June 24, 2003 (17)THE WILDERNESS. First we note that this place termed wilderness is a place prepared by the Lord. Rev. 12:6 Not only is she taken to a prepared place which is for her alone, but she is to be cared for, by the Lord for a specified period of time, and that away from the presence of everything that is of the serpent. Rev. 12:14 as the Lord removed Israel from Egypt, so also will He remove His Bride from the Egypt of this world. The scriptures make the wilderness to be rather an intriguing place. Certainly, when contrasted with the condition of the world at that time, an excellent place of repose and security. His promise pertaining to the wilderness is that it will be like the garden of Eden, which means delight of pleasure. What Adam and Eve lost because of sin. The last Adam, Christ, and His Bride will gain, because of righteousness. Also the Lord led Israel through the wilderness for forty years and amply displayed His ability to protect and feed them. So the Bride will dwell in His prepared garden of Eden and be wonderfully cared for and protected. Isa. 51:3 The desert of the Bride will be like the garden of the Lord. There will be absolutely nothing lacking there. Only in this garden will there be found joy and gladness. Volumes of praise and thanksgiving will be heard accompanied by the song of the Lord.
CAN GOD FURNISH A TABLE IN THE WILDERNESS? Ps. 78:19 So was the word of the unbeliever. The logistics of caring for and feeding Israel in the wilderness journey must have been terrific. Yet, the Lord never failed them in supplying their every need.
DIVINE GUIDANCE AND PROTECTION WAS UPON THEM FOR FORTY YEARS. The LORD, Jehovah was their personal guide by day. Every move was according to His plan. His presence was concealed by a pillar of a cloud by day and by a pillar of fire by night. Thus they had shade and the very best of a free lighting system. Ex.13:21 In duplicating what was a type of that which was to come, the Lord will once again reveal His divine capabilities for care and protection. The Bride in the wilderness will be cared for in the same fashion. The cloud by day and the fire by night. Literally the very light and glory of the Lord which will rest upon here will be her defense. Isa. 4:5-6 There is no way in our modern world that a large company such as the Bride could be hidden. Modern surveillance methods preclude that for certain. The place of her camp will be well known, but there will be no way for any attack of any kind to be used against her. The protection of the Lord is impregnable. Because she is the tabernacle of the Lord she will be unperturbed or disturbed by any of the judgments and violence which is scheduled for the earth during this period of time. The weather also will not be a problem for her. The Bride will live in absolute tranquillity and peace, while the world around her is in complete upheaval and turmoil. To be in the Bride of Christ in this end of the age should be the highest goal for every child of the Lord.