Monday, February 23, 2015

Monday, February 23: Exodus 16-18, 1 Thessalonians 4 ~ Conrad

Today's passage from the Bible In a Year Reading Plan is Exodus 16-18; 1 Thessalonians 4 

What stood out for me in the Exodus passage was all the complaining and lack of faith in God that the Israelites continued to display.  After witnessing first hand the miracle of being delivered from the Egyptians, they still had little faith in God.

While walking in the wilderness they began to grumble.  They were hungry and thirsty and they were not quiet about it.  (I found it interesting that they did not try to figure anything out on their own - they brought all their issues to Moses.)  Moses brought their concerns to God and He listened.

Even after God delivered them meat in the evening and bread in the morning, some still showed unbelief in receiving this blessing every day by taking more than they could eat, only to have it spoil by the following day before they could eat it.

It is important to remember that we are where we are because God has brought us there.  When we grumble, it shows a lack of faith in not being able to understand the good hand of God.  It may not always be enjoyable, but we need to be "walking in the wilderness" in a way that pleases God.  The Israelites had only been following God in the wilderness for a little over a month, so their faith was quite immature at this point so God was gracious to their grumblings.

The letter Paul wrote is geared towards further instructions for Christian living.  His instructions included areas of sexual morals (vs 3-7), love for our brothers (vs 9-10), being diligent in our daily work (vs 11), and respect for our church leaders (vs 12-13).  Good advice for at that time, and relevant for today too!


Tomorrow's Bible In a Year Passage passage: Exodus 19-20; 1 Thessalonians 5

2 comments:

Nathan said...

I too, took note of all the complaining. It shows how patient God was, and is. Makes we examine myself, where am I continuing to sin? And thankful that God has patience with me.

Pamela said...

The grumbling stood out for me too. It would seem like they, having just experienced all that they had, would not doubt God. How quick we forget....

Another thing that struck me is how Moses was surrounded by wise and helpful friends and also that Moses was able to recognize that he needed the help. When Moses had to hold his hands up to help the Israelites his friends were there to hold him up when his strength was failing. When Moses' fatherinlaw recognized that Moses was going to burn out from minor squabbles he suggested a way for Moses to relieve some of stress. Moses was surrounded by wise and helpful company. It made me think of the company that I keep.