Numbers 9:15-23, April 4, 2025 (Friday)

"On the day the tabernacle, the tent of the covenant law, was set up, the cloud covered it. From evening till morning the cloud above the tabernacle looked like fire." (Numbers 9:15)

Setting up the tabernacle and covering the Ark of the Covenant signifies that preparations for the journey to Canaan were complete. The tabernacle was a portable sanctuary, and the cloud that appeared like fire continuously around it symbolized God's presence. For the Israelites marching toward Canaan, the tabernacle, the Ark, and the cloud meant that God was with them and that they were fully prepared to move steadily toward the Promised Land after the exodus.

The book of Numbers records the beginning and end of the wilderness journey. While they could have taken a direct route along the coast, the narrative describes what was needed during their roundabout journey through the wilderness and the mindset required. For various reasons, it took 40 years to reach Canaan, and the first generation of exodus people couldn't even enter—only the second generation settled in Canaan. We often say this long journey trained or prepared Israel, but from our modern perspective, it was perhaps the most inefficient journey possible and may have seemed like complete chaos.

However, what we must note in Numbers is that the most important preparation for the journey toward Canaan was their belief that God was with them. They prepared accordingly, creating a portable sanctuary for this purpose.

Yesterday, South Korea experienced the impeachment of a president for the second time in its constitutional history. The whole world took notice of this second presidential impeachment occurring amid intense political conflict, reporting it as breaking news. Schools near the Constitutional Court were temporarily closed, and companies encouraged employees to take days off to avoid being caught in the turmoil. I too listened attentively to the Constitutional Court justices' ruling for the first time.

This event will remain in our memory for a long time. Though some might have wanted a different outcome, this process felt like the growing pains necessary for South Korea's further development. Beginning as one of the later democracies, South Korea is showing signs of maturing into one of the most sophisticated democratic nations. This expectation and pride seem worth the current sacrifice and pain for the sake of future generations.

The records in Numbers also show how to prepare for a long journey toward the future. Israel began marching toward Canaan only after preparing the tabernacle and treating the Ark as God's presence. They walked toward what might have seemed a reckless and unknown destination, facing an uncertain future, guided only by the certainty that God was with them.

We are taught that walking only toward certainty is the rational approach to life. Our age places even greater weight on efficiency and rationality when making judgments and determining the future. Though not a perfect analogy, most millionaires are said to have become wealthy by taking risks on foreseeable uncertainties. This adventure, which many consider their unique innovation, is actually the pattern of Israel's exodus journey and the life Christians have deeply embraced.

Open Church is also walking a path of new adventure. We are relocating to a new place and embarking on an adventure to help our faith mature. Though uncertainties lurk, we believe this journey will lead to growth and maturity.

Reflection

Have you recently focused your energy on facing uncertainty?

Intercessory Prayer

1. The Sunday School is preparing an egg hunting event on Sunday, April 20th at 1 PM. Please support, pray, and invite others.

2. Please pray for all the ministries in each department to proceed well.

3. As mentioned yesterday, we are preparing a Smart Church Directory. We need your birthdate and photo. Please use your small group KakaoTalk chat to share this information!