Thursday 07 August 2008
- Bible Book:
- Exodus
"The whole congregation of the Israelites complained against Moses and Aaron in the wilderness. The Israelites said to them, 'If only we had died by the hand of the LORD in the land of Egypt ... for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger'." (v.2-3)
Background
Today's passage is literally about 'Bread of Heaven'. It showsthe Israelites learning to trust that God did not want them tofail.
This chapter of Exodus continues the story of the Israelites'journey through the wilderness after crossing the Red Sea. Theyhave felt the terror of being chased by the Egyptians and theexhilaration of seeing their enemies destroyed in the water. Nowthe Israelites have to settle down to life as nomads but they arefinding it difficult and dangerous and look back with longing tothe life they left behind in Egypt. They are not trusting in theirgod.
But God answers Israel's unbelief and doubt with love. They aregiven more than they would have had as slaves in Egypt and they arefree from persecution. The act of sharing bread and trusting in Godhelps to bring the Israelites together as a community. This meansthey are able to help one another more as they continue theirjourney through the wilderness.
There is a strong link between this passage and the
To Ponder
How often do you say "if only" rather thantrusting God's grace?
Are you content with 'sufficient' or do youalways want more than you need? In what ways, each day, could youremember those who barely have enough to survive?