Again I read that God wants His people to be distinct from the peoples around them.
18:1-5 Then the Lord said to Moses, 2 “Give the following instructions to the people of Israel. I am the Lord your God. 3 So do not act like the people in Egypt, where you used to live, or like the people of Canaan, where I am taking you. You must not imitate their way of life. 4You must obey all my regulations and be careful to obey my decrees, for I am the Lord your God. 5 If you obey my decrees and my regulations, you will find life through them. I am the Lord.
It reminds me of the last couple of days - I think He was pleased with our separating ourselves from the peoples around us by fasting and praying. We found "life" through Him by doing that.
Chris and I were talking this morning about the recent fasting/praying event. We both would have liked to have gathered for prayer the same day we were fasting. As we mulled it over, we agreed that a fast from 6pm one evening until 6pm the next evening with the body coming together to break the fast by taking communion would be an awesome experience. After we had that discussion I read the following:
23:32 This will be a Sabbath day of total rest for you, and on that day you must humble yourselves. This time of rest and fasting will begin at sundown on the ninth day of the month and extend until sundown on the tenth day.”
Who knows, maybe that will be our next fasting experience.
Thursday, January 13, 2011
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
January 12, 2011 (Leviticus 11-17)
It's kind of funny that today's reading encompassed the following verses:
16:29 “On the tenth day of the appointed month in early autumn, you must spend the day fasting and not do any work.30 On this day, atonement will be made for you, and you will be cleansed from all your sins in the Lord’s presence. 31 It will be a Sabbath day of total rest, and you will spend the day in fasting. This is a permanent law for you.
Yesterday was a day of fasting for our church. Although I did it, it wasn't the day that I wanted. I had too much to do to get ready for our trip to SF and to get ready for a committee meeting for Scouts last night. So I spent the day fasting, but also working. I don't think that is God's intent for fasting. I think it is a day to fast from food and to seek Him. So, for now, although I did the physical fast, it wasn't the 'spiritual awakening' that I had wanted. In the 'mud season' I am going to get away into the mountains by myself to do a 'real' fast - where I seek Him during the fast with no obligations or interruptions. It will have been a long time since I have truly done that.
Everything in God's Word points to Christ. His thread of redemption is woven throughout, as shown in this next segment.
17:11 For the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible.
It is the blood, Christ's blood shed for us, that brings atonement/forgiveness of our sins. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.
16:29 “On the tenth day of the appointed month in early autumn, you must spend the day fasting and not do any work.30 On this day, atonement will be made for you, and you will be cleansed from all your sins in the Lord’s presence. 31 It will be a Sabbath day of total rest, and you will spend the day in fasting. This is a permanent law for you.
Yesterday was a day of fasting for our church. Although I did it, it wasn't the day that I wanted. I had too much to do to get ready for our trip to SF and to get ready for a committee meeting for Scouts last night. So I spent the day fasting, but also working. I don't think that is God's intent for fasting. I think it is a day to fast from food and to seek Him. So, for now, although I did the physical fast, it wasn't the 'spiritual awakening' that I had wanted. In the 'mud season' I am going to get away into the mountains by myself to do a 'real' fast - where I seek Him during the fast with no obligations or interruptions. It will have been a long time since I have truly done that.
Everything in God's Word points to Christ. His thread of redemption is woven throughout, as shown in this next segment.
17:11 For the life of the body is in its blood. I have given you the blood on the altar to purify you, making you right with the Lord. It is the blood, given in exchange for a life, that makes purification possible.
It is the blood, Christ's blood shed for us, that brings atonement/forgiveness of our sins. Thanks be to God for His unspeakable gift.
Tuesday, January 11, 2011
January 11, 2011 (Leviticus 1-10)
I have to admit - Leviticus is one of my least favorite books. Here is the first thing that caught my eye:
5:17 “Suppose you sin by violating one of the Lord’s commands. Even if you are unaware of what you have done, you are guilty and will be punished for your sin.
This verse condemns us all. Even if we sin 'unintentionally' (and how many have not done that?), we are held responsible. I guess that coincides with the verses "There is none righteous, no not one. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
But Leviticus also shows over and over again that it is the blood on the altar that purifies the people - again pointing to the blood of Jesus to cleanse us from our sins.
