Read Numbers 20:14-21
Moses was polite and considerate in asking permission of Edom’s king. I thought the reply back was a little harsh, didn’t you? If the trek was to begin to the Promised Land, the best route would have taken this mass of people through the lands of Edom and Moab. Apparently there was even a “highway” that would make the journey even easier. But the king said, “No way!”
Moses believed they would have had a warmer welcome because they were “relatives.” After all, the Israelites and the Edomites were from the same ethnic background. The Bible stories of Jacob (the Father of Israel) had a brother, Esau, who became the father of Edom.
Since there would be no social media followers in those days to keep track of distant family members, Moses tried to give the king a quick synopsis of what had happened to their side of the family over the years. Clearly, Edom’s king was not impressed or even curious about rekindling any family bonds. Since many years had passed, Moses was hopeful any animosity or jealousy would be a thing of the past.
Moses and his crew were turned away, just as any other nomadic people would have been. It’s my understanding that in those days groups of nomads were common. The damage left behind and precious resources used and abused was enough to keep the king from even listening to Moses’ promises.
I wonder what Moses felt when turned away like that? He could have gone to battle to get through the land but chose not to. Do you think Moses consulted the LORD and was told it wasn’t time to fight? That probably would have been the answer anyway.
We’ve all faced roadblocks in life, haven’t we? Maybe it was a boss telling us we weren’t going to get the promotion we wanted or a doctor saying we’d have to find another way to have a child. Even little setbacks like encountering red lights when you’re in a hurry can be frustrating.
It’s in those times we need to look for a “Plan B.” There is always another way, especially when we look to the LORD for direction. In our time of disappointment, it can be hard to even imagine another option. Turning to God is always the wise choice.
God will make a way
Where there seems to be no way
He works in ways we cannot see
He will make a way for me
Those are lyrics from a song from Don Moen back in 1993. Don Moen was one of the first worship leaders that I paid attention to when I was first leading worship. You can listen to the whole song here if you need to refocus on a struggle in your life.
Sometimes our setbacks are God’s way of teaching us. No matter what, we need to have the attitude of Job and never give up on God. He is never giving up on us!
Let’s pray. Lord, it can be hard to face setbacks in life. Thank you for staying with me in those times of darkness and strife. Even if the wrong way seems like the smart way to go, help me to always trust you and follow your way. In Jesus’ name. Amen.
