Walking in the Wilderness

Weekly D'rash on Parashat Beha'alotcha

Life in the wilderness! In some ways it was glorious and in other ways it was disappointing and difficult. The children of Israel were redeemed out of Egypt, miraculously crossed the Red Sea, and sang a great song of praise as seen in Exodus 12–15. It was a time to celebrate and march victoriously to the Promised Land. Well . . . maybe in a movie version but not in real life! The wilderness wanderings are used throughout the Bible to depict our journey of following the God of Israel through life.

This week’s Torah portion narrates both wonderful moments of consecration and commitment as well as shows us the low points of leadership and rebellion. It begins with the consecration of the Levites and the priesthood (Numbers 8). God provided spiritual leadership to make sure that the nation could maintain their fellowship with God. Then we read about a celebration of Passover just before the people embark on their journey to the Promised Land (Numbers 9). It shows the kindness and flexibility of God in allowing unclean people to wait a month to celebrate Passover. What a time of celebration and commitment.

Next, we read about the beginning of the journey and the way God was going to lead them through the journey via the cloud. Then, as they begin to move forward, we read great words of assurance and encouragement—the words we say every week from Numbers 10 when the Torah is removed from the Ark (see last year’s d’rash). This is what the children of Israel had been waiting for during the two years since the exodus. God brought them to Sinai and gave them the Torah and all the instructions for a life of blessing. All that was left now was to march to the Land of promise!

However, the heart of the people had not changed. Immediately they complained about the food and accommodations. But this time, Moses was exasperated. Thus, he complained to God about the people. He argued with God because he felt that he had been put in a situation for which he did not ask. After all, God had to forcefully convince him to take the job (Exo. 4:10–17), and it was God who made the people and brought them out of Egypt. Moses felt helpless and alone. Amazingly, God did not chastise him for his outburst (much like God’s reaction to Habakkuk). God responded with a great idea: deputize helpers. This is what Jethro had told him a few years before. God anointed seventy faithful men with the Spirit of God. Then God turned to the people and taught them a lesson about complaining. He rained down quail upon them to the point that they could not take it anymore. God was angry at the people, but rather than bring destruction he discipled Moses on leadership and disciplined the people with chastisement but not death.

Just when we think all is well, the first of several leadership crises erupts. Aaron and Miriam, the brother and sister of Moses as well as his closest co-laborers complain about Moses and his (second?) wife who is African! This is particularly dangerous because it seems like they publicly question the leadership and spiritual authority of Moses. Aaron was the High Priest who already had problems in the golden calf event, but Miriam was the person leading the chorus of praise to God when they crossed the Sea. What a disappointment for Moses. However, God uses this travesty as an opportunity to affirm the leadership of Moses. We see his humility in action, and we see the forgiveness that both Aaron and Miriam receive.

All the people in this Torah portion come short of the expectations we have for them. The people complain. Moses complains. Aaron and Miriam complain. Everyone feels helpless and alone. God is the hero. He listens and acts. He meets the need. He chastises, teaches, comforts, and encourages. Everyone is being mentored to follow the Lord.

When we think about our own lives as people redeemed from bondage and on a lifelong journey to New Jerusalem, we too experience both highs and lows. We experience loneliness and disappointment regarding what we think God should do, as well as disappointment with people. We all experience complaining, sadness, regret, and remorse, as well as forgiveness, provision, new beginnings, and hope. What God promises is that He will never leave us or forsake us. He provides a way of life that even in the wilderness can bring joy, peace, and fullness. He promises a future that will last forever.

In the new covenant reality, God has given us the indwelling Ruach HaKodesh through Messiah Yeshua who empowers us to navigate through the difficulties and gives us comfort, wisdom, and a vision for the future. When we sin, He forgives and cleanses us as well as provides people to help us walk on the path of the Lord. What He asks of us is to walk on the path of wisdom, trust, and righteousness.

So, be encouraged on the journey! As the prophet Habakkuk said: Though the fig tree does not blossom, and there is no yield on the vines; though the olive crop fail, and the fields produce no food; the flock is cut off from the fold, and there is no cattle in the stalls; yet will I triumph in ADONAI, I will rejoice in the God of my salvation! YHWH my Lord, is my strength. He has made my feet like a deer’s, and will make me walk on my high places. (Hab. 3:17–19)

Shabbat Shalom,

Rabbi Howard