SCRIPTURE
"The Lord your God said to us at Horeb, 'You have stayed long enough at this mountain. Break camp and advance into the hill country of the Amorites." (Deuteronomy 1:6)
OBSERVATION
It was at Horeb where the angel of the Lord first appeared to Moses in a burning bush and commissioned him to lead his people out of slavery. Sometime later, it was where Moses struck the rock and God provided water for the people to drink. It was a place where God had demonstrated his power.
Here, in Deuteronomy, the people are camped at Horeb. A journey which so far should have taken 11 days, took 40 years, because of the people's disobedience. God told them to break up camp and move. The Israelites destination, after being freed from Egypt, was the Promised Land. They were not to camp in the wilderness.
God does not want us to get comfortable. Don't think so? To advance into the hill country of the Amorites meant they had to go through "all the vast and dreadful desert." Maybe that's why he had to tell them to break camp. They knew what lie ahead. He had to nudge them into the dreadful place so they could reach their destination.
APPLICATION
I tend to forget I am a sojourner in this life and want to be a builder. Get comfortable, settle down and stay awhile. But he won't let me. It is too easy to get comfortable with my stage in my spiritual journey. To excuse my lack of growth. It would be nice to kick back and rest awhile but his message is "break camp and move on." Until I reach the ultimate promised land of heaven I am on a journey. Whenever I want to drive in a stake God says break camp. I've got far more planned for you than you can imagine. You'll only find it as you journey on.
PRAYER
Lord, what a great reminder to not get too comfortable. As Paul writes, to press on toward the goal to win the prize for which God has called me heavenward in Christ Jesus.
