Stage by Stage

In Numbers 33 Moses tells the story of Israel’s travels from Egypt to the Plains of Moab. Though it reads as a list of places and movements, those familiar with Israel’s history are reminded that this journey has shaped the people of God. It is a journey from slavery to freedom. It is the story of how man can move from despair to promise. The list reminds us of the obstacles that have been overcome and torn down as God has walked with His people. It is the story of victory. It is a story of sin and punishment and redemption. Israel’s journey highlights the faithfulness of God. It warns us of complaining and complacency. It is the story of a journey that centers around following the leadership and guidance of God.

As Israel thinks back over the journey they have taken, they are reminded that the journey was made in stages. Moses records the journey “stage by stage” (Numbers 33:2) by the command of God. They are reminded that the transformation of their thinking, their actions, and their will is not a journey that takes a few moments or a few weeks. The transformation has been ongoing, stage by stage, across generations. God has faithfully and persistently guided His people over a long period of time.

Reading Numbers 33 reminds me that I too am part of a journey with God. Like the Israelites, it is a journey from slavery to freedom. A journey of transformation. Now Numbers 33 becomes a reminder to remember. A call to walk through my own journey, marking the moments of revelation and the movement of God. Starting with the bleak reality that at one time I was a slave to sin. Remembering that there was a stage in my life when all was hopeless and lost. But also remembering that this stage was one of many. The next stage is a story of victory. It holds a cross, a Savior who willingly sacrificed Himself for me, and a surrender to follow God. The next stages hold the entire range of human experience. Like the Israelites we experience doubt, struggle with self, complain about life, and lose focus. We all experience the struggle with sin and the distraction from purpose. But in every stage of the journey, there has been the overwhelming presence of the hand of God.

God moves in our lives in incredible ways. I think of all the stages that I have been through and I marvel at how God has worked. Each place I have lived and worked. The parents that I have been blessed with. Teachers, friends, mentors, and even those who have not always had my best interests at heart. There have been struggles and victories. There have been questions and doubts. There have been assurances and guidance. I think of the stages of the spiritual journey and I can see God’s movement. Numbers 33 reminds me to look at what God has done…in the past. But it calls me to see the past so that I can be aware in the now. Aware that God still moves. He still saves, still forgives, still calls to account, still transforms. Numbers 33 is a call to live in the now. Seeing God shapes me to see tomorrow. Numbers 33 then becomes a reminder to have eyes for tomorrow. To prepare for amazing things that God will do. Numbers 33 shapes my heart for hope.

The spiritual journey we take is like Numbers 33. It helps me see God in my past and count the blessings I have experienced. It calls me to be aware of the now. This moment when God is moving. It calls me to prepare for tomorrow. It shapes my heart and my hope.

As you embed the Bible this week, keep in mind that you are on a spiritual journey. See the past, present, and future as places where God works. Remember that there is something to celebrate in this stage of life. The presence of God.