Numbers 21: Worn Out
Monday, February 25, 2019
Several years ago we focused on verses 4 through 9 of this chapter in a Noontime reflection about The Bronze Serpent and at that time we noted that this story is often read during the Lenten season when we are called to repent and make reparations. We reflected on the thought that God in great wisdom and mystery sends a cure to the people that is similar to their disease; and we saw the Hebrews succumb to the temptation to complain when their patience is worn out by the journey. Just as we travel toward Easter during Lent, and move Advent waiting for the light. When we have so much invested in our waiting it is easy to give in to the kind of impatience we see today; and we know the feeling of despair that replaces hope when the expected outcome is so long in coming. We zero in on our disappointment and forget to look at the many victories in our lives.
The episode of the bronze serpent is sandwiched between stories of victory over Arad, Moab, Sihon and Og. God has accompanied the Hebrews and seen to their welfare; yet the travail of the journey has worn their patience thin and they turn against God. Although they experience a series of triumphs, they complain about their food and drink. They want to control the smallest details of their lives and rather than rest in the triumphs they have lived they obsess about the minutiae. This is a story in which we can place ourselves.
Whether we find ourselves in Advent or Lent, or find ourselves in an ordinary time of extraordinary waiting, we can look at the Hebrews to see ourselves in their impatience; and we can make our own journey through the lands of Arad, Moab, Sihon and Og. We can examine what motivates us, what leads us, what stops us. And we can pray . . .
Do I too often steer clear from something when the cure lies in my willingness to enter God’s plan?
Am I too stiff-necked or too impatient?
Do I fear too much and trust too little?
Am I too controlling or too impatient?
Do I complain too much and give thanks too little?
Am I too unwilling or too impatient?
Do I take the victories for granted and throw temper tantrums when my own plans come up short?
Am I focused on self and not on God?
In the hardship of the journey it is easy to concentrate on our fears and wishes; it is difficult to keep our eyes on the prize. So when we feel this impatience welling up, let us look to God for strength; let us ask God for the stamina we need to see the journey through. Let us look at the many victories that line the pathways of our lives; and let us remember that when we rely on God rather than self . . . our patience will never wear through.
A re-post from December 3, 2011.
For more reflections on traveling the road of life, see the Journeys of Transformation page on this blog.
Images from: http://jewlistic.com/2010/06/ive-had-it-with-these-snakes-in-this-portion/ and http://www.zianet.com/maxey/reflx303.htm
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