DAY 145 - BIG PICTURE IN A YEAR - THE LAW

by Gillian D'achada July 4, 2021

I HAVE HEARD THE GRUMBLINGS OF THE ISRAELITES, TELL THEM, 'AT TWILIGHT YOU WILL EAT MEAT AND IN THE MORNING, YOU WILL BE FILLED WITH BREAD. THEN YOU WILL KNOW THAT I AM THE LORD YOUR GOD.

Exodus 16: 12

Readings: Exodus 15: 23-25, 27; Exodus 16: 11-13, 35; Exodus 17: 2-4, 6

Yesterday we looked at the miraculous rescue the Israelites had just experienced. Soon after, they came into a desert where there was no food and no water. They did not understand this God – the God of their fathers, Abraham, Isaac and Jacob. He had shown His great power in Egypt and at the Red Sea, but why were they now going thirsty and hungry?

They did not yet understand how different God was from the other gods they had heard of while they were in Egypt. So instead of asking Him for water and food, they began to grumble in frustration at His prophet, Moses. The first time they grumbled for water, God made provision. The second time they grumbled, it was for food, and again, God made provision - only this time, they were to obey His instructions with regards to the seventh day of rest. The third time they grumbled again for water, and again, God provided! Then God won a battle for them against the Amalekites!

God was trying to teach the Israelites about His character - that He is a God who provides for, and fights for, His people. Not only had He claimed them, but with that, came His commitment to provide.

Have you been grumbling against the Lord? Why? Do you feel like you are in a desert with no food and no water? Why? Is it perhaps because you have forgotten, or never realized, that you are the son or daughter of God? When He brought you out from under the heel of the enemy and placed you into the Kingdom of the Son of His love, he simultaneously committed to be your Provider, to provide you with everything you need.

All you need to do is ask.

Prayer

Father God, you are my source and my provision. You are my banner – the God that fights for me. Holy Spirit, please continue to remind me that I can ask for my needs and that I can trust you to provide.

For the family

When your family sits down to breakfast, lunch or dinner, explain to your children that the reason you pray or “say grace” is to thank God, as often as possible, for His provision in your lives. Explain to them that all good things come from God and everything you receive has been provided by Him and that’s why we pray.