All In The Timing

Reading today in Numbers 9:15-23, I thought it was noteworthy how God taught the Israelites to pay attention and look to him for direction. It says, in part:

Whenever the cloud lifted from above the Tent (Tabernacle), the Israelites set out; wherever the cloud settled, the Israelites encamped. At the Lord's command the Israelites set out, and at his command they encamped. As long as the cloud stayed over the tabernacle, they remained in camp. Nu. 9:17-18

Sometimes they stayed at a place for a short time and sometimes a month or a year. At night the cloud looked like fire. So, if they were to leave at night, they would see it and be able to follow. God used the cloud over the Sanctuary to clearly show them his will and train them to habitually wait and watch for his direction and timing, moving it in an unpredictable way, at least to them. He may have had his own reasons for each move. I would like to have more of that immediate, reaction of obedience toward God worked into my own life. Always looking to him for direction.

Moses had a related quality, worth emulating, and that we can learn from today, (this from Numbers 9:6-8). When asked for a decision, he replies: "Wait until I find out what the Lord commands concerning you." And, in Numbers 27:5, "So, Moses brought their case before the Lord." And, this was almost the last decision he was asked to give. In his answer to Moses God told him to go up on the mountain where he would die. Then, in his final request he asks God to appoint a successor to himself so the people wouldn't be left leaderless. I think most of us, in his place, would be thinking ourselves perfectly capable of deciding these things, but he knew that our ways are not always God's. Even at the very end of his life on earth with all of his experience and closeness to his Lord. What a humble guy!

On a mundane note, I think my banana wine might be finally coming into its own. Either that or I've found the right thing to pair it with? Made in 2005, I've been trying it ever since (a 5 gal. batch!) and dumping bottles, minus the test glass, into my vinegar crock. There was definitely a flavor flaw. Today, however, I opened another and it went well with a little onion, tomato & fresh oregano pizza. Would probably be equally good with spicy Asian or Indian food. Guess some things just need a bit of time. I've heard a comparison made between Christians who are in process, to little green apples (or bananas) - they're perfect for the stage of growth they're at, just not yet at peak flavor, or in the case of Christians, performance.