Hear the word of the Lord:
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, when we sat by the fleshpots and ate our fill of bread; for you have brought us out into this wilderness to kill this whole assembly with hunger."
God hears our cries for help, sends a leader to bring us salvation, exerts his power to break the bonds of our oppression, delivers us from the house of slavery, changes the obstacles that confront us into a pathway, and protects us from the backlash of others who resent and resist our attempt to be a holy people. Then, when we sit at his table, we complain about the menu.
Is the measure of human faithfulness really the fullness of our stomachs?
I wonder if God ever thinks, “I had this wonderful plan to take care of you, but because you’ve complained, just forget it.” Evidently he resists that temptation.
Then the LORD said to Moses, "I am going to rain bread from heaven for you, and each day the people shall go out and gather enough for that day. In that way I will test them, whether they will follow my instruction or not.
Then Moses said to Aaron, "Say to the whole congregation of the Israelites, 'Draw near to the LORD, for he has heard your complaining.'" And as Aaron spoke to the whole congregation of the Israelites, they looked toward the wilderness, and the glory of the LORD appeared in the cloud.
The LORD spoke to Moses and said, "I have heard the complaining of the Israelites; say to them, 'At twilight you shall eat meat, and in the morning you shall have your fill of bread; then you shall know that I am the LORD your God.'"
In the evening quails came up and covered the camp; and in the morning there was a layer of dew around the camp. When the layer of dew lifted, there on the surface of the wilderness was a fine flaky substance, as fine as frost on the ground.
When the Israelites saw it, they said to one another, "What is it?" For they did not know what it was.
Moses said to them, "It is the bread that the LORD has given you to eat.”
We may not understand what it is that God is giving us, nor may we comprehend exactly how what he gives us provides for our futures. Yet we can know this; the steadfast love of the Lord never ceases. He will keep his promises, he will walk with his people, he will care for their needs.
May we have faith in his just-in-time providence.
Blessings,
Ron
Exodus 16:2-4, 9-15
