“Moses and Aaron turned away from the people and went to the entrance of the Tabernacle, where they fell face down on the ground. Then the glorious presence of the LORD appeared to them” Numbers 20:12 (NLT)
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Last night I dreamed that I could see the people of the world from a bird’s eye view. It appeared almost identical to what human cells looks like under a microscope.
Most of the people were in clusters, jittering around just like the molecules in a cell. They bumped into each other with hi-fives, back slaps, hugs and muted conversations. Because I was seeing everything from above, the easiest way to keep track of individuals going about their business was by hair color and style as it appeared on the crown of each head. Every so often, however, there was a cluster of people whose faces were turned upward; their arms were linked to form a complete circle and their eyes were on the Heavens. I could see their gaze concentrated on something higher than themselves – together.
This snapshot of life gave me a glimpse of how we may appear to God. Too many days, I go about my business while making forgetting that life is not just for the here and now. So often, I am so tuned into this life that my focus is on what I see here and what appears urgent now. When do I take the time to look up and consult the God who always sees everywhere? And when do I do that with my brothers and sisters, together, as a united group – seeking guidance from above rather than from my peers here below?
Moses and Aaron, in the wilderness with the Israelites, were still battling complaints from the people. The Israelites clustered together in groups of discontent and blamed their state on their human leaders, looking to each other for answers.
“The people blamed Moses and said, ‘We wish we had died in the LORD’s presence with our brothers! Did you bring the LORD’s people into this wilderness to die, along with our livestock? Why did you make us leave Egypt and bring us here to this terrible place?'” (Numbers 20:3-5 NLT)
Without trust in God, they were left with fear to call the shots as they realized they had no source of fresh water. They looked to each other and all they saw was the earthly struggle before them. They bickered among themselves rather than looking to God.
Moses and Aaron, rather than engaging in the “blame game,” immediately retreated together to God and his wisdom. They knew God had answers they could not see and fell on the ground. They turned their focus from horizontal to vertical together. THEN…
“Then the glorious presence of the LORD appeared to them” (Numbers 20:6b NLT)
God appeared before them and answered their call for help with wisdom only He could give. He cared for his people then with a miracle and he does it daily for us, too. Every moment that I encounter a challenge that appears hopeless, it is simultaneously a moment in which God wants to show me that he is enough for me.
How often do I seek him and his wisdom rather than point fingers and blame? He is the reason I was created, in his very image, yet how often do I take even a minute outside of crisis to acknowledge him?
- If God saw me in my dream cell, would he see the top of my head – focused on my life here? Or would he see my face turned upward to him?
- Are my arms and hands being used to point fingers here? Or am I using them to link up with fellow believers and seek him together?
“I also tell you this: If two of you agree down here on earth concerning anything you ask, my Father in heaven will do it for you. For where two or three gather together because they are mine, I am there among them.” (Matthew 18:19-20 NLT)
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Dear Lord, you made me and I am a part of you. You promise never to depart from me and I believe you. Please help me to remember, in good times and bad, that you are with me and I can look to you for wisdom, which you give generously. Thank you for giving me family; I want to praise you together with them, looking to you together with them. Thank you for making us all a part of your body. Guide me to turn my face to you in all circumstances. Amen.
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