Helpful Readings for
the Week
-
Read
Exodus 15:22 – 16:3
-
Read
Exodus 16:4 – 36
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Read
Exodus 17:1 – 7
Devotional Thoughts
Grumbling in
the Desert (Exodus 15:22 – 16:3)
Three days earlier Moses led
the people to safety on dry ground after God displayed his power over nature
when he parted the Red Sea, and his power over the mightiest army on earth when
he crushed it beneath the waves. For
three days Moses led the people through the desert. The people have been unable to find water to
drink. They begin to complain to Moses. In three days they have forgotten the power
of God. Moses follows God’s instructions
and throws a piece of wood in some bitter water, making it sweet. God
provided. The people continue on in the
desert and begin to complain that they have no food to eat. They have forgotten
God’s provision again. How easy it is
for our faith to be so strong, and then trials come which cause us to doubt
God. Have you walked through the desert
without water?
Manna in the
Desert (Exodus 16:4 – 36)
God heard the complaining of
his people. God responded with grace and told them he was going to provide
bread from heaven. This bread appeared
every morning for forty years while the people traveled through the
desert. Each person gathered exactly
what he needed, no more, no less. God's provision is always complete. God knows exactly what we need. God knows how to provide exactly what we
need. Some of the people tried to gather
too much, and the bread rotted and became infested with maggots. Do you sometimes want more than what God
provides? Are you content with God's grace in your life? God gave instructions to the people
concerning the bread to test them to see if they would be obedient. God's grace
is not to be taken for granted. Do you
value it, or do you live in disobedience?
Water from
the Rock (Exodus 17:1 – 7)
The people once again find
themselves without water. Their
complaining has now turned to quarreling. They begin to desire their old life
in Egypt over the hardships of the desert.
How quickly they have forgotten the slavery they were under in Egypt. In the Christian journey there are many
trials. It is better though to suffer in the desert with God, than to remain in
slavery to the old paths of sin and destruction. God provides water again. Do you test God's patience with your
unbelief?