Are We There Yet?

On the fifteenth day of the second month after they had left Egypt, the whole company of Israel moved on from Elim to the Wilderness of Sin which is between Elim and Sinai. The whole company of Israel complained against Moses and Aaron there in the wilderness. – Exodus 16:1-2 (MSG) 

In case you’re counting, God’s people have been out in the wilderness less than a month before they start pining for the old days: “At least in Egypt we knew where our next meal was coming from. Does Moses even know where we’re going? And how could we possibly not be there yet?”  

Here on the brink of mutiny, the people don’t yet understand that God has brought them into the wilderness not to reach a destination but to undergo a transformation. And (lucky for Moses) they have absolutely no idea how long this is going to take: long enough for a whole community to be spiritually re-fashioned from the inside out. God’s people are in the midst of a wilderness so vast that not only will they lose their way, but all their old ways of living.  

When we talk about wilderness these days, we’re usually referring to those rare places that have not yet been exploited for human profit or convenience. Places where our familiar strategies for security and control tend to fall apart. Which, as the Israelites quickly discover, can be a pretty uncomfortable experience. But as any wilderness guide will tell you, on the other side of that discomfort lies an opportunity for a profound spiritual shift. Out in the wilderness, we learn the value of humility and the necessity of living within sustainable limits. We might even discover the beauty, and the deep joy, of mutual interdependence.  

How long will it take? I wish I knew. But the promise of our ancient stories is that wherever we go and as long as we wander, God will be with us.  

Prayer
For the holy, wild places of this world and the ones who keep them safe, thanks be to God.

About the Author
Rev. Yael Lachman is a UCC minister and artist who leads contemplative retreats, art adventures, and worship for all ages, most often in wild places. You can find Yael here.