Exodus 16: 1-12
1 The whole Israelite community set out from Elim and came to the Desert
of Sin, which is between Elim and Sinai, on the fifteenth day of the second
month after they had come out of Egypt. 2 In the desert the whole community
grumbled against Moses and Aaron. 3 The Israelites said to them, “If only we
had died by the LORD’s hand in Egypt! There we sat around pots of meat and ate
all the food we wanted, but you have brought us out into this desert to starve
this entire assembly to death.” 4 Then the LORD said to Moses, “I will rain down
bread from heaven for you. The people are to go out each day and gather enough
for that day. In this way I will test them and see whether they will follow my
instructions. 5 On the sixth day they are to prepare what they bring in, and
that is to be twice as much as they gather on the other days.” 6 So Moses and
Aaron said to all the Israelites, “In the evening you will know that it was the
LORD who brought you out of Egypt, 7 and in the morning you will see the glory
of the LORD, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are we, that
you should grumble against us?” 8 Moses also said, “You will know that it was
the LORD when he gives you meat to eat in the evening and all the bread you
want in the morning, because he has heard your grumbling against him. Who are
we? You are not grumbling against us, but against the LORD.” 9 Then Moses told
Aaron, “Say to the entire Israelite community, ‘Come before the LORD, for he
has heard your grumbling.’ ” 10 While Aaron was speaking to the whole Israelite
community, they looked toward the desert, and there was the glory of the LORD
appearing in the cloud. 11 The LORD said to Moses, 12 “I have heard the
grumbling 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.’ ”
Title: “If only…”
Message: We cannot
keep our thoughts and emotions from God. Even the littlest of details in us is
known to Him which is why He responded immediately as the Israelites complained
on food. Here, regret and pessimism were
demonstrated by the people as they underwent difficulty in finding food. They
wished to go back to their old miserable state rather than pursue what they
have started, an expression which is quite similar to ours. I used to say the
same whenever I encounter rejection or problems especially where my faith is
concerned. However, as God has been wanting
me to go on, He brought me to a place where I found people who positively
influenced and encouraged me to proceed with what I have been longing to do. Yes,
just like what he did for the Israelites, God has accordingly replied to my
complaints and provided me more than I expected.
Promise to Claim: God sees
our situation and He knows our needs. He responds not only to prayers but to
complaints as well.
Command to Obey: Be still.
Trust God’s word. Listen only to Him. Let us follow His instructions and we
will never go astray. Let us confront the challenge for us to attain spiritual
growth and salvation.
Warning to Heed: Regrets and
desire for comfort will never bring us spiritual enlightenment. Fear of hunger
and thirst will hinder our attainment of the desired salvation.
Application: I will go
out of my comfort zone to share God and His plan for all. I will face
difficulties and take life’s challenges as destined by God because I know He
will not forsake me.
