The end of the journey…..

Well, the end of this section of the journey. No journey is ever over, is it? We never arrive. There is always a new chapter. Something new and unexpected just around the corner.

But today, we celebrate arriving at the end of Exodus. It’s been quite a journey, hasn’t it? Remember how Moses was so reluctant to take on the role God had planned for him back at the burning bush and just look at him now!

Then Moses set up the courtyard around the tabernacle and altar and put up the curtain at the entrance to the courtyard. And so Moses finished the work.  Exodus 40:33

He’s finished the work. He’s led the people out of slavery. He’s listened to God and communicated God’s commandments to the people. He has pleaded for mercy for his people. And God has listened to him.

God has not left His people to travel on alone as He threatened back in chapter 33 –

Go up to the land flowing with milk and honey. But I will not go with you, because you are a stiff-necked people and I might destroy you on the way.  Exodus 33:3

The Israelites appeared to have learnt their lesson. For now at least. And God is with them and gives them a very clear sign that He is with them –

So the cloud of the Lord was over the tabernacle by day, and fire was in the cloud by night, in the sight of all the Israelites during all their travels.  Exodus 40:38

Faith and life would be easier if we had as clear a sign of God’s presence as this, wouldn’t they? Although God is around us all of the time, isn’t he, longing for us to open our eyes and ears and discover Him in the small miracles and joys and acts of love that we so often miss as we rush on through the day.

When the cloud is covering the Tent of Meeting and the glory of the Lord is filling the Tabernacle, Moses cannot enter. This is holy ground. the power of the almighty God is to be feared and respected.

And the Israelites observed and followed God’s guidance. When the cloud was over the tabernacle, they stayed put and when it lifted, they moved on. Simple. A very simple display of trust and obedience.

That’s what this whole book has been about, hasn’t it? Trust and obedience.

‘Ah, but it’s not that simple any more, is it?’ I hear you cry. ‘God does not make His will for my life that clear. If He did, it would be easy. But life is far more complicated nowadays.’

Really? I have a sneaking suspicion that life is more simple than we often make out. Maybe sometimes there is clearly a right thing to do, but we muddy the waters and complicate the issue because we don’t basically want to do it – through fear, selfishness or laziness.

It’s like exercise and healthy eating. People make all sorts of excuses why they can’t get out there or lose weight (and I know some of these are valid – just not as many as I am bombarded with daily!). They try every miracle diet and fitness fad and none of them work ‘for me’. But basically, staying fit and healthy is usually simply about exercising more and eating less. It’s not rocket science. And there is always a way for those who are determined to find one.

Of course, sometimes the right thing does not appear so simple. Sometimes either choice could be the right choice or both choices seem equally bad (and we find ourselves caught between a rock and a hard place). I have learnt to relax about this on my life journey. With a daughter with attachment disorder, I’ve had to learn the hard way. The expert psychologist we have worked with has helped us to see that often, whatever we decide will be turned against us and will be considered to be the wrong thing – and that actually, it’s not the choice itself that is important, but being able to live with it and deliver it with the best attitude and most love possible.

Maybe there isn’t always a right way. Maybe it is just a way.

Maybe there isn’t always a right choice. Maybe it is just a choice.

But learning from experience and seeking God in the everyday and walking with him on the journey and evaluating any signs that may appear and praying ‘Your will be done’ (and then not agonising when God’s will does not seem to coincide with your won)……maybe it is often this simple.

Maybe the decision itself is less important than the attitude and love that accompany it.

I have become less complicated. Less deep. And that is a good thing, right?

I no longer overthink everything and save my energies for loving and living and laughing and running.

It seems to be working.

Tonight I will party with some of my best friends to celebrate the end of this long month of Exodus and to celebrate God’s victory of good over evil.

I am making no great stand against Halloween. I am not out to present a three-point argument. I am simply opening my door and inviting in anyone who wants an alternative celebration. I will simply be loving and living and laughing in the presence of my people and my God.

I believe that is enough.