This next verse was always confusing to me.
8:22 Then Moses presented the other ram, which was the ram of ordination. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram’s head, 23 and Moses slaughtered it. Then Moses took some of its blood and applied it to the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot.
But I heard Beth Moore teach on it once. I did a google search, and although I couldn't find her teaching, I did find someone else who gave an explanation that made sense to me:
They needed to hear Him with their ears. They needed to serve Him with their hands. They needed to walk in His paths. Blood on right ear, right thumb and right big toe. A reminder that we need to hear His word, serve Him daily and walk in His ways.
In this world of no absolutes and justification for everything, it is hard to see God's intent for our lives. He has given us specific direction/instruction and He expects/demands us to follow it. If we want His presence in our lives, we must live in obedience to Him.
9:6 And Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded you to do so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.”
In chapter 10, we discover what happens when His commands are not followed:
10:1 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over them. In this way, they disobeyed the Lord by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. 2 So fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and burned them up, and they died there before the Lord.
Aaron was silent. There was no disputing that his sons had disobeyed. He didn't try to excuse or justify their behavior. He realized God was just in His punishment, which is the punishment we all deserve. God is righteous. But he is also gracious because of Christ. Jesus took the punishment we deserve by shedding His blood on the cross. I'm thankful for that. If not for His grace, I too would have been 'zapped' long ago. But just because He is gracious, it doesn't mean we can ignore what we know He desires us to do. If we will walk in obedience to Him, we will experience His presence. He promises us that.
5:17 “Suppose you sin by violating one of the Lord’s commands. Even if you are unaware of what you have done, you are guilty and will be punished for your sin.
This verse condemns us all. Even if we sin 'unintentionally' (and how many have not done that?), we are held responsible. I guess that coincides with the verses "There is none righteous, no not one. All have sinned and fall short of the glory of God".
But Leviticus also shows over and over again that it is the blood on the altar that purifies the people - again pointing to the blood of Jesus to cleanse us from our sins.
This next verse was always confusing to me.
8:22 Then Moses presented the other ram, which was the ram of ordination. Aaron and his sons laid their hands on the ram’s head, 23 and Moses slaughtered it. Then Moses took some of its blood and applied it to the lobe of Aaron’s right ear, the thumb of his right hand, and the big toe of his right foot.
But I heard Beth Moore teach on it once. I did a google search, and although I couldn't find her teaching, I did find someone else who gave an explanation that made sense to me:
They needed to hear Him with their ears. They needed to serve Him with their hands. They needed to walk in His paths. Blood on right ear, right thumb and right big toe. A reminder that we need to hear His word, serve Him daily and walk in His ways.
In this world of no absolutes and justification for everything, it is hard to see God's intent for our lives. He has given us specific direction/instruction and He expects/demands us to follow it. If we want His presence in our lives, we must live in obedience to Him.
9:6 And Moses said, “This is what the Lord has commanded you to do so that the glory of the Lord may appear to you.”
In chapter 10, we discover what happens when His commands are not followed:
10:1 Aaron’s sons Nadab and Abihu put coals of fire in their incense burners and sprinkled incense over them. In this way, they disobeyed the Lord by burning before him the wrong kind of fire, different than he had commanded. 2 So fire blazed forth from the Lord’s presence and burned them up, and they died there before the Lord.
3 Then Moses said to Aaron, “This is what the Lord meant when he said,
‘I will display my holiness
through those who come near me.
I will display my glory
before all the people.’”
through those who come near me.
I will display my glory
before all the people.’”
And Aaron was silent.
Aaron was silent. There was no disputing that his sons had disobeyed. He didn't try to excuse or justify their behavior. He realized God was just in His punishment, which is the punishment we all deserve. God is righteous. But he is also gracious because of Christ. Jesus took the punishment we deserve by shedding His blood on the cross. I'm thankful for that. If not for His grace, I too would have been 'zapped' long ago. But just because He is gracious, it doesn't mean we can ignore what we know He desires us to do. If we will walk in obedience to Him, we will experience His presence. He promises us that.
Monday, January 10, 2011
January 10, 2011 (Exodus 32-40)
Moses had a relationship with God that is pretty much like none other recorded in the Bible. This scene is pretty hard to imagine:
33:11 Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.
