learning experience of the wilderness

The Israelites just didn’t learn. Their learning experience never set an example of how to make changes. After traveling all this way to the edge of the promised land, they had had enough of their journey through the wilderness. Their attitude reminds us of children on a trip who continually ask, “Are we there yet?” only to be disappointed when they do arrive.

A disastrous wilderness experience

All the sons of Israel grumbled against Moses and Aaron; and the whole congregation said to them, “Would that we had died in the land of Egypt! Or would that we had died in this wilderness!” Numbers 14:2 NASB1995

When the nation of Israel heard the adverse report, they lamented they should have died back in Egypt or along the journey. So instead of listening to the good report of Caleb and Joshua, they would have preferred to travel back to Egypt than to cross over into their promised land. 

The wilderness or the promised land?

In the morning, however, they rose up early and went up to the ridge of the hill country, saying, “Here we are; we have indeed sinned, but we will go up to the place which the Lord has promised.” But Moses said, “Why then are you transgressing the commandment of the Lord, when it will not succeed?” Numbers 14:40‭-‬41 NASB1995

The promised land was nearly in the Israelites’ grasp. Even though they owned up to their disobedience, they weren’t fully on board for God’s best. They decided to try to do things their way. Moses warned the people who decided to go against the commandment of the Lord they would not succeed. It is imperative whatever undertaking we strive for that we make the time and effort to follow the leading of God otherwise success will not be achieved. 

The Israelites unbelief led them back into the wilderness. Their actions determined their destination and their learning experience taught them nothing. They thought they could do it on their own and they failed miserably. The Israelites who decided to enter the promised land without the leadership of Moses or the protection of God paid the price for not having faith. Selfish desires lead to sinful decisions.

Lessons from the wilderness

There are so many lessons to learn from the learning experience of the Israelites. We, today, believers and unbelievers alike, are so much like the nation of Israel. We can learn from their mistakes. Understanding how God wants you and me to follow Him as He leads is the ultimate learning experience.

You shall remember all the way which the Lord your God has led you in the wilderness these forty years, that He might humble you, testing you, to know what was in your heart, whether you would keep His commandments or not. He humbled you and let you be hungry, and fed you with manna which you did not know, nor did your fathers know, that He might make you understand that man does not live by bread alone, but man lives by everything that proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord. Deuteronomy 8:2‭-‬3 NASB1995

Lesson 1

Your wilderness will not last forever. The wilderness was never meant to be a permanent residency but rather a temporary transition to a better place. The Israelite people had their promised land; we as believers have a mansion in heaven ready for us.

Lesson 2

Israel was never lost, they were being led even in their wilderness wandering. God took care of them in the wilderness. He provided for their every need: food, water, clothing, and health. When we look back on our wandering, we see God has done the same with us. 

Lesson 3

The wilderness was a test for the Israelites. God knew what was in the heart of His people. He tested them so that they would know what was in their hearts. How we respond to our wilderness learning experience will demonstrate either our faith in God or faith in ourselves. Trusting in God will ultimately determine our destination. Trusting in ourselves will lead us away from God and His providential leading.