the Wildernesse Experience

[Clio]

From time to time we are all called into the wilderness as we are led out of bondage, much as were the Children of Israel when they were led out of Egypt.

It is only in the wilderness free from all other distractions (Women's ministries, church socials, someone else's conception of what we need to be spiritually "whole") that Abba reaches our hearts as He determines our need.

In Deuteronomy 8:2-10 we are told explicitly by Moses what the purpose of the "wilderness experience" is.

It is to humble us, to test us, proving our character, and to find out whether or not we are truly obedient in faith. We are humbled by being allowed to go hungry and then being fed with manna, previously unknown to the COI or their ancestors, a new thing, a foreshadowing of Jesus, the Bread of Life. We are thus taught that man shall not live by bread alone, but by every word that proceeds out of the mouth of Abba.

In the COI's wilderness experience their clothes did not wear out nor their feet swell, there was no real danger or lasting harm, and just as a parent disciplines a beloved child, so the Lord disciplines to help you.

Continuing in that passage, we discover what comes after the wilderness experience for those who are faithful and walk obediently in the way of Abba, loving and fearing Him.

He leads us into a good land of flowing streams and pools of water, with springs that gush forth, and full of all kinds of good growing things. It is with joy we will draw water from these wells of salvation, these wells of Living Water, that will never run dry.

We must take great care that during the times of plenty and ease that we do not forget the terrifying wilderness, the hot, dry, greatness of it, and how the snakes and scorpions nearly overwhelmed us. For it is by His strong right arm we are saved, sheltered, and carried through the wilderness experience. We are tempered, tried in the fire, and all dross purified from our character.

In the wilderness experience Abba provides us with food from His Own table (manna), water from the very rocks, (the Living water that is Jesus our Lord), He provides our clothing which will never wear out, and protects us with His presence. Every thing we need is provided solely by Abba in the Wilderness Experience.

And with good reason. According to Deuteronomy 8:17 He does it that we will never think it was our own strength, energy, or works that gives us faith, good works, or salvation.

Clio

[Woody]

Thank you Clio. This was a source of encouragement to me.

[Clio]

[jasd]

Good on top you.

>>We must take great care that during the times of plenty and ease that we do not forget the terrifying wilderness,...<<

That "terrifying wilderness", both spatial and temporal - soon, again, to overwhelm us... I fear.

>>Every thing we need is provided solely by Abba in the Wilderness Experience.<<

Yes, in the initial, everything we possess is "provided soley..."; however, allow me to add that

even Elijah had the 'starter' of oil to provide for the woman and her son; and Christ used the fishes and loaves to increase...

as to feed the multitude.

I think a person should, al least, be proActive.

Just the liberty of the smallest addition... to a good post

[Clio]

Ah yes... and Israel started out from Egypt with all they took as recompense for 400 years of wages...

So yes proactive is a good thing... but I was thinking of the spiritual parallels to the Wilderness Experience when I wrote the piece... that having been what struck me as I read through Deuteronomy last night...

Clio