To speak with God, face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. But in actuality, I think that is what God wants from us today. In our mind's eye, by faith, to know that God is with us every step of the way and hears our prayers. If I only really believed that, and I mean really believed that, it would revolutionize my prayer life. To know the God of the universe wants to be friends with me, and can be, because of the blood of Christ.
Moses was pretty honest with God - from arguing with Him about not being the one He should send to this next sequence:
33:12 One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ 13 Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. Besides, don't forget that this nation is your very own people.”
14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”
15 Then Moses said, “If you don’t go with us personally, don’t let us move a step from this place. 16 If You don't go with us, how will anyone ever know that your people and I have found favor with You? How else will they know we are special and distinct from all other people on the earth?”
17 And the Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favor with me and you are my friend.”
I love that dialog. I feel the same way. - God, if you don't go with me, there's no sense in me going/doing anything.
Heavenly Father, may I find favor with you and be Your friend.
33:11 Inside the Tent of Meeting, the Lord would speak to Moses face to face, as one speaks to a friend.
To speak with God, face to face, as a man speaks with his friend. But in actuality, I think that is what God wants from us today. In our mind's eye, by faith, to know that God is with us every step of the way and hears our prayers. If I only really believed that, and I mean really believed that, it would revolutionize my prayer life. To know the God of the universe wants to be friends with me, and can be, because of the blood of Christ.
Moses was pretty honest with God - from arguing with Him about not being the one He should send to this next sequence:
33:12 One day Moses said to the Lord, “You have been telling me, ‘Take these people up to the Promised Land.’ But you haven’t told me whom you will send with me. You have told me, ‘I know you by name, and I look favorably on you.’ 13 Please, if this is really so, show me your intentions so I will understand you more fully and do exactly what you want me to do. Besides, don't forget that this nation is your very own people.”
14 The Lord replied, “I will personally go with you, Moses, and I will give you rest—everything will be fine for you.”
15 Then Moses said, “If you don’t go with us personally, don’t let us move a step from this place. 16 If You don't go with us, how will anyone ever know that your people and I have found favor with You? How else will they know we are special and distinct from all other people on the earth?”
17 And the Lord replied to Moses, “I will indeed do what you have asked, for you have found favor with me and you are my friend.”
I love that dialog. I feel the same way. - God, if you don't go with me, there's no sense in me going/doing anything.
Heavenly Father, may I find favor with you and be Your friend.
Sunday, January 9, 2011
January 9, 2011 (Exodus 25-31)
The majority of today's reading was God's specific instructions regarding the building of the tabernacle and Ark of the Covenant. I'm sure an astute student of the Word would find a lot of significance in all the instructions, but I did not. I guess the thing I can gather from it is that God is very detailed oriented, and has specific ways in which He expects things to be done. The first thing that had any real meaning to me was:
29:45 Then I will live among the people of Israel and be their God, 46 and they will know that I am the Lord their God. I am the one who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I could live among them. I am the Lord their God.
God wanted to live among His people, and still does. Today He indwells me through His Holy Spirit.
The next thing that stuck out to me was the realization that any gifts or talents we have come from God. They are not 'coincidences':
31:3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 5 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!
And then the final command that I have trouble with, and wonder if it still applies today:
31:12 The Lord then gave these instructions to Moses: 13 “Tell the people of Israel: ‘Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy. 14 You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. 15 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. 16 The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. 17 It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’”
Perhaps for us, instead of it being a day of doing nothing, it is a day to honor Him by going to church.
29:45 Then I will live among the people of Israel and be their God, 46 and they will know that I am the Lord their God. I am the one who brought them out of the land of Egypt so that I could live among them. I am the Lord their God.
God wanted to live among His people, and still does. Today He indwells me through His Holy Spirit.
The next thing that stuck out to me was the realization that any gifts or talents we have come from God. They are not 'coincidences':
31:3 I have filled him with the Spirit of God, giving him great wisdom, ability, and expertise in all kinds of crafts. 4 He is a master craftsman, expert in working with gold, silver, and bronze. 5 He is skilled in engraving and mounting gemstones and in carving wood. He is a master at every craft!
