Numbers chapter 9 verse 8 (NIV)
Moses answered them, “Wait until I find out what the LORD commands concerning you.”
At the beginning of this chapter in Numbers, we read that God commanded the people to commemorate the Passover to remind them of what God had done for them in taking them out of Egypt. It was a command to be kept. But then we read of some who were unclean through being in contact with a dead body. Thus, in accordance with God’s instructions they were not permitted to take the Passover with the rest of the people. But they wanted to be obedient to the command God had given, so they asked if they could hold their own remembrance at another time. It seemed like a good solution, but when asked, Moses was very wise. He didn’t want to assume. This was after all an issue about a command given by God. So he told those involved to wait till he had sought God’s mind on the matter. God did allow them to celebrate at another time.
This however is a reminder to me of the importance of seeking God’s mind when it comes to matters relating to worship and service. Sometimes we can get stuck in a rut and do things in a particular way because that’s how its always been done. Then there may come a suggestion to do something different. It may make us uneasy, or we might find it refreshing, but however we feel, we must be as wise as Moses and ensure that we don’t make any changes until we find out what God has to say. That may mean we have to wait for an answer. We need to be careful not to be impatient. Most of all, we need to act on His response. If He says go ahead then we must, even if it means doing things differently to how we have done before. If He says no, then it doesn’t matter how reasonable the idea may seem, we mustn’t press on with it. But if we seek God, He will not leave us in any doubt.
Dear Lord,
Thank You for the valuable lesson that we learn from Moses wisdom. Help me to always put it into practice when the need arises. I ask in Jesus’ Name. Amen.