Day #35 - This post is part of a year-long series where we are reading chronologically through the Bible. Click here to learn more. You are most welcome to join along at any time.
Today's text from the ESV Study Bible: Exodus 16-18.
If you have ever been in a leadership position over a large group of people, then you will have a crystal clear understanding of the grumbling that can occur.
We must remember that when Israel left Egypt, there were over 600,000 men, plus women, children, massive numbers of animals, as well as a "mixed multitude". Consider the immensity of well over 1,000,000 people, plus their animals, wandering around in the wilderness for 40 years!
Got that picture in mind? Now, put on your managers hat, and imagine trying to lead this massive wandering band of people.
ACK! I think I need to go back to bed. My head swirls to even consider this. I can certainly understand why we will see Moses' temper flair from time to time.
I found myself quick to judge these people as I can't imagine how they could utter a single complaint. I mean, come on, you just saw God deliver you from Pharaoh with 10 plagues, split the Rea Sea, destroy Pharaoh and his army, every evening quail come waltzing into your camp for you to eat, and every morning, you arise to find the ground covered with tasty honey cakes. God provides water from a rock, and to top this all off, God is ever-present in a cloud by day, and a pillar of fire by night.
And will all of this they complain?
Here's a good question: If I were there, would I be one of the complainers, or would I, starving for a drop of water, know that God is going to provide. Hmmm, can I plea the 5th amendment?The other thing that immediately catches my attention are the archetypes of Christ: bread, water, rock. These narratives a loaded with foreshadowing of Messiah.
I also found it interesting the Moses' father-in-law bops into the scene, calls him a crazy man for trying to single-handedly manage all these problems, and instructs him to set up the beginnings of a judicial system.
God has a sovereign purpose in all of this. God is working to shape his nation from a million fallen people chasing after him in the wilderness. We have many amazing things yet to witness as we approach God's holy mountain. Further still, when we see the behavior of these people, and view the coming judgment of God upon them, we must still the desire to quickly judge, look into our own hearts, and realize that we too possess a rebellious, whining heart, that needs to be tamed by the testing of almighty God.
When we consider all of this, don't you long for Messiah's coming? Having a fallen nature is a LOT of work.
