is to continually and habitually read the Bible with a desire to be conformed to it.