"Numbers 20:14–21, 2025.05.07 (Wed)"

“Thus Edom refused to give Israel passage through his territory; so Israel turned away from him.”(Numbers 20:21)

Edom was the descendant of Esau, and Israel the descendant of Jacob. They were brother nations, distant relatives—one could even say they were one people. Yet when Moses requested to pass through Edom’s land on the way to Canaan, the king of Edom refused. It wasn’t an unreasonable request—Moses even offered to pay for any resources used along the way—but still, Edom said no.

Was it because too much time had passed? Or was it due to the emergence of a rival, or perhaps a deep-seated resentment? We don’t know for sure. But as we reflect on this story, we can’t help but think of the division between North and South Korea. Once, we used to sing songs of reunification as children, but now those songs are either fading into silence or split between two extremes: one yearning for harmony, the other treating the North as an enemy or source of instability. The generation that experienced the war is slowly disappearing, and the North is becoming more and more a distant, unfamiliar nation. In this context, Edom’s actions somehow feel a little more understandable.

Because of Edom’s refusal, the Israelites had to go the long way around to enter Canaan. This became part of the 40-year wilderness journey. The goal was simple—but reality was not. Complications, concerns, unexpected resistance, and the need for careful consideration made the journey longer and more tedious.

Since relocating our church, I’ve also experienced delays in things that I thought would move quickly. But I’m beginning to believe this is all part of God’s timing. We often wish everything would be solved instantly, but sometimes slowness and frustration serve a purpose we don’t yet understand.

Yesterday, we removed the “For Sale” sign from the Oakland campus. The church listing was also taken down from the market. It seems that we won’t be able to relist it until around October. People say we’re caught in a senseless mess, and maybe they’re right. But now that it’s already happened, we’ll move forward as best we can. Perhaps after October, we’ll finally understand why this delay was necessary.

It’s Wednesday, and we’re already halfway through our Wednesday Bible Study series. The more we learn, the more we are shaped by the biblical worldview—and this helps us better understand the realities we face. If you haven’t joined yet, you’re always welcome to drop in.

Meditation

Have you ever had to stop and reassess when life didn’t go as expected?

Intercessory Prayer

1. Today, our young adults will hold their final worship service of the semester. Most of them will soon return to their homes in Korea. Please pray for them as they embark on new beginnings.

2. Also, pray for our ministry staff. Pastor Jin Heewon and Pastor Yoon Jieun are juggling intense academic demands, ministry, and tight living situations. They are in the ordination process and have much to prepare—pray that they will not grow weary but be strengthened in their calling.And please also pray for Pastor Choi Seyoung, who is faithfully supporting and partnering in our young adult ministry.