" . . . and the soul of the people was much discouraged because of the way." Numbers 21:4
Because the hostile people and unfriendly land of Edom barred the approaches to Canaan, the children of Israel had to go on a long, roundabout march that was not at all pleasant. Their passage was accompanied by much discomfort. For one thing, their route was extremely stony, hot, and sandy; and for another, the water was scarce. Yet they should have realized that the Lord who had led them with a mighty hand out of Egypt and provided them with daily manna from heaven would certainly guard and keep them as they traveled this new and difficult way. Their faith, however, was weak, and soon they fell to murmuring and complaining and were much discouraged.
Can we not see in this picture of the weary and fearful Israelites in our own silhouette in bold relief? Often the way to Heaven too seems roundabout and long. In the wilderness of this world we find dry, arid stretches, rough going, and many hostile foes. Yet, if we look back to the greatness of our salvation and ahead to the vastness of the glory which is our destiny, should we not be ashamed of our discouragement? Our most trying afflictions here are "light" and but "for a moment" when compared with the exceeding and eternal weight of glory that awaits us at the end of the road (2 Corinthians 4:17). If God is leading and our steps are of His ordering; if our very hairs are numbered, and He has assured us that He will supply every need (Philippians 4:19), then we have no right to murmur or to be disheartened. Let us lift up our eyes and, seeing the Shekinah glory going on before, let us trustingly move forward and be of good courage. In spite of the difficulties and roughness of the way, this is the right road Home!
"Bread For Each Day"
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