Into the Wilderness

   There are numerous examples in the Bible of those who went into the wilderness.  Whenever a theme such as this recurs as frequently as the wilderness appears in the Bible there is almost always an important lesson involved.  If we look at a few examples I believe we can begin to understand the importance of going into the wilderness.

   In one sense Noah was called into the wilderness when God directed him to build an ark before the great flood.  As a result of the devastation wrought by the flood Noah and his family were taken into the wilderness when the ark came to rest on Ararat.  Noah took his family and did all that God had asked of him.  God then established a covenant with Noah that never again would all the world be destroyed by flood.  God told Noah, “Be fertile, then, and multiply; abound on earth and subdue it.” (Gen 9: 7).

   “The Lord said to Abram: ‘Go forth from the land of your kinsfolk and from your father’s house to a land that I will show you.” (Gen 12: 1).  Abram took his family and did as God asked him, finally settling in the land of Canaan.  Through many trials and problems Abram remained faithful to God, doing as he was asked by the Lord.  God entered into a covenant with Abram.  Abram became Abraham and would become the father of many nations.  God made him exceedingly fertile and gave to him and his descendants the land of Canaan.  Out of this covenant the Israelite nation was born.

   Moses was called by God to lead the Israelites out of slavery in Egypt and to take them back to the land of Canaan.  Again they were called to the wilderness; they wandered for forty years in the desert.  God entered into a covenant with the Jewish nation; if they would obey His laws He would be their God and return them to the land promised to Abraham.

   When God takes one into the wilderness they are changed.  By following God’s will they become His people.  Journeying into the wilderness appears to be a big part of the change God wishes to make in us.

I believe this is just as true today as it was in Old Testament times.  We too must go into the wilderness if we are to be changed by God and become His.  We don’t need to go to the desert or even leave our home, but we must leave the comfort of our complacency and journey into God’s will for us.  He will lead us where He wants us to go as part of His plan for us.  Our task is to willingly enter the wilderness with Him and follow His commands just as Noah, Abraham and the Israelites did.

   The journey may not be easy.  Each of those with whom God entered into covenant had difficulties to overcome.  There were hardships along the way.  We can expect the same in our journey.

   It’s also important to understand that we will fail at times, just as they did.  God doesn’t expect perfection, but a desire and willingness to follow His will.  With the help of God, Jesus and the Holy Spirit we can overcome difficulties; we can be forgiven of our sins; we can truly strive to become a saint.  I believe our sainthood is God’s greatest wish for us.  Let’s enter the wilderness He calls us to and strive to fulfill His plans.