6 “And I have personally appointed Oholiab son of Ahisamach, of the tribe of Dan, to be his assistant. Moreover, I have given special skill to all the gifted craftsmen so they can make all the things I have commanded you to make:
7 the Tabernacle;
the Ark of the Covenant;
the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement;
all the furnishings of the Tabernacle;
8 the table and its utensils;
the pure gold lampstand with all its accessories;
the incense altar;
9 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils;
the washbasin with its stand;
10 the beautifully stitched garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests;
11 the anointing oil;
the fragrant incense for the Holy Place.
the Ark of the Covenant;
the Ark’s cover—the place of atonement;
all the furnishings of the Tabernacle;
8 the table and its utensils;
the pure gold lampstand with all its accessories;
the incense altar;
9 the altar of burnt offering with all its utensils;
the washbasin with its stand;
10 the beautifully stitched garments—the sacred garments for Aaron the priest, and the garments for his sons to wear as they minister as priests;
11 the anointing oil;
the fragrant incense for the Holy Place.
The craftsmen must make everything as I have commanded you.”
And then the final command that I have trouble with, and wonder if it still applies today:
31:12 The Lord then gave these instructions to Moses: 13 “Tell the people of Israel: ‘Be careful to keep my Sabbath day, for the Sabbath is a sign of the covenant between me and you from generation to generation. It is given so you may know that I am the Lord, who makes you holy. 14 You must keep the Sabbath day, for it is a holy day for you. Anyone who desecrates it must be put to death; anyone who works on that day will be cut off from the community. 15 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, but the seventh day must be a Sabbath day of complete rest, a holy day dedicated to the Lord. Anyone who works on the Sabbath must be put to death. 16 The people of Israel must keep the Sabbath day by observing it from generation to generation. This is a covenant obligation for all time. 17 It is a permanent sign of my covenant with the people of Israel. For in six days the Lord made heaven and earth, but on the seventh day he stopped working and was refreshed.’”
Perhaps for us, instead of it being a day of doing nothing, it is a day to honor Him by going to church.
Saturday, January 8, 2011
January 8, 2011 (Exodus 18-24)
Today's reading gave me insights into the troubles in our judicial system today. We are not following God's plan according to His word:
18:21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes.
I wonder how many judges in our land 'fear God'. I also wonder how many 'hate bribes'. I'm sure there are some, but considering the nature of our country I would imagine they are in the minority. I know that's judgemental and that I really shouldn't judge.
Now, God has a message for His people. Here is what He told Moses to tell them:
19:4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
I think that message still applies today. And when the people heard what God had said, they responded:
19:8 “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the Lord.
I thought it was interesting what happened next. God wanted the people to have confidence in their leader, so He said:
He told Moses to prepare the people for His arrival. They were to purify themselves and He would appear on the third day. He descended over Mt. Sinai in the form of fire. Smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a furnace and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake. The people stood at a distance, trembling with fear. They told Moses to tell them what God said, because they were afraid they would die if He spoke directly to them. That tells me what an awesome sight that must have been. Moses replied with words that are very insightful:
20:20 “Don’t be afraid for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”
God's instructions to the people, the Ten Commandments, are in chapter 20:
3 “You must not have any other god but me.
4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.
7 “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work.
12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
13 “You must not murder.
14 “You must not commit adultery.
15 “You must not steal.
16 “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
17 “You must not covet your neighbor’s house, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”
The following three chapters were God's principles and rules in greater detail. Pretty harsh stuff, such as "Kidnappers must be killed', and "Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death". If those rules still applied, I think there would be a difference in people's actions knowing they would be killed if they did that stuff. Like I said, pretty harsh. But I think God was trying to get our attention to show us how He looks at sin and at how offensive it is to a Holy God. Which again is why we need Jesus.
God told them He would drive out all the people into whose land He would bring them. He also gave these words of warning:
23:32 “Make no treaties with them or their gods. 33 They must not live in your land, or they will cause you to sin against me. If you serve their gods, you will be caught in the trap of idolatry.”
I know all this is "Old Testament", but the truths God was imparting still apply today. And much of this is 'backed up' in the New Testament. I feel like I'm caught up in the trap of idolatry. I feel like I've 'made treaties' with the gods of this land. All I can do is continue to read and study God's word and ask Him to continue to reveal those areas to me and give me the grace to change.
