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Out Our Way: Along the Covenant Trail with Goliath

Crossing Jordan

Out our way, we have to deal with the realities of change. We have to adjust. Just now with the fires on Rocky Boy and the closing of some prime grazing land in the Beaver Creek Park, a lot of folks are making adjustments. Goliath tells me the reason we have so many casinos up our way is because nearly everybody is a gambler. Every farmer and every rancher knows there are no guarantees and every year there is a gamble. Too much water - not enough - none? Disease in the herd, in the drops? Calves still-born or lost in the 40-below February storms? Dry arid soil and low yield crops? A change in the market and costs skyrocket, while sale prices drop? Oh yes. Gambling is a way of life up here.

There are always risks and dangers in life. You can't ride full tilt after a straying pair in the hills without risking hitting a gopher hole or a loose rock or anything else that can cause you to get launched. My buddy Charley was dusted by an eager dog jumping out of the tall grass and spooking Freckles a few years back. He was badly hurt in the fall. I rode Babe full tilt in the round pen and she lost her footing and fell over on top of me, but I was unhurt. "Luck of the draw."  Gambling ... that's what we do out our way. Life is risky business, but you don't have to be foolish about it.

The risks Israel faced when Moses led them out of slavery were immense. The folks had never known anything but the settled and dependable life of Pharaoh's slaves. It was a hard life, but they always knew they would be fed and clothed, and there were few surprises. It was a solid and sedentary life.  No wonder that when faced with freedom, some of the Israelites didn't want it after all. Many wanted to go back to the old days where, if not comfortable, at least it was predictable.

And where did Moses lead them? Out into the wilderness! There were no houses, not even shacks, but only their tents. There were no supplies awaiting them; they had to carry what they could and forage for food in a barren land. No wonder there was rebellion in the ranks and complaints morning noon and night. For regardless of the promises God made about a land of milk and honey, the land of slavery and chains was at least dependable to provide the bread on which they lived.

Some folks didn't want to gamble on God and they lost heart. Some of them never entered the Promised Land, for they would not risk following God. And so God allowed them to remain in the wilderness - still free from slavery, but unfulfilled as the people of God. Forty years they remained in their indecisive limbo until many died off. It was the new generation, the ones who had been born free and never accepted the slave mentality of their parents, which was ready to move across the Jordan into the Promised Land.

Who held Israel back from its destiny, from the land of milk and honey? It was not God. It was the people who were afraid to trust. They saw the manna in the wilderness when God fed them fresh "sweet bread."  They saw the quail landing at their feet when they needed meat. They saw the bitter waters turned sweet and even come gushing out of the rock when they were thirsty. They saw the pillar of fire at night and the cloud that went before them in the day. They heard the voice of God on Mount Sinai and received the 10 Commandments from His hand. Yet they refused to trust. They held back.

A farmer or rancher who will not take the risk that is required to bring in the crop or round up the herd will never prosper or succeed. The man or woman who will not risk trusting God and trying to follow in the way will also never prosper, grow or succeed in crossing the Jordan. Yes, we are a gambling people, but we gamble on a sure thing, for though it may seem risky at times, the God of Israel - both the old and the new - remains with us and leads the way.

The Jordan lies ahead, but some will never cross because they don't have the will or the courage to trust in God. They will remain in the wilderness. That is their choice. But those who will trust and hear His call, "Come and follow me," will indeed find the Promised Land.

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John Bruington and "Old Doc" Goliath serve here in Havre, Montana, and although they will be retiring in January, they intend to keep sharing their insights and adventures as long as folks are willing to receive them. These stories and articles are given without charge and therefore are free to be shared if anyone wishes to do so. Blessings from us both.

 

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