A Time In Desperation

Have you ever felt so overwhelmed that you thought your life was slipping away? Have you ever been so far disconnected that you could not see a way out? Have you wondered who or what could make things better or change the circumstances? If you can answer YES to any of these questions, you have looked desperation right in the face.

Today……. we are going to explore some genuine issues that we are facing but with the understanding that…..this is not the first time we have seen it.

Would you pray with me!

The narrative of the Israelites' journey from Egypt to the Promised Land is a story of faith, disobedience, and God's unwavering grace. The books of Exodus, Leviticus, Numbers, and Deuteronomy, document numerous instances where the Israelites rebelled against God. So, let us start right there.

One of the earliest and most significant acts

of rebellion occurs in Exodus 32, where we learn about the Israelites constructing and worshiping a golden calf. This occurs while Moses is on Mount Sinai receiving the Ten Commandments. This stark illustration shows us how quickly the people turned away from God despite witnessing His mighty acts of deliverance from Egypt. Why did they insist on Aaron making this golden calf?

-The Israelites were led by fear and impatience. Moses had been gone for a while, and they wanted a tangible representation of God to reassure themselves.

-Possible cultural influence as they had seen idol worship during their slavery with Egypt.

-Misguided leadership- Aaron failed to stand firm in his faith and remind the people of their covenant with God.

-Misunderstanding of Worship- The Israelites were exposed to polytheism in Egyptian culture, which is the worship of multiple gods or goddesses and is considered a heresy in many religious contexts.

In Exodus 32:9-10, God expresses His anger: "I have seen these people," the Lord said to Moses, "and they are a stiff-necked people. Now leave me alone so that my anger may burn against them and that I may destroy them. Then I will make you into a great nation." However, Moses intercedes, and God relents, demonstrating His mercy.

In this we see God had seen enough. Moses only need to agree with Gods proposal and He would consume Israel & start over again with Moses as the “new” Abraham. Hypothetically this would still fulfill the promise made to Abraham, Isaac & Jacob. Understand that God did not ask for the participation or opinion of Moses and if he did nothing, this plan would go ahead. In verses 11-13, Moses would make a plea for the Israelites to be saved…they are your people, not mine (Moses was acknowledging his role in serving the Israelites as there leader but ultimately lead by God himself) By your grace we were brought out of Egypt (God’s miraculous provisions and the Red Sea Crossing in Exodus Ch 13-14). Do not be seen as a cruel God to the Egyptians (Moses wanted God’s actions to be seen as just and fair, reflecting the conventional relationship between God and the Israelites)

​​ and you are a good God who is always faithful…remember your promise to Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob (included the promise of land, numerous descendants, and blessings that would extend to all nations)

Following this, in Numbers 11, the Israelites complain about their hardships and the monotonous diet of manna provided by God. They recall the food they had in Egypt, forgetting the harsh slavery they endured. Their grumbling displeases the Lord, and He sends quail for meat but also a severe plague as a consequence of their ingratitude. Another significant rebellion is recorded in Numbers 13-14, where the Israelites refuse to enter the Promised Land after the report of the spies. They even talk of choosing a new leader and returning to Egypt. This rebellion results in the Israelites wandering in the wilderness for 40 years, with the current generation barred from entering the Promised Land.

In Numbers 16, we encounter the rebellion against Moses' leadership and Aaron's priesthood. This act of defiance is met with a dramatic judgment from God, where the earth opens and swallows the rebels and their households.

Numbers 20, in the Israelites' recurrent disobedience they complain about the lack of water. Moses, instructed by God to speak to the rock, strikes it instead in frustration.

This act of disobedience leads to both Moses and Aaron being barred from entering the Promised Land. In Deuteronomy 1, Moses recounts the Israelites' refusal to enter the Promised Land and their defeat when they attempt to go up without God's blessing. Deuteronomy 9 provides another summary of Israel's rebellious history, including the golden calf incident and other acts of defiance.

These are specific instances, and the Old Testament prophets frequently remind Israel of their rebellious nature.

Isaiah 1:2-4 describes Israel as a rebellious nation: "Hear me, you heavens! Listen, earth! For the Lord has spoken: 'I reared children and brought them up, but they have rebelled against me. The ox knows its master, the donkey its owner’s manger, but Israel does not know, my people do not understand.' Woe to the sinful nation, a people whose guilt is great, a brood of evildoers, children given to corruption! They have forsaken the Lord; they have spurned the Holy One of Israel and turned their backs on him."

This is an observation that the animals know what they are to do and where to go but the people cannot seem to get it!

Jeremiah 2:29-30 also speaks of Israel's rebellion: "Why do you bring charges against me? You have all rebelled against me," declares the Lord. "In vain I punished your people; they did not respond to correction. Your sword has devoured your prophets like a ravenous lion."

This is a reminder of turning away from God, in their & our disobedience and rebellion. It calls us to take responsibility, acknowledge our own guilt and sin AND our need for repentance.

This echoes the theme of rebellion and serves as a call to repentance and a return to covenant faithfulness. The cyclical pattern of rebellion, punishment, repentance, and restoration is a central theme in Israel's history and serves as a profound spiritual lesson. This is a lesson we desperately need to learn from today!!

Freely talk……………………

OUR WORLD……What is going on in our world today??

It is not the world; it is the people!! Fear & Impatience

OUR CULTURE…

Cultural dynamics refer to the patterns, practices, and ideologies that define a society at a particular time. Over just the last 40 years…. We have seen a shift in cultural norms that include, but not limited to

Technology, Individualism, Gender Roles & Feminism, Ethnic Diversity, Media & Pop Culture, Evolution of Music & Art, and man-oh-man…what Social Media has done to completely change the landscape.

Leadership…….

Adam & Eve: Their story highlights humanity’s need for autonomy and understanding that also leads to dire consequences.

King Saul: Israel’s 1st King, anointed by God. Was led away from God by fear and disobedience and marked a pivotal deviation from divine obedience to self-justification.

Judas Iscariot: Known primarily for betraying Jesus for thirty pieces of silver. His story is a reminder of the complexities of human motivation and ambition.

In our Reproducing Leaders Catalyst …….

WORSHIP…… What and who are we worshipping

As we begin to close the service today………

Church family, friends, believers, followers…everyone that can hear my voice

WE…..are faced with ​​ “A time in Desperation”

WILL YOU…..