18:21 But select from all the people some capable, honest men who fear God and hate bribes.
I wonder how many judges in our land 'fear God'. I also wonder how many 'hate bribes'. I'm sure there are some, but considering the nature of our country I would imagine they are in the minority. I know that's judgemental and that I really shouldn't judge.
Now, God has a message for His people. Here is what He told Moses to tell them:
19:4 ‘You have seen what I did to the Egyptians. You know how I carried you on eagles’ wings and brought you to myself. 5 Now if you will obey me and keep my covenant, you will be my own special treasure from among all the peoples on earth; for all the earth belongs to me. 6 And you will be my kingdom of priests, my holy nation.’ This is the message you must give to the people of Israel.”
I think that message still applies today. And when the people heard what God had said, they responded:
19:8 “We will do everything the Lord has commanded.” So Moses brought the people’s answer back to the Lord.
I thought it was interesting what happened next. God wanted the people to have confidence in their leader, so He said:
19:9 “I will come to you in a thick cloud, Moses, so the people themselves can hear me when I speak with you. Then they will always trust you.”
He told Moses to prepare the people for His arrival. They were to purify themselves and He would appear on the third day. He descended over Mt. Sinai in the form of fire. Smoke billowed into the sky like smoke from a furnace and the whole mountain shook with a violent earthquake. The people stood at a distance, trembling with fear. They told Moses to tell them what God said, because they were afraid they would die if He spoke directly to them. That tells me what an awesome sight that must have been. Moses replied with words that are very insightful:
20:20 “Don’t be afraid for God has come in this way to test you, and so that your fear of him will keep you from sinning!”
God's instructions to the people, the Ten Commandments, are in chapter 20:
3 “You must not have any other god but me.
4 “You must not make for yourself an idol of any kind or an image of anything in the heavens or on the earth or in the sea. 5 You must not bow down to them or worship them, for I, the Lord your God, am a jealous God who will not tolerate your affection for any other gods.
7 “You must not misuse the name of the Lord your God. The Lord will not let you go unpunished if you misuse his name.
8 “Remember to observe the Sabbath day by keeping it holy. 9 You have six days each week for your ordinary work, 10 but the seventh day is a Sabbath day of rest dedicated to the Lord your God. On that day no one in your household may do any work.
12 “Honor your father and mother. Then you will live a long, full life in the land the Lord your God is giving you.
13 “You must not murder.
14 “You must not commit adultery.
15 “You must not steal.
16 “You must not testify falsely against your neighbor.
17 “You must not covet your neighbor’s house, or anything else that belongs to your neighbor.”
The following three chapters were God's principles and rules in greater detail. Pretty harsh stuff, such as "Kidnappers must be killed', and "Anyone who curses father or mother must be put to death". If those rules still applied, I think there would be a difference in people's actions knowing they would be killed if they did that stuff. Like I said, pretty harsh. But I think God was trying to get our attention to show us how He looks at sin and at how offensive it is to a Holy God. Which again is why we need Jesus.
God told them He would drive out all the people into whose land He would bring them. He also gave these words of warning:
23:32 “Make no treaties with them or their gods. 33 They must not live in your land, or they will cause you to sin against me. If you serve their gods, you will be caught in the trap of idolatry.”
I know all this is "Old Testament", but the truths God was imparting still apply today. And much of this is 'backed up' in the New Testament. I feel like I'm caught up in the trap of idolatry. I feel like I've 'made treaties' with the gods of this land. All I can do is continue to read and study God's word and ask Him to continue to reveal those areas to me and give me the grace to change.
Friday, January 7, 2011
January 7, 2011 (Exodus 13-17)
Moses is now leading the people out of Egypt to the promised land. He says:
13:3 So Moses said to the people, “This is a day to remember forever—the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. Today the Lord has brought you out by the power of his mighty hand.
As I read that, I thought of the day I was saved - March 21, 1982. And that it also is a day to remember forever. Before I was married I would always take March 21st and spend the entire day with God - that is much harder to do with a family. But I need to get back to that - perhaps spending just the time while the house is quiet while everyone is gone.
