There are a couple of verses in Joshua that have always intrigued me, because they really speak of transition. They describe the children of Israel just after they had crossed the Jordan:
“On the day after the Passover, on that very day, they ate some of the produce of the land, unleavened cakes and parched grain. The manna ceased on the day after they had eaten some of the produce of the land, so that the sons of Israel no longer had manna, but they ate some of the yield of the land of Canaan during that year.” (Joshua 5:11-12, NASB)
It is easy to miss the significance of these verses and to pass them over as simple historical narrative. What is significant about them? Israel had to learn a whole new system of provision.
You should remember that an entire generation had passed on since the Hebrews had departed from Egypt. That means that most of these people had either been born in the wilderness or had left Egypt as youngsters. And that means that most of these people had grown up knowing no other method of provision except to go out in the morning and collect manna from heaven.
To the sons of Israel, this was simply how it was done–it was all they knew. And once they crossed over into their new season…now, suddenly…no more manna. Can you imagine how disrorienting that must have been? Can you imagine that despite the many promises they had from God, there must have been some initial sense of fear and uncertainty at this turn of events?
Was God abandoning them? Of course not. The form of provision simply had changed. Now that they had arrived, they didn’t need the manna anymore. They just needed to learn a new way of provision, to adapt to their new season. And of course, they did adapt.
I’m reminded of these verses pretty much anytime I go through a transition from one season to the next–because it helps me to remember that when things change around me, it doesn’t mean God has left me. He is still there, still providing, still looking out for me. I just need to discover how things work in the new season.
I’m reminded of these verses, too, in the context of where many of us are today. I’m still thinking of Barb’s disclaimer, which I also put in my last post–about the cost of truth.
For many of us, the institutional systems of church are all we’ve ever known. For me, growing up in church, it was the ultimate “comfort zone”. And now, we’re finding ourselves outside the walls, and honestly missing some of the elements of what we’ve left behind–things like community, belonging, programs for the kids, and possibly a place to express our particular gifts. At times, we feel lost, friendless–and very, very alone.
In a sense, we’ve awakened to discover that the manna is no longer outside our tents. And that can be very disconcerting.
But what we need to realize is that this is not the end of the story. It is only the end of a season. Which means…it’s the beginning of a new season.
God has not abandoned His church. Those outside the walls especially need to know this. The provision of God is still with us; the method of delivery has simply changed. We just need to learn the ropes for a new season. Not trying to get all Pollyanna about this–I totally understand that this is easier said than done. But I truly believe that there is a plan of God afoot in all this difficult truth we are having to embrace. I do not believe He is leading people out of intitutional Christianity simply to have them wander in a wasteland. There is a bigger picture; God brings people out of one thing to bring them into something greater. So it was with Israel; and so it is, I believe, with us.
Where the sudden absence of manna might have looked like abandonment to the sons of Israel–the reality was, God had graduated them into their Promised Land, a land where their provision could be far greater than simple day-to-day existence. It didn’t look like that at first; but that’s what it was. Once they learned how to live off the land, it became everything God had promised to them.
By the same token…for the moment, this new place outside the walls might look like a wasteland, just more wilderness. But look at it through a different lens, and it becomes wide-open spaces, a place with amazing potential–potential far greater than we could ever hope for inside the walls. If we will be patient, trust the Lord, and ask Him for eyes to see…we might just discover that this is the beginning of our Promised Land.
My thoughts are still churning…so I’m sure there will be more to come…
Wayward Son
Musician. Composer. Recovering perfectionist. Minister-in-transition. Lover of puns. Hijacker of rock song references. Questioner of the status quo.
I'm not really a rebel. Just a sincere Christ-follower with a thirst for significance that gets me into trouble. My quest has taken me over the fence of institutional Christianity. Here are some of my random thoughts along the way. Read along, join in the conversation. Just be nice.
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Simply Brilliant!
Jeff,
This is very timely in my life. You’ve given me a whole different way of looking at this. We are just about to step outside the walls. And, while the thought of it brings relief, it also brings some nervousness.
We are in the planning stages of starting a house church. I have to admit there is some fear there. But, we just can’t continue inside the walls any longer. Neither my wife or I are able to bear it any longer.
Thanks for the new perspective.
Blessings,
Gary
Great post! For some reason, it reminds me of when Jesus was trying to change the perspective of the disciples from still waiting for the harvest to the harvest being ready.
Barb, thank you. And thanks for the inspiration.
Gary,
There is no doubt that transition is scary. The irony involved is that although the status quo seems unbearable–at the same time, it is still our comfort zone. Mixed emotions all around. There is a fear of the unknown, a fear that it might be worse than the deal we have. But eventually the stirring of our nest becomes such that we simply have to fly. So…know that whenever you feel you must take that step, that there are many others who know *exactly* how you feel, and have lived to tell the tale. 🙂
Daniel,
Good point. 🙂 Thanks for stopping in.
Jeff,
Thanks for the encouragement!!
Gary
Spot on post! What lies across the Jordon is both a scary prospect and a promising one!
Wait a minute…who moved my cheese?
Just kidding! Great insight. Many of us out here have felt slighted, displaced, even confused by all of this. We, like Israel have had to find a new way, new provision (literally) apart from the old way of doing things. This is actually God telling us that we have grown up a bit – that He has given us more responsibility. Painful as it is, it is WAY better than just going outside to collect manna.
Too true, Sarah. Too true.
Steve,
I recognize the book reference, although I never read the book. Is that the message of it? 🙂