The Exodus was as much a learning
exercise for the Israelites as it was for the Egyptians. God used the 10 plagues to prove His awesome
power to friend and foe alike. No one doubted
His omnipotence after that great display and after the “follow up act” of the
parting the Red Sea. The Israelites were
overjoyed at their new-found freedom.
But then the real tests began. Here they were in the middle of an expansive
wilderness - and no idea as to where they were going or what they were about to
encounter. And the problems began almost
immediately. Soon they were without
water. Didn’t Moses plan on the people
needing water? God must be against us -
let’s go back to Egypt. Water from a
rock! How cool is that? Thank you LORD - we’re sorry.
Then the food supply ran out. Didn’t Moses bring some food for us to
eat? God must be against us - let’s go
back to Egypt. Manna just appeared outside
of our tents - and enough for everyone to have his fill. Now that’s awesome! Thank you LORD - we’re sorry.
And then they got tired of eating
manna. Quail? Thank you LORD, sorry again; and on it
went. Until God’s patience reached a
limit. The land was nice, but did you
see the people who live there? They’re
huge! I guess we came all this way for
nothing.
My how we criticize the Israelites
for being so blind. Didn’t God show them
time and time again that He would provide for them?
Yes, He did. And He does the same for us today. And we end up thinking, acting and
complaining just like the Israelites did.
We fret and worry over things God has faithfully promised to provide for
us. We agonize over paying the
bills. We wonder if He cares when we’re
sick and lonely. We question His love
when life hands us a challenge. And we
begin to think that it would be better to go back to our old way of life (going
back to “Egypt”) - when things seemed easier and less stressful.
What more do you need from God that
He hasn’t already shown you? His past
track record has been perfect. You have
to admit that He has been patient with you – maybe more than He really should
have been. This should be proof enough
that He only wants the best for you.
Build your faith in Him; mature to
where you trust Him no matter what happens.
Live as He has directed you; know
the freedom of living at peace with Him.
Let Him do what He does best - take
care of you.
Doug
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