Lions and tigers and bears, oh my! Growing up old school, the Wizard of Oz came on once a year. A three hour movie with commercials. Many of the songs were catchy, the scarecrow’s dancing was amazing, the wicked witch was frightening. Picture me with a pillow on my lap to hide my face when she was on the screen.
A friend and I are currently studying the book of Numbers. As I was thinking of the 12 spies Moses sent, only 2 (Joshua and Caleb) were positive about God’s promise that He would be with them as they entered the Promised Land. I thought of the Wizard of Oz and the parallels. Dorothy, Toto and her companions on the way to the Promised Land- the City of Oz. Satan throwing jabs, confusion and obstacles on the 10 spies- Scarecrow, Tin Man and Cowardly Lion. Dorothy remaining steadfast in her walk and following the yellow brick road. Joshua and Caleb remaining positive that the Lord their God is with them, as Glenda the good witch was with Dorothy. The wicked witch popping up, delaying their progress, using her minions to stop them, slow they down in their pursuit of finding the Land of Oz.
Ultimately, the nation of Israel missed the immediate blessings of entering Canaan, the land of milk and honey because of their unbelief, their lack of obedience and sin of rebellion. They wandered another 38 years before Joshua and Caleb led them into the Promised Land, the only 2 spies remaining because of their steadfast faith in their God.
Numbers 14: 6-9 “Two of the men who had explored the land, Joshua son of Nun and Caleb son of Jephunneh, tore their clothing. They said to all the people of Israel, “The land we traveled through and explored is a wonderful land! And if the Lord is pleased with us, he will bring us safely into that land and give it to us. It is a rich land flowing with milk and honey. Do not rebel against the Lord, and don’t be afraid of the people of the land. They are only helpless prey to us! They have no protection, but the Lord is with us! Don’t be afraid of them!”
This life is not easy. Obstacles, circumstances, confusion are thrown at us. How we respond matters. Believing God’s words to be true, we know in all of life, the highs and lows, He is with us. Let us remain on the narrow path, the path of life, allowing God to strengthen our walk as we keep our eyes on Him.
Hebrews 4:14-16 “So then, since we have a great High Priest who has entered heaven, Jesus the Son of God, let us hold firmly to what we believe. This High Priest of ours understands our weaknesses, for he faced all of the same testings we do, yet he did not sin. So let us come boldly to the throne of our gracious God. There we will receive his mercy, and we will find grace to help us when we need it most.”