SCRIPTURE: Exodus 16
OBSERVATION/APPLICATION:
(Read my reflection from 2009)
Then Moses said to them, “No one is to keep any of it until morning.” However, some of them paid no attention to Moses; they kept part of it until morning, but it was full of maggots and began to smell. [Exodus 16:19-20]
The Israelites experienced miracle food in the wilderness.
God intended the miracle food to strengthen their trust in Him, that He would provide for them.
Some doubted, more confident in the bread than in the Lord.
Others look for it on the seventh day, concerned that there will be a lack.
They had missed the point: I am the Lord, I will take care of you.
Do not work for food that spoils, but for food that endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give you. For on him God the Father has placed his seal of approval.” [John 6:27]
The followers of Jesus experienced miracle food as well.
But they too seemed more attracted to the miracle food than to the Lord.
Jesus warns them not to become focused on the bread, but on the Provider of that bread, and life.
He urges them to look to Himself, and to the life and provision that he will supply.
Jesus is the key to lasting satisfaction and fulfillment.
Notice that Moses deflects the attention away from himself and Aaron.
Compare that to Jesus, who draws the attention to Himself, the one with God’s seal of approval.
The reason is that Moses was only a servant, whereas Jesus is the Son of God, the Messiah.
Jesus is greater than Moses, the One Who can satisfy our deepest needs.
The reminder in this as we enter the new year is to consider what it is we are striving for.
More money, more pleasure, bigger homes, newer possessions, better jobs?
Do not work for food that spoils… which is what these things are!
But for food that endures to eternal life… which is what Jesus is, what Jesus offers.
How much effort and energy do you invest in ‘getting ahead’ in this world, and compare that to how much energy you invest in ‘growing in Christ’.
You can spend your whole life striving for more and better treasures in this world, but moth and rust (and maggots) will destroy them.
Or you can seek first the Lord, His kingdom, His righteousness, the treasures of heaven, where moth and rust (and maggots) cannot destroy.
What will it be for 2012?
PRAYER:
Lord, I want to learn what it means to live in You, with You and for You. I am tired of being religious and going to church, I want to experience life to the full that You promised. This is my 2012 resolution!
Grumbling. Grumblers exaggerate.
Nothing to eat? What about the flocks and herds? Once again the people had lost their perspective – lost their way. They did not follow God’s instructions. They did not walk in His light. They did not trust.
God did provide. He provided enough for each day. The manna and the quail showed that cared for His people and fed them. Yet it was temporary. But God continues to feed His people if they but trust and obey. His Word is the Bread of Life. It never ends. It is eternal. Life in Christ Jesus is LIFE eternal.
As with the manna and the quail, each had enough. Not too much or too little. Contentment? They learned. I too must realize all that I have is from God. Not too much or too little. Just right. God provides and give my daily bread. Just follow His instructions.
As I stand on the threshold of 2012 I must stay focused and keep my eyes on Jesus. Where will I see Him today? And I need to keep my ears open to hear His voice saying, ‘This is the Way. Walk in it.’ He is my Provider and I have nothing to grumble about. He will take care of me. Rejoice and be glad. This is the day the Lord has made.
Rejoice always.
Pray continually.
Give thanks in all circumstances.
Strive to do good for each other and for everyone else.
Live His Word in 2012.
Continue the journey in the joy of the Lord Who is my strength.
Enjoy in joy.
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
the joy of the Lord is my strength,
The joy of the Lord is my strength,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more,
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more.
He heals the broken hearted and they cry no more,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.
He gives me living water and I thirst no more,
He gives me living water and I thirst no more.
He gives me living water and I thirst no more,
the joy of the Lord is my strength.