The shortest route to the promised land was through Philistine territory, but God let them a different way. He had two purposes for that - one, He was afraid if they were confronted in battle by the Philistines they would turn around and go back; two, He would have to do another mighty deliverance in the way He was taking them to prove His power. He was leading them in such a way they would be trapped between the wilderness and the sea. Humanly speaking, it didn't make sense. But God calls me to trust Him. When I'm backed up against a wall, will I complain or will I trust that God will make a way? Here were Moses' words of faith to the people:
And that is exactly what God did. He sent a strong east wind to blow all night and blow a path through the sea. The bible says the water stood up as walls on either side and the sea bed dried. The people went across on dry land. When the Egyptians followed, God caused their chariot wheels to fall off before they could get to the other side and then Moses commanded the sea to rush back to it's place, destroying the entire army of Pharoah. When the people saw the mighty power of the Lord, they put their faith in Him.
But, things weren't always so 'miraculous'. Even though God was leading them with a pillar of fire - they could visually see that He was indeed leading them, they went three days without water and began to complain. Moses prayed to God, and He answered again by providing water through miraculous ways. It was here that God gave these instructions:
Without going into details, the people did not learn from this. They grumbled and complained against Moses and Aaron, to which Moses replied:
16:7 In the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaints, which are against him, not against us. What have we done that you should complain about us?” 8 Then Moses added, “The Lord will give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to satisfy you in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him. What have we done? Yes, your complaints are against the Lord, not against us.”
I find myself following in their footsteps. How often do I 'grumble and complain' instead of looking to God in faith, knowing that He is faithful? Too often I am afraid. God, help me to not forget the lesson you are teaching me here - to trust You during the times of testing without complaining.
13:3 So Moses said to the people, “This is a day to remember forever—the day you left Egypt, the place of your slavery. Today the Lord has brought you out by the power of his mighty hand.
As I read that, I thought of the day I was saved - March 21, 1982. And that it also is a day to remember forever. Before I was married I would always take March 21st and spend the entire day with God - that is much harder to do with a family. But I need to get back to that - perhaps spending just the time while the house is quiet while everyone is gone.
The shortest route to the promised land was through Philistine territory, but God let them a different way. He had two purposes for that - one, He was afraid if they were confronted in battle by the Philistines they would turn around and go back; two, He would have to do another mighty deliverance in the way He was taking them to prove His power. He was leading them in such a way they would be trapped between the wilderness and the sea. Humanly speaking, it didn't make sense. But God calls me to trust Him. When I'm backed up against a wall, will I complain or will I trust that God will make a way? Here were Moses' words of faith to the people:
14:13 But Moses told the people, “Don’t be afraid. Just stand still and watch the Lord rescue you today. The Egyptians you see today will never be seen again. 14 The Lord himself will fight for you. You won't have to lift a finger in your defense.”
And that is exactly what God did. He sent a strong east wind to blow all night and blow a path through the sea. The bible says the water stood up as walls on either side and the sea bed dried. The people went across on dry land. When the Egyptians followed, God caused their chariot wheels to fall off before they could get to the other side and then Moses commanded the sea to rush back to it's place, destroying the entire army of Pharoah. When the people saw the mighty power of the Lord, they put their faith in Him.
But, things weren't always so 'miraculous'. Even though God was leading them with a pillar of fire - they could visually see that He was indeed leading them, they went three days without water and began to complain. Moses prayed to God, and He answered again by providing water through miraculous ways. It was here that God gave these instructions:
15:25 It was there at Marah that the Lord set before them the following decree as a standard to test their faithfulness to him. 26 He said, “If you will listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his sight, obeying his commands and keeping all his decrees, then I will not make you suffer any of the diseases I sent on the Egyptians; for I am the Lord who heals you.”
Without going into details, the people did not learn from this. They grumbled and complained against Moses and Aaron, to which Moses replied:
16:7 In the morning you will see the glory of the Lord, because he has heard your complaints, which are against him, not against us. What have we done that you should complain about us?” 8 Then Moses added, “The Lord will give you meat to eat in the evening and bread to satisfy you in the morning, for he has heard all your complaints against him. What have we done? Yes, your complaints are against the Lord, not against us.”
I find myself following in their footsteps. How often do I 'grumble and complain' instead of looking to God in faith, knowing that He is faithful? Too often I am afraid. God, help me to not forget the lesson you are teaching me here - to trust You during the times of testing without complaining.
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