Journeying with God in the Wilderness

Author Mark Broadway
Publisher IVP £11.99
Format pbk
ISBN 9781789744651

If you will be searching for a Lent book to study during the 40 days (excluding Sundays) and if, like me, you have never studied the book of Numbers, now may be the time to take up this book. The author has divided it into six parts with a reading, reflection and prayer for each day beginning on Ash Wednesday. As well as the daily Numbers reading there is also a New Testament passage which complements, picks up one issue and is beautifully linked; it helps us to understand and expand on journeying to the promised land. The wilderness clearly places the reader in the geographical location of Sinai and the Red Sea, and it also highlights the trials, struggles and setbacks of those journeying at that time. However, the author’s choice of New Testament texts also highlights God’s grace, saving them, guiding them, protecting them, loving them.

Of course, this is not just about the journey of long ago, the book causes us to reflect on our own journeys – never straightforward, sometimes uncomfortable, sometimes painful, sometimes hard work; but we are reminded that we are never alone, God is beside us whether we recognise him or not. This is a very personal journey, should you accept the challenge. However. it could work as the focus of a small intimate study group where sharing might be a little risky but could also encourage us to be supportive and understanding of one another as we journey together through life. It reminds us that we are never alone, for God is always beside us, and we will eventually arrive at the promised land.

Reviewed by Sue Piper

Editor’s note: This review was previously published in the digital edition of Transforming Ministry, January 2024.

Lent