Lessons from the Wilderness

The theme of going to the wilderness repeats itself over and over in the Bible, as God’s people enter the wilderness as a preparation or precursor to some great blessing or undertaking that has been set before them.

In one example, the Bible describes Israel leaving Egypt in search of the promised land of God, only to fall short and be turned back for their lack of faith. They are then sent to the wilderness to wander for 40 years, during which time all those who fell short died – including Moses himself.

But emerging from the wilderness, the people displayed an increased faith and trust in God, which allowed them through God’s power to obtain the promise.

We see David retreating from Saul into the wilderness as well. But God sees him there, and just as He had cared for Israel in the wilderness in its time of need, He sends David help in the form of followers who would ultimately help him to claim the promised crown.

Finally, we see Jesus, who is led by the Spirit into the wilderness for 40 days in preparation for his own great task, his life, teachings, and sacrifice on the cross, leading to his triumph over death, and the salvation of mankind.

In all things, we can remember that as God tested and prepared His people in the wilderness, He continues to do so in our live today, caring for us, preparing us for service, and remaining with us even in times where we